Jack Daniels Berry Shower

With summer in the near future, berry lovers can rejoice. Now, how do berries and Jack Daniel’s connect? First, you must know Jack Daniels decided to take a risk and bottle their first barrel proof whiskey. For the uninitiated, barrel proof is the full strength whiskey as it comes straight from the cask. While resting in the barrel whiskey is anywhere from 20 to 30 percent higher abv and is then diluted with water to bring it down to the familiar 40% abv that we’re accustomed to. For the average whiskey, barrel proof is almost a flavor death wish, however, Jack Daniels has managed to make this drink robust yet subtle.

Second, you must not limit yourself or your tastebuds. Jack Daniel’s  gives us a recipe for a simple delicious brie and berry tart that’s flavor combination is a fantastic complement to a light, spritzy cocktail: Sparkling Strawberry Juleps. But, Jack Daniel’s doesn’t stop there. aA mouth watering bacon blackberry jam pairs well with both the tart and drink. With all of these items on the menu, you’ll become the host with the most this summer.

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Berries Strawberry and Brie Tart (8-10 people)

INGREDIENTS

1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed overnight
1 egg , beaten with a little water
Granulated sugar
Flour (skip)
4 ounces of brie, chilled cut into ¼-inch thick slices ( i think new method needs 
more brie)
1 pound of strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 tbsp fresh Thyme leaves, and a couple of Thyme sprigs for garnish
Suggest to skip butter and just use parchment paper?
Honey or Balsamic glaze for drizzling

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven 425. Line rimmed half sheet pan with parchment paper.
Roll out pastry to ¼-inch thickness, cut in half lengthwise.
Roll into a rectangular 
shape, mindful to keep smaller than your sheetpan.
Score ½-inch edge border 
with a sharp knife, brush on egg wash and sprinkle sugar. Prick center all over 
with a fork.
Cut brie into ¼-inch thick slices. (Note: chilled cheese is easier to slice) Lay out 
Brie all over bottom of pastry inside the scored area.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or 
until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown.
Meanwhile, hull and slice strawberries; In a mixing bowl macerate with sugar & 
thyme
Top with fresh thyme and drizzle with honey/balsamic.

Blackberry, Bacon Whiskey Jam

INGREDIENTS

12 ounces bacon, cut into 1/2 ” pieces
1 small onion, finely diced, about 1 cup
¼ cup minced jalapeño
1/2 cup brewed coffee
1/2 cup Jack Daniels Single Barrel whiskey
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2/3 cup blackberry jam

DIRECTIONS

Cook the bacon in a large sauté pan set over medium-high heat until the fat is cooked out and it is beginning to brown, about 12-14 minutes. Remove the bacon 
from the pan and reserve.
Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat, reduce the heat to medium and add the onions. Cook until they are soft and translucent, about 6-8 minutes.
Add the jalapenos, coffee, whiskey, and vinegar to the pan. Bring to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes more.
Add bacon back and add the jam. Stir to combine. Simmer slowly over low heat with the lid off until the liquid has a syrupy consistency. Taste and add salt and pepper if necessary.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Warm to room temperature or slightly reheat before serving.
Served with crackers, cheese, and pate.

Sparkling Strawberry Juleps (Large Batch)

INGREDIENTS

8 large ripe strawberries, washed, hulled and cut into 1/4–inch pieces, plus extra slices for garnish
12 leaves fresh mint, plus a sprig for garnish
2 ½ tablespoons honey
8 ounces Jack Daniels Barrel Proof Bourbon
4 oz lemon juice
1-inch strawberry/mint or mint ice cubes
Club Soda

DIRECTIONS

Muddle strawberries and mint and pour in pitcher.
Stir together with honey, JD bourbon and lemon juice
Pour into glass filled with ice (1” mint/strawberry or mint ice cubes)
Top with a splash of club soda and garnish each glass with a strawberry slice and a sprig of mint