Old-fashioned hussar-style roasted porridge
Old-fashioned zhzhenka is a mysterious drink widely attributed to the hussars.
Step 1
Peel the pineapple half, removing any prickly eyes and tough core if possible. Cut the pineapple flesh into small pieces and place them in a medium saucepan.
Step 2
Place the spices—cinnamon and cloves—in a saucepan, pour in the champagne and sweet wine, and place over medium heat. When the temperature rises above 60°C, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes. It's important that the final temperature doesn't exceed 75°C.
Step 3
Remove the pan from the heat. If you like, pour the contents into a beautiful metal punch bowl, or leave it in the same pan, which is more practical. (Hussars weren't exactly known for their extravagance on the march.)
Step 4
On top of the punch bowl, in the absence of swords to be crossed, place any suitable grate, including a microwave oven grate or a regular flat metal grater.
Step 5
Place a loaf of sugar on the grill, pour a small amount of rum over it, and set it on fire. Add more rum as needed. It's important to keep the flame burning so that all the sugar gradually melts and flows into the pan with the alcohol.
Step 6
Once all the sugar has burned and melted, pour any remaining rum into the pan. Immediately pour the hot rum into glasses or punch bowls along with the pineapple chunks.
Zhzhenka is a winter drink, a very warming one, fully justifying the existence of the letter "ё" in the Russian language. Zhzhenka can contain up to five types of alcohol—you'll agree, it's quite addictive.
Who among us didn't binge-watch movies about the dazzling adventures of brave hussars as a child? It's hard to imagine these daring warriors without a bowl of punch. Its "blue flame," celebrated by Pushkin, inspired the heroes to the most incredible adventures. Let's explore what punch is and how to make it.
