I used to hate fresh ginger - I didn't like the spice. But over the years, it's slowly grown on me until its become an outright addiction. The other day I was really hankering for some ginger soda, so I rummaged around in the kitchen and experimented with making a quick cheaters version made with fresh ginger, simple syrup, sparkling mineral water (like San Pellegrino) and a splash of fresh lemon juice. This is so refreshing and good for everybody all the time (unless, I guess, they hate ginger or something), but would also be useful for settling an upset stomach.

For the ginger juice, I peeled and sliced a 3-4 inch piece and blended with just enough water to cover, then poured into a jar through a fine strainer (you could also use a juicer - if juicing, use half as much ginger juice while mixing your sodas.)

I made a classic simple syrup (a 1:1 ratio of cane sugar to water, bring to boil, let cool), but honey or maple syrup would probably work as substitutions.

I like to mix up a glass at a time so that it doesn't go flat, but you can certainly extrapolate and make a pitcher for a group. I like to start with about 2 tablespoons each of ginger juice and sweetener in 8 oz. of sparkling water, adjusting my ratios until it tastes good, then add a splash of fresh lemon juice and serve over ice.

I'm sorry that I've been kind of MIA. We've been having the most beautiful snow-storms and cold weather here, and while you'd think that being mostly holed up in the house would mean lots of productivity blog-wise, its really resulted in some other thing I don't totally understand but might be akin to cabin fever (though not really, since I'm not necessarily itching to get out.) I think maybe its just the excitement of a period of time that feels different and therefore its hard to stay on track with normal life routines. I just want to play in the snow and drink hot tea, is all!

Indy has been loving this snow. I bundle her up and send her outside every chance I get, and she comes back inside with boogers frozen on her chin. Ahh, to be a kid again. That smell of melting snow on her scarf and winter air in her hair brings so many memories rushing back.

Anyways, things seem to be settling back to normal on all fronts, and I'll be back in this space more regularly again. Enjoy that cold weather folks!

(Ooh and I forgot to add, I knit Indy another Vintage Pixie Cap, which I've knit for her before, but this time I knit it tighter and with a worsted weight yarn - Stonehedge Fiber Mill's Shepherd's Wool in Lakeshore, a much better fit and nice and warm, especially when layered over a little jersey hat!)