Bottoms Up: Ginger Tipples

We've talked a fair bit about ginger--its value as an ingredient in a variety of dishes, its medicinal properties, and even its potential as a love potion--but how about as a beverage?    We explored the alcoholic forms of the root, from  ginger beer to ginger infused vodka and finally our newest discovery, Snap.  We uncovered a treasure trove of possibilities and chose a few that showcase a variety of cocktails. 

Ginger Beer
We tend to associate Ginger Beer with tropical locales--the Caribbean and parts of Africa--but believe it or not, it originated in Jolly Olde England in the mid-18th Century.  British soldiers, desiring a taste of home, brought bottles of Ginger Beer with them to their posts in  farflung colonies.  When the Brits left, the beverage stayed and became a local refreshment.   Brits tend to view Ginger beer in the same way they regard Marmite...they either love it or hate it (kind of like Coors Light or Scrapple to us Yanks).  One thing we can guarantee you, you're going to love the following cocktail cabinet collection of ginger-based libations...

Dark and Stormy

2 oz rum
3 oz ginger beer
lime wedge (optional)

Pour rum and beer into a highball glass filled with ice.  Garnish with lime if desired.  Variation: For a Moscow Mule,  substitute vodka for the rum.

When Life Gives You Lemons....

Use them to make this ginger-licious drink.    This comes from our friend Rodney VanNesse, cook extraordinaire and gifted mixologist.  (This serves one, but even if you are solo, make more; these things are gooood. )

2 oz Ginger-infused vodka (see recipe below)
2 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
3 basil leaves

Muddle the basil in vodka and lemon juice.  Add ice and simple syrup.  Shake and strain into martini glass. 

For ginger-infused vodka:  Chop  4T fresh ginger.  Add to 2 cups of your favorite vodka (Grey Goose or Ketel One recommended)  Let soak several hours.  Strain and enjoy.


This next pair comes from our friends who make Snap, that lively and lovely ginger liqueur that combines the yumminess of a cookie with the warmth of a good cordial.

                                                                                    
                                                                                    Oh, Snap

1 oz 
2 oz sparkling wine
lemon twist (optional)

Pour Snap into champagne flute.  Top with sparkling wine and garnish with lemon twist if desired.





Snap Happy
1 1/2 oz snap
1 1/2 oz bourbon
orange wedge (optional)

Shake Snap and bourbon with ice.  Strain into martini glass.    Garnish with orange if desired.

Good thing this research took place heading into a holiday weekend...Cheers! (Hiccup)

Ginger Cookies for Kids of All Ages



Catherine's Cookies


Our friend Catherine's son Harry, a budding chef at the ripe old age of 5,  helped make these fine-looking cookies.  My own son, well into the terrible teens, consumed his fair share at the historic Eagles vs Colts game last week (not to rub it in, but what a game).  He gave them a huge thumbs up too.  Perhaps he should have shared a cluster of cookies with actor Vince Vaughn who high-fived same son that night at the game.  Life doesn't get any better...regardless of your age.

We've called this recipe "kid-friendly" for a couple of reasons.  For starters, it  results in a soft, rather than a "snappy" ginger cookie,  which can challenge youngsters who lack front teeth.   Secondly, it uses ginger powder rather sparingly -- which means no spicy aftertaste to burn tender palates.  And finally, the recipe is simple enough that tykes truly can help bake them.  

Catherine and Harry's Ginger Snaps:

3/4 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg
2 & 1/4 cups sifted all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Mix the first four ingredients using an electric mixer; then combine all the dry ingredients together, then pop this dry mixture into the electric mixer and combine everything.  Take spoonful size bits of the dough, roll them into little balls, and then roll them in sugar.  Cook for 9 to 11 minutes at 375 degrees.

Remember how much fun you had learning to cook?   La Cucina in Reading Terminal Market offers frequent and varied classes where you can rediscover that joy.  Give one (or five) a try!   Whether you pass your lessons on to your kids is up to you.  We recommend avoiding knife skills and techniques for the youngest chefs.

And lastly, here's a "snap" of Vince Vaughn from The Wedding Crashers, demonstrating his own brand of touch football.  Aren't we glad he doesn't play for the Eagles?