Joan’s homemade kahula
If there is one Goldie that deserves to be written about in Recipes on Paper, it’s the woman who inspired it. Her name is Joan. Or as I call her, Nan.
Mother of 7, grandmother of 15 and great grandmother of 13, Joan was a natural nurturer from way back. I recall her ever cheeky smile, her accepting nature and her ability to make her grandkids feel loved.
Today I am showcasing her Kahlua recipe. Or as she once wrote it for me, ‘Kahula.’
This recipe showcases the frugalness that was a way of life. It wouldn’t be common practice these days to make your own bottles of Kahlua, for it would take days to accomplish. But Nan somehow turned it into an art form. Each Christmas she would brew what felt like dozens of bottles of Kahlua to gift to her family and friends. The sweet coffee aroma would waft out of her small kitchen where she would be cutting kilos and kilos (literally!) of dried fruit for Christmas cakes.
This recipe is in my loving memory of Nan.
Joan’s Homemade ‘Kahula’
Whilst I could barely hold back my tears making this recipe, knowing I would have a syrupy bottle of coffee infused vodka at the end made it all worth it. This recipe is damn impressive to give as gifts for Christmas, birthday’s, break-ups or your annual board game night. My Nan used to drink this with ice cubes and a little milk, but I like it neat, strong and cold. I find myself reaching for it in the dark of night when a bar of chocolate just isn’t hitting the spot. The small hit of coffee prepares you for your tasks the next morning and the vodka sends you off into a delicious sleep.
Ingredients
4 cups of sugar (white)
4 cups of water
40-50 grams of instant coffee
1 bottle of Vodka
1 tablespoon of vanilla essence (natural vanilla extract)
Method
Bring sugar and water to the boil (stirring until the sugar has dissolved)
Simmer for 5 minutes
Add coffee (stirring) boil for one minute
Leave to cool
Add vodka and vanilla
Makes 3 bottles and a little. Should be left for 3 months.
