Mock Aquavit

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Aquavit is a wonderful Scandinavian spirit infused with flavors of dill, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and other spices. Though you can find it in specialty liquor stores, try making your own with Andreas Viestad's recipe from his cookbook Kitchen of Light.

2 teaspoons caraway seeds, or more
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
2 teaspoons dill seeds
2 star anise
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1 whole clove
One 1-inch cinnamon stick (optional)
2 teaspoons cumin seeds (optional)
One 1-liter bottle potato vodka

Add the spices to the vodka bottle and cover tightly. Let stand for 2-3 weeks, depending on how strong you want the aquavit to be. Shake the bottle every once in a while.

When the aquavit has reached the desired intensity of flavor, straining and discard the solids; return the aquavit to the bottle.

Makes 1 liter

Excerpted from KITCHEN OF LIGHT by Andreas Viestad (Artisan Books)
Copyright 2003 Mette Randem