One of the best devices like the Raspberry PI featuring
XMBC = Raspbmc 12.1.

Of course, a $700 pour is probably no big deal when you’re hanging out at a restaurant whose tasting menu is the fifth most expensive in the United States. Not only is there an Innovation-Inspiration tasting menu at $891 for two people, but Guy Savoy also has a tasting menu with Krug pairings for $750. And don’t worry, whales: there’s expensive champagne in the Cognac Room, too.

But we’ve discovered another treat to add to the menu: Almond Cognac Cookie Sandwiches. These truly adult baked goods come from Jane Danger, owner of New York’s acclaimed Jane’s Sweet Buns.

And she knows more than a thing or two about liquor. In fact, Danger’s creations—including Rum Runner sweet buns and a Harvey Wallbanger cake—are “inspired by cocktails,” and she pulls shifts behind the bar at the recently opened The Bourgeois Pig Brooklyn when she’s not baking. She boasts an impressive mixological resume, having worked at some of the city’s best watering holes, such as PDT, Little Branch, Dutch Kills and Cienfuegos.

Her shortbread-cookie recipe is simple and delicious, calling for both almond extract and a couple spoonfuls of cognac. For an extra shot of pizzazz, she uses a raspberry-jam-and-rose-water concoction to bind two of the confections together.

The tasty result can be dipped into brandy. It also pairs perfectly with warming spirited tipples like a Hot Toddy or Glögg, not to mention coffee or tea.

So build a fire, pour yourself a drink and enjoy a cookie sandwich. We could really get used to this routine.

ALMOND COGNAC COOKIE SANDWICHES

Contributed by Jane Danger

INGREDIENTS:

• .75 cup Sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) Butter, softened
• 2 Egg yolks
• 1 tsp Almond extract
• 2 tsp Cognac
• 2.5 cups Flour
• .5 tsp Salt
• .5 cup Raspberry jam
• .25 tsp Rose water

PREPARATION:
In a medium bowl, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks, almond extract and cognac, and stir to combine. In a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Add the butter mixture and stir until just combined. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll 1-tablespoon portions of the dough into balls and place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Flatten the balls with the heel of your hand. Bake until just beginning to brown, about 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool completely.

While the cookies are baking, add the jam and rose water to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until slightly warm, about 2 to 3 minutes, then remove from the heat and let cool completely.

Spread a small amount of the jam mixture on the bottom of a cookie and top with another cookie to form sandwiches. Repeat with the remaining cookies. (This recipe makes about 48 cookies, or 2 dozen sandwiches.)

Sources: Photo and Text from Liquor.com

(If you also have a Cognac bottle you would like to sell, or you need information about age or value – send us photos and information, just submit).

Name of bottle: Hennessy X.O

Written on labels: Product of France – HKDNP , 70 proof , L202? 03

Story: The bottle was purchased by my wife’s father 33 years ago when she was born. It was given to us as a gift for the birth of our first child, and were looking to sell it. It has been stored properly.

Value: $150.

The seller is open to discuss selling this bottle, so please submit you interest below so we can bring the buyers and seller together!

(If you also have a Cognac bottle you would like to sell, or you need information about age or value – send us photos and information, just submit).

Name of bottle: Remy Martin VSOP

Written on labels: Fine Champagne V.S.O.P. REMY MARTIN Maison fondee en 1724 LA FINE CHAMPAGNE COGNAC PROVIENT EXCLUSIVEMENT DES DEUX MEILLEURS CRUS DE LA REGION DE COGNAC FRANCE. PAR DECRET DU 13 JANVIER 1938 (ART 1) LA FINE CHAMPAGNE PROVIENT EXCLUSIVEMENT DE LA DISTILLATION DES VINS RECOLTES EN GRANDE ET EN PETITE CHAMPAGNE DE COGNAC R.C. BRUX 327 651 IMPORTE ET DISTRIBUE PAR SOVEDI S.A. – BRUXELLES VENTE ET DISTR. GR. DUCHE DE LUX. ACOM S.A.R.L LUXEMBOURG. L’AUTHENTICITE DU PRODUIT CONTENU DANS CE FLACON EST GARANTIE PAR ACQUIT REGIONAL No1443 DU 1-04-77

Story: My father-in-law does house clearances and it was in amongst stuff to be thrown out! It is now in my possession.

Worth: about $30 – $40.

Armagnac’s sales may lag behind cognac’s—only 6 million bottles worldwide to 177 million—but Esquire compares this moment to the point in the 1980s when single-malt Scotch was about to compete with easy-to-drink blended versions. And because Armagnac is made by small, family-owned firms in Gascony, there are no huge marketing budgets to inflate prices. Esquire’s advice: Try the “warm and fruity” Marie Duffau Napoleon ($40), “bright and juicy” Chateau du Tariquet XO ($84), or “lean and leathery” Chateau du Busca Hors d’Age ($114).

Source: Newser

The new arrival is named after the Chanteloup estate where Martell has long aged some of its ‘finest eaux-de-vie in the heart of the Cognac region’.

“The path leading to one particular, hidden cellar passes an old, stone-built belvedere, a peaceful spot from which to contemplate the valley and one favoured by several generations of cellar master on their way to work. It is to this perspective, and to the nearby secret cellar guarded by an elaborate wrought-iron gate, that Martell Chanteloup Perspective pays tribute.”

Composed of ‘eaux-de-vie’ from four regions, Martell’s latest cognac is dark amber in colour. Martell describes the blend: “Fresh stone-fruit and floral aromas on the nose give way to candied fruit notes in the mouth, followed by a lingering spice finish. Careful ageing ensures the sensory richness and powerful flavour are balanced by structure and elegance.”

Sandrine Tesniere, senior brand manager for Martell at Pernod Ricard Asia Duty Free, comments: “Martell Chanteloup Perspective allows travellers the chance to feel a part of Martell’s heritage and we anticipate it will appeal not only to collectors of the brand but to anyone who appreciates heritage and unrivalled quality.”

Martell Chanteloup Perspective is presented in an arch-shaped decanter with a silver motif echoing the wrought-iron gate which protects the cellar. The brushed silver gift box is embossed with a single ‘M’.