Chartreuse Liqueur as ingredient

[allegro805]

Yesterday's LA Times food section had a recipe for a Chartreuse souffle. I've never tried Chartreuse, but admit I was made curious reading the piece.

Anyone else have opinions on Chartreuse as flavoring? What's it like? Any good ideas for use in cooking, or is it best to just stick to it as a cordial?

[Bob Brooks]

I love Chartreuse. Try putting a generous slug of it in your next batch of chocolate brownies.

[gudpal]

Sounds interesting! Do you use Green Chartreuse or Yellow?

[Bob Brooks]

Green and only green!

[Quine]

Chartreuse is one of those love it or hate it flavors. I suggest ordering it as a shot at the bar first to see how you like it. Very herbal.

[bitsubeats]

it is an incredibly herbal drink. I think it has like over 50 secret ingredients in it or something. Everytime I drink it I always taste something different too, rosemary, mint, licorice, etc.

only use the green.

[dct]

While I love Chartreuse, I had a friend compare it to cough syrup. It definitely packs a punch.

In recipes, I've used it to make truffles--an excellent combination that intrigues many who can't place the flavor.

Madeleine Kamman has a recipe for Chartreuse Napoleons, which I mean to try someday.

[allegro805]

I started looking online for places to buy it (I'm in Calif.). Lowest price I saw was about $38/bottle (750ml). Does that sound about right? Anyone have favorite online liquor purveyors? (and yes, I will try some at a bar first -- though I'm just assuming very few bars might have it in their selection of liqueurs, right??)

[HaagenDazs]

I've only had green. What's the difference in the yellow?

[allegro805]

I think you can go to www.chartreuse.fr for more info

Supposedly the yellow is "sweeter and milder"... I read somewhere else that it's colored with saffron? The Chartreuse monks (Carthusian) apparently bottle several different liqueurs.

[Aromatherapy]

Yellow's for wimps! ;-) Seriously, "sweeter and milder" is about right. I much prefer the green. I love the stuff.

[fafner]

Yellow is a milder version that is flavored with honey. It is also a lower proof, 80 versus 110 for the green.

They both have their place.

A good yellow cocktail is the Amber Dream:

1 1/2 oz gin
3/4 oz sweet vermouth
1/4 oz Yellow Chartreuse
1 dash bitters

Stir over ice, serve up.

and for green, the Last Word:

1/2 ounce gin
1/2 ounce maraschino
1/2 ounce Chartreuse
1/2 ounce lime juice

Shake, serve up.