Ginger is a curious ingredient. It’s actually a root, and I’ve long wondered who was the first human being to break it open, inhale its spicy warmth and set it over a fire to simmer into a magical concoction of purely peaceful bliss.
At Christmastime, gingerbread is popular for both eating and decorating. But there are so many other ways to make ginger part of your positive holiday experience.
1) Make a Warming Tea
A fresh knob of ginger is easily transformed into a warm, comforting beverage. You can break off a small piece at the grocery store if you don’t want to buy a huge hunk…although it does keep for months well-wrapped in the freezer. Use a sharp paring knife to thinly slice the ginger and set it to simmer on the stove. You can let it steep for an hour or more—the longer it cooks, the stronger and spicier your resulting “tea” will be. You can add other warming spices like cinnamon sticks, whole cloves or star anise pods to the brew. Not only will your home smell warm and welcoming, you will be left with a warm sipping liquid that can be enjoyed as-is or spruced up with a squeeze of lemon, a dollop of honey—or both!
2) Spice Up Your Coffee
A few slices of fresh ginger or a scant teaspoon of ground ginger can elevate your cup of Joe to new flavorful heights. Adding ginger to coffee is an easy and inexpensive substitute for pricey and high-calorie “gingerbread” beverages sold in coffee shops during the holiday season. You will also enjoy the warming zing of a new flavor in a familiar favorite drink.
3) Get Fizzy with It
On the off chance you find yourself having indulged too much over the holidays, a cold fizzy ginger drink is soothing to the tummy in addition to tasting light and delicious. You can either add honey-sweetened ginger tea (see above) to some sparkling water, or you can create ginger simple syrup by boiling 4 ounces of fresh ginger together with 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the syrup into carbonated water to taste, sip and enjoy!
What is your favorite way to enjoy ginger during the holidays?
