Ping Nature Boy: Juniper berry substitute question

Retired RailRoader

I would like to make Dizzy Pigs Canadian Bacon but I am having a problem finding Juniper berries. The only place in my area that has them is a health food store that carries juniper beiires in caplet form, so that is out. Do you have a good substitute for the berries or have you tried to make the bacon without the juniper berries? If so there a noticeable difference? Thanks and a Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!!

Hammer

Retired RailRoader,
Since Gin is primarily made with juniper berries; may I suggest Beefeaters!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hammer

fishlessman

Retired RailRoader,
i made some of the bacon a little while back, i picked the berries out of a bag of pickling spice i had bought from penzeys earlier. check and see whats in the pickling spice at the supermarket if they dont have the berries in the spice rack.

Citizen Q

Retired RailRoader,
Rarely see them in the supermarket, but I always see juniper berries in specialty food markets and kitchen shops. [p]You could also take a little walk outside and pick some berries off a shrubbery growing right there in your neighborhood. Chances are you've got one in your front yard, you know the one that smells like gin when you run over the low branches with the lawnmower? That's the one you want.[p]Or, if you don't trust your own pathfinding skills, head over to the local nursery and pick some when nobody is looking, the plants are all labeled.[p]Cheers,
C~Q

Nature Boy

Got this from cooks thesaurus:
Juniper berries Pronunciation: JEW-nih-per BEHR-eez Notes: This dark blue spice is used to make gin, and to flavor game and sauerkraut. Crush the berries before using. Substitutes: gin (This substitution works well in sauces that accompany game. Substitute one teaspoon gin for every two berries called for in the recipe.) OR equal parts crushed bay leaves and caraway seeds.[p]Interesting abou the bay and caraway. I say it's worth a try!
Happy Thanksgiving back
Chris

Retired RailRoader

To All,
Thanks for the suggestions. Gin it is, as you can not go wrong with a little libation. Once again[p]HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Chef Arnoldi

buy a bottle of Seagrams Gin - it's made with juniper berries

thirdeye

Retired RailRoader,[p][p]~juniper~....If you've come this far, you might as well go all the way. Cathy's ribs are wonderful.[p]~thirdeye~[p][p]
[ul][li]Cats Ribs[/ul]