A little bit of extra money here at Soffit House has produced mason jars full of mid-range vodka steeping in cucumber peelings, tangerines, and raspberries. Daily we take these jars out of the refrigerator and shake up the contents inside. The cucumbers are holding up well but the berries are breaking down into mush, with the tangerines somewhere in between. The clear vodka has preserved the brilliant colors of the food and, we hope, will capture the essence of their flavors for consumption in a few weeks. We’re looking forward to the martinis these will produce even if mason jars are not the most elegant-looking vessels in which to serve them. Future projects will include pears, blackberries, and fresh herbs.