On my last trip to Austria I was introduced to a lovely, light, refreshing summer drink called ‘Hugo’. Ingredients: 02 ml chilled, dry or semi-dry white wine, such as: Chardonnay, Viogner, Chablis, Chenin blanc, Savignon blanc, Riesling, Gruener Veltliner 1 tablespoon elder flower syrup 1 teaspoon lime juice 01 ml chilled sparkling mineral water, club soda, seltzer or 01 ml chilled sparkling wine, … Read More
The holiday season is here, it’s dark and cold outside, and we spend more time inside, socializing with friends and family. It’s the season to be jolly; and to spread influenza and other cold viruses. Here are some of my favorite flu fighting remedies: Herbal Chicken Broth Homemade Chicken Soup is a must in my flu fighting arsenal. I prepare a simple stock from my own … Read More
Herbal tinctures, also called extracts, are made from plant material macerated in alcohol, a process which extracts the active compounds from the botanical. Tinctures are an excellent form of herbal supplements for anybody who can consume alcohol, because they are easily administered, and immediately absorbed into the system. Due to the high alcohol content tinctures are not suitable for animals or small children. Tinctures are easy … Read More
A couple of days ago it was last call for the remaining red currant berries hanging on the bush; they had to be dealt with, or would be spoiled.I had a bottle of brandy in my pantry, so I decided to preserve this fruit crop by making an Aufgesetzter, which is basically the same thing as Rumtopf, but made with brandy instead of rum. ‘Aufgesetzt’ simply … Read More
Summer is here, and the harvest season begins. In the Pacific Northwest we are blessed with a climate suitable for a large variety of fruit crops, which are offered at farm stands. My own garden currently produces strawberries, red and black currants, blueberries, red and black raspberries and gooseberries. It is time to start preserving some of this bounty for the winter. Canning is too labor … Read More