I recently came across a blogger who loves Angostura aromatic bitters…….I wondered what were her reasons and what she used it for, so I decided to chat with her to find out more….

Incidentally, she has Trini roots, which will explain why she uses the product so much I learnt. Her mother, grandmother, grandfather and all her uncles and aunts are from Trinidad. She, however, was born in Los Angeles and currently lives in Hailey Idaho in the Sun Valley resort area. She is a Cordon Bleu Chef in pastry and baking. She owns a snack bar and a candy shop and also created the blog called “Inspired Home Chef “ two years ago. Who is this chef you wonder? Her name is Julie Noble.

Julie was first introduced to Angostura bitters when she was a child. Her grandmother used to put it in milk with some sugar for her every evening and she has been hooked on it ever since. So much so, she says she really loves it in sweet things. She says it is enhanced when married with sugar, this is why it is a wonderful additive to most desserts.

She says “ I love the product and its unique flavor. I love to experiment with it. I have turned many people on to its flavor and to use it in cooking. My friends all use it now.” She always tells people that “bitters has that old world class charm - just take a look at the bottle”.......She thinks that the spicy citrusy flavor is unique and edgy. “Edgy in a way that it adds something that cannot be imitated by using another ingredient. The flavour is so unique and special it will grow on you.” She said.

Julie admits that her favourite sweet dish using bitters is cheesecake, and savoury is Turkey burgers. “And what about our orange bitters” I asked her. She replied..... I have used orange bitters in many things, my favourite is my chocolate orange pudding. I was able to buy several bottles on my trip to Trinidad 2 years ago, but I cannot find it to purchase here in Idaho or in Los Angeles though! That will all change in the near future I assured her.

Well did anyone like the Orange bitters wings? When I tried them they were delicious. Any way, I interviewed an avid Angostura aromatic bitters fan. Her name is Julie Noble who is a food blogger and chef who looks for inspiration in her cooking every day. She shared lovely recipes made with the bitters with her readers. I have asked her some questions and await the answers. When i have them, you will be the first to know.

Orange bitters recipes

Ok so one of our reliable chefs gave me this recipe to try and it is absolutely delicious.......Why don't you try some this weekend?

Chili Orange Sticky Wings

Ingredients:

8 Chicken wings

Marinade:
1/3 cup honey
1 tbs minced garlic
1/4 cup Angostura pramge notters
1 tsp Oriental sesame oil
1 tbs Chinese Chilli Garlic Sauce
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Salt
1/3 cup sesame seeds

Sauce:
2 tbs Angostura orange bitters
1 tbs minced garlic
2 tbs soy sauce

Method:
Divide wings into small drumstick and wing pieces (you should have 16 pieces). Combine marinade ingredients, pour onto wings and combine well. Cover and marinate for one hour in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place wings into a shallow, greased baking dish or pan, bake until cooked through turning once about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine all the ingredients for the sauce except the sesame seeds and stir well. Baste chicken wings generously with sauce, return to oven and bake turning a few times and basting with all the sauce, until sticky and bubbly. Remove from oven, sprinkle wiht sesame seeds and garnish with chopped chadon beni if desired.

Makes 16 pieces