ginger syrup and rose water

This is what the countertop looks like right now. That's bluebarb (blueberry and rhubarb) jam left over from last year, and it is sooooo good.

 

 Also in the kitchen (although I brought them into the dining room for better light), two very fun and easy things I've made lately. On the left, ginger syrup. It is so good, you won't be able to stand it. I actually had some, still warm, drizzled over oat squares cereal last night. Yes, we need some groceries. Including club soda, to make our own ginger ale! Wouldn't it be cute in a small glass bottle with those adorable striped straws?

Ginger syrup
1 1/2 cups chopped ginger (in a food processor works best)
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 1/2 cups water
Combine in saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer for awhile, until the syrup thickens and darkens. For me, this was the time it took me to make five batches of soap, so about an hour and fifteen minutes. Strain, and add to sparkling water for your own pop (or soda, for you Americans), drizzle over vanilla ice cream, or try any of these. Oooh, drizzled over a cake would be wonderful.

And on the right is some rose water. (In a Le Parfait jar I found at Frenchy's.) It could not be easier, or smell better.

Rose water
1 cup rose petals
2 cups boiling water
Place petals in a heatproof bowl or jar. Pour boiling water over petals, and cover. Let steep for half an hour, strain out petals and let cool. It smells amazing, is so pretty, and makes a lovely toner for your skin. It can be used in recipes, and it can be used for many other purposes, too!

Also in the garden, we're waiting for these silver dollar seed pods to turn silver. Phillip's very excited for 'the coins to be ready'.

I just overhead Phillip say "I need to do downward facing dog!" The boys are doing their morning stretches. He's also started saying 'lovely' a lot lately. Which is, of course, adorable.

Hope you're having a lovely weekend!