FOR KEEPING ONE'S HEART WARM - October 2016
p.s. I still make CD's of these mixes each month, so if you'd prefer me to send you a hard copy, fill out the "say hello" form on my homepage.
It's mid-October. This time of year is often quite transformative for me. In addition to the expected Autumnal responses of unearthing cozier garments and considering one's mortality as the earth slowly recedes into dormancy, I also tend to use this season to reflect more than usual. There is opportunity in changing seasons and frankly, Autumn tends to offer me nothing but.
Autumn also forces us to stay indoors more than we have been, and sometimes catches us off guard and causes us to feel less-than-ourselves. To keep my heart warm I listen to great music and throw myself head first into my studio practice. To keep my immune system together, I make fire cider and drink a little bit on most days, more on days I'm feeling the threat of a cold. To keep my body happy, I find ways to get outside as much as possible to run, move, dance, and sit.
How do you keep your heart warm?
MY RECIPE FOR FIRE CIDER:
+I like to make a large batch across several jars and I prefer the “wide mouth” 32oz mason or ball jars
+ this recipe is for ~ 128oz
(it's a hybrid of the classic Rosemary Gladstar recipe with my own twists thrown in):
SUPPLIES:
vessel(s) totaling ~128 oz (I prefer 4x “wide mouth” 32oz mason or ball jars)
parchment paper for jar lid to prevent rust (unless you're using plastic lids)
Apple Cider Vinegar
one large red onion (>1 cup chopped)
2 large heads of garlic (>1/2 cup chunked)
ginger root (>1/2 cup grated)
turmeric root (>1/2 cup grated)
horseradish root (>1/2 cup grated)
4 fresh habanero peppers
one pink grapefruit
one lime
honey (added to taste later)
INSTRUCTIONS:
cut grapefruit + lime into quarters
grate roots, chunk garlic cloves, slice peppers
split everything equally into jars, give citrus a good squeeze before dropping into jar
cover with apple cider vinegar
seal, remembering to put parchment between the glass + metal if not using plastic lids
shake vigorously
place in the back of the cupboard minimum 3-6 weeks to taste, longer if desired
strain into clean jar, by jar as needed, unstrained may be stored up to 6 months or so (but it gets SPICIER!)
add honey (warmed to mix better) to taste into strained jar if needed - I don't but I like-a-the-spice!
from Rosemary Gladstar: "Fire Cider will keep for several months unrefrigerated if stored in a cool pantry. But it’s better to store in the refrigerator if you’ve room.
+ A small shot glass daily serves as an excellent tonic Or take teaspoons if you feel a cold coming on.
+ Take it more frequently if necessary to help your immune system do battle."