Cooking from the Heart with Siobhan Curran - Drinks
Hot Toddy
Flu season is upon us and if, like me, the earliest you get around to acquiring a flu shot is September, I have the next best thing. Your scratchy throat and achy limbs will quickly abate after a sip or two of a soothing hot toddy. In fact, I’ve been known to have hot toddy when I’m NOT EVEN SICK. They are that comforting. This winter send a care package to a mate in need – all they have to do is add hot water.
Put an old jam jar to good use or purchase a set of fancy Bell jars at Redback Trading. I use Manuka honey from New Zealand (available at health food shops because of its proven anti-bacterial properties.)
2tbs whiskey 1tbs Manuka honey 3 large slices of lemon 2 bags of tea (your choice of black, peppermint, green or a combination)
Chai Tea Mix
Real deal chai tea is more addictive than coffee. There are scientific studies confirming such, I am sure. With most things that become mainstream, the essence of the thing gets diluted. In the case of chai it’s with a whole lot of sugar and weird flavourings that are not spice related. So let’s get back to basics. In this case all that needs adding is hot water, milk and a slice of fresh ginger.
Pack your own homemade version into a little container. Again, I used a jam jar, this time Weck brand from Redback Trading and added a little pom pom for decoration. Remember how much fun they were to make? Here are some instructions in case your memory needs jogging. It would be a nice idea to include a little card detailing the brewing instructions (below) should your recipient be a chai tea newbie.
12 cardamom pods 1 cinnamon stick 1 tsp whole peppercorns 1 tbs fennel seeds 1 tsp coriander seeds ½ tsp ground nutmeg ½ tsp whole cloves ½ cup loose black tea 1 slice fresh ginger ½ cup boiling water ½ cup milk Sugar or honey to taste
Preheat the oven to 150°C. Place all the spices in a baking tray and toast in oven for 5 minutes. Remove and allow to cool. Crush the spices in a mortar & pestle or with a rolling pin. Mix in the black tea. Spoon into a container.
Brewing instructions: Add a large tablespoon of chai tea mix and fresh a slice of ginger to a teapot with the boiling water. Heat milk in your cup of choice and add the brewed chai. Stir in sugar or honey to your liking.
- Siobhan x
