homemade ginger ale

refreshing and delicious. perfect for a summer party.

homemade ginger ale
makes 1.5 cups syrup (enough for 4-6 drinks)

1.5 cups chopped, peeled ginger (7 oz)
2 cups water
1/4 - 1/2 cup sugar (optional)
1 quart chilled seltzer
3 tbsp fresh lime juice

Make syrup: 
Cook ginger in water in a small saucepan at a low simmer, partially covered, 45 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep, covered, 20 minutes.

Strain mixture through a sieve into a bowl, pressing on ginger and then discarding. Return liquid to saucepan and add sugar and a pinch of salt, then heat over medium heat, stirring, until sugar has dissolved. Chill syrup in a covered jar until cold.

Assemble drinks:
Mix ginger syrup with seltzer and lime juice (start with 1/4 cup syrup and 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice per 3/4 cup seltzer, then adjust to taste).

cilantro lime cole slaw

I got bored of my usual slaw, and this was a new and interesting one. FYI, once dressed, the slaw does not keep well, so I usually keep them separate until before I serve it.

cilantro lime cole slaw
makes 7 servings

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1 lime, zested

2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons white sugar

3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh

cilantro

1/4 red onion, finely diced, or more to

taste

4 cups shredded green cabbage, or more

to taste

Whisk mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, rice vinegar, garlic, sweet chili sauce, and sugar in a large bowl, stirring to dissolve sugar. Mix cilantro and red onion into dressing. Stir cabbage into dressing mixture, about 1 cup at a time, until all cabbage is coated.