Making Fruit Reductions: Addition by Subtraction
By Chuck Sudo in Food on Jan 16, 2007 4:00PM
Chicagoist likes our white wines near-bone dry. We like that prominent bite of acidity, especially when it complements a fruit plate, fish dishes, or lighter desserts. If we want to add fruit flavor to our wine, we prefer to do it the old-fashioned way, as a kir. This provides another conundrum for us, as we're not fans of the added alcohol content brought by cassis. In addition, since removing high-fructose corn syrup from our diet, we've seen our waistline shrink, but we still find ourselves tempted by the soda section at the grocery. These are the days of cabin fever, and we'd like to keep the weight off.
Thankfully, we know how to make fruit reductions. They're great ways to add flavor to dry white wines, turn ordinary mineral water into a light, refreshing soda, and even make healthy alternatives to pancake syrups and dessert toppings. Reductions are also inexpensive and can impress even the most jaded of kitchen quarterbacks.
It doesn't take much time to make a reduction, either. All you need to do is puree a small package of berries with one cup of water, strain the puree through a sieve or colander to remove the seeds, and simmer over low heat for an hour. The simmering brings the puree down to a consistency not unlike a syrup, but without any sugar or artificial sweeteners. The flavor of your berries is very concentrated and prominent. It'll blend well with those dry whites or sparkling wines. You "startenders" — real or imagined — and classic cocktail enthusiasts can also use reductions to speed up prep time and add a little zest to your standard daquiri, margarita, or caipirinha recipes.
If you don't want to go through the minor hassle of pureeing fresh berries, you can reduce store-bought nectar in a pinch. But half the fun of making a fruit reduction is in the work itself. If you're on the verge of breaking that "losing weight" or "cutting down on my drinking" resolution that you made over the porcelain throne on New Year's Eve, try making a fruit reduction. Your heart, waistline, and possibly your liver will thank you.