November 18, 2009
Apricot & Ginger Warmer
At the Mercian Herb Group ‘Spice Night’ talk I gave last Thursday this sweet and spicy warming cordial went down a storm. Suggestions were to make an alcoholic version using a bottle of ginger wine instead of the ginger ale, you could actually use both if you wanted it to go further. The trick is to warm the mix and not let it boil, if you allow the mix to boil you’ll boil off all the alcohol! This makes a deliciously spiced and fruity thick cordial perfect for warming up the winter days and nights and its really quick and easy to make.
500g Dried Apricots
2” Piece Fresh Ginger peeled and grated
1 Tsp Ground Ginger
½ Tsp Ground Cinnamon
¼ Tsp Ground Nutmeg
½ Tsp Allspice
¼ Tsp Ground Cloves
250g Sugar
Juice of 1 Orange
Place the apricots in a pan with enough water to cover them and add the spices and orange juice. Stew until the apricots are soft, add the sugar and continue to cook until all the sugar has dissolved. Put the liquid into a jug and measure, make up to 750ml / 1.3 pints with boiling water, pour into a sterilised bottle and allow to cool.
To serve pour 1 part of the cordial to 5 parts ginger ale and heat until warmed through but not boiling. Pour into mugs and sip slowly.
