- African Ginger Beer - a cold and flu comfort drink

Dear Fans of Hounds Who Cook,

We are incensed with Me who just ate two whole pieces of pizza in front of us, forgetting to share the crusts. Sometimes she will share the crusts. The Gute groaned before her final bite and she didn't even hear him. Can you imagine - us salivating over the fragrant aroma, drool dribbling onto Me's knee, and she flat ignores our need. Hounds believe they are always on the brink of starvation, and we are.

Well, it was a hard moment, but since dogs live in the moment, we are over it now and telling you of a new beverage you are likely to love.

Me has had this recipe since college when she checked out from the library an African Cooking recipe book. It is not only delicious, but wonderful when you are fighting a cold or flu too. In that case, mix the syrup into hot water to soothe the throat, instead of ice water. In the usual case, though, you can serve it as a luscious party drink where you sugar the rims of glasses and pour in 2 tablespoons syrup and 4-6 ounces of ice water (or seltzer water for extra fizz). It's a highly refreshing beverage. Nice served after a meal because the ginger settles the stomach and takes away the feeling of fullness.

African Ginger Beer
Me's independent rating: 3 of 3

1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (we use lime)
3/4 cup sugar (we use honey)
3 tablespoons fresh ginger - peeled and minced (or grated to pack a bigger punch)
lemon zest (we use lime)

Use a stainless steel or enamel saucepan (not aluminum - it reacts with the citrus) and combine the ingredients and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Cool to lukewarm. Strain syrup through a sieve if desired. (We leave the ginger in as our Me likes the extra bite.) Add syrup to water or seltzer water to desired strength.

Eli's Notes: As aforementioned, we dogs use lime in everything. Hardly bother to buy a lemon once a year. We find the lime to have a more complex and interesting flavor.

Guthrie's Notes: I would still like a little crust of pizza...