From the Homesteading Journal . . .

 . . . made my first homemade ginger ale and loved it!  I plan to make more of this (more so for health reasons) for a refreshing summer treat.  There are many recipes on the Internet.  I also made a hot ginger tea.  The recipe is from my sister's Indian cookbook.  I am enjoying this, in hopes to speed up my recovery from this cold/sinus/cough/chest pain illness.

Hot Ginger Tea

5 cups water

3 Tbsp. finely grated fresh ginger

6 Tbsp. sugar or honey

1 pinch of ground black pepper

4 Tbsp. lemon juice or orange juice

chopped mint leaves, optional

Boil water and ginger rapidly in an uncovered saucepan, for about 10 minutes.  Stir in sugar or honey, strain, pressing against the strainer to extract as much of it's essence as possible.  Then add the pepper and juice.  Serve hot.

Note:  The flavor varies depending on your choice of sweetener and choice of juice.  

I stored any leftover tea in my refrigerator and reheated as needed.   


Here is the recipe for the Ginger Ale:

Homemade Ginger Ale

2 Tbsp. fresh ginger, grated

1 cup water

3/4 granulated sugar

1/2 cup local, raw honey

1 tsp. peppercorns

1/2 tsp. ground cardamom

1 tsp. whole cloves

Mix all the above ingredients into a medium saucepan, and heat on medium and simmer until sugar is dissolved.   Remove from heat, place a lid on it, and allow it to steep overnight (or all day).  

Strain your syrup into a canning jar or other container, and add:

Juice from 2 lemons

Juice from 1 lime

Note:  You can also add a vanilla bean to the sauce pot mixture, or add a dash after straining.

Keep in your refrigerator.

 

To serve:  Fill glass with ice, fill glass 1/4 full with syrup, and fill remaining space in glass with club soda.  Stir and enjoy!

Note:  You can also make this by adding more water, and leaving out the peppercorns, for a hot ginger tea.  

Another tip: I have used bottled organic lemon/lime juice, and it's tasted good as well.

 

Enjoy!

   (note:  You might be able to cut back the sugar/honey and have this still taste good)

 



. . . my daughter sold the lamancha wether.  More money for the spring goat fencing supplies.

. . . bartered 2 pints of spiced canned beets and one 1/2 pint of jelly for 3 lbs. of local raw honey.

 . . . the chickens started giving us more eggs during the last warm spell. 

 . . . made my first batch of homemade shampoo with organic liquid castille soap, jojoba oil and some organic essential oils.