As We Gather: Hydrating Recipes for Wellness
Months have passed since the July 4th celebrations here in the U.S.A. Fireworks, camping trips, and picnics resumed by more than a million-fold this year. Life restored; the flow and vigor busting at its seams, pulsating with such strength it will be impossible to reign in should this virus come back with a vengeance. Yet we venture out, doing what comes naturally … collectively assembling, a majority having had enough isolation and profound desire to return to their families and agendas. For many, this has been a period of deep reflection and solitude, and as we return to the life we once knew, we look to the future, trying to put the past 18-20 months behind without a second thought. Or do we?
Living simple, aquiring habits
I don’t think I am ready to forget the battle that persisted from late 2019 through to now, summer 2021. I am much more refined in so many more ways than I would be without having had this experience. Hanging onto the recent past for just a little bit longer, I reflect on ways I coped through the pandemic - how on a daily basis I learned to live simpler, examining the coping skills cultured during this time, cherry-picking useful habits acquired, all the while reliving the fear and struggles of being under such a vile threat of a virus and managing the chronic illness of spondyloarthritis (SpA).
A focus on my wellbeing
Gatherings involving my “ménage” will remain small and home-based for the rest of 2021 as we stumble out of the pandemic. Well-being is a high priority, as chronic health issues plague this home. We cannot afford to contract COVID-19 for SO many reasons. Inflammatory arthritis, an incurable disease, can swiftly drain me, with long flares that plague me for days. Since the onset of my autoimmune illness, it has become a daily battle where I must ward off inflammation, pain, and fatigue, while wrangling in the damaging effects it causes. The best way for me to do this is by evading viruses, avoiding triggers that worsen my condition, remaining active, resting when tired, and taking in wholesome nutrients throughout the day.
New skills and habits learned throughout these past daunting months have led me on an enlightening journey seeking out nutritive recipes in support of what my body needs. As I continue to fight for improved quality of life, I dive deeper into the world of herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables and their health benefits. And what better way to connect with those closest to you than through food and drink? None other, I say!
The world of spritzers, teas, and mocktails
I didn’t realize how parched I’ve really been as of late, a deep thirsting for wholesome drinks to supplement new recipes and meals, sidestepping calories, and sugary delights. Care for a basil mint spritzer or lavender lemon blueberry iced tea perhaps? I’ve discovered so many fruity mocktails, herbal spritzers and sodas, honey and ginger-emblazoned teas, and ales that keep me craving more. Homemade shrubs, switchels, and syrups are a great way to keep nourishment crisp and invigorating while remaining health-conscious. A “sip of sunshine and warmth” in a glass, they sustain me after early morning exercise, gratify the thirst that sneaks up on afternoons in the yard, and are a perfect complement to a summer salad, a light supper, or as we gather after dinner under the stars for a bit of relaxation.
Herbs and spices supporting the body
For centuries natural herbs and spices have provided support for many body functions. Ginger reduces nausea, aids the GI system, and reduces inflammation. Lavender calms anxiety, supports sleep, and eases depression and insomnia. Rose petals contain antioxidants that support those suffering from obesity, heart disease, fatigue, digestive problems, and mood swings. Elderberry, an antioxidant with vitamins, supports the immune system by calming inflammation and eases the common cold and flu. Rosemary, also an antioxidant, has anti-inflammatory properties as well, boosting memory, supporting the immune system and digestive tract, and is particularly beneficial against bacterial infections.1
Homemade syrups, switchels, and shrubs (similar to kombucha purchased in wholefood stores) are easy ways to take in these supportive nutrients and are easily made in batches lasting up to 6 months chilled in the cooler. Not only do they blend superbly with tea, ale, soda, sparkling spring water, club soda, or tonic water, add them to chicken stir fry or a pork chop dinner, use in a pie recipe, drizzle on ricotta toast and oatmeal with nuts in the morning for a kick start, or spice up an afternoon tea and crumpet gathering with pleasant fruity flavors. Warmed, you get nighttime and seasonal remedies the whole year through as you maintain health and wellness for your whole family through flu season.
Syrups
“A plain simple syrup is just equal parts water and sugar, cooked down until combined. It acts as a sweetener and can be used in any recipe that calls for sugar. Flavored simple syrups are common at almost any cocktail bar, and bartenders get super creative with their flavors!”2 And, raw cane sugar, monk fruit sweetener, brown sugar, Splenda, maple syrup, or honey can be substituted to make it healthier. If using Splenda – use less. For example, “plain simple syrup would be 2 cups water, 1 cup Splenda, 1/8 tsp vanilla.”3
Switchels
Switchels are a mixture of water, vinegar, and ginger. Here you can switch up the vinegar, balsamic for red wine vinegar, and so on. There is no wrong way to create a switchel or shrub. “Sometimes a sweetener such as honey, maple syrup, sugar, or molasses is added.”4 (The terms switchel and shrub are sometimes used interchangeably).
Shrubs
“Similar to switchels … shrubs are a concentrated syrup that’s made by mixing vinegar (usually apple cider vinegar), fruit, and sugar. Once the syrup is created, it can be diluted with water, sparkling water, or other mixers to be used in a cocktail or refreshing non-alcoholic beverage.”5 I like to keep the muddled fruit in the mix supplementing the texture of the drink or creating a jam. And, “There are two ways to make a shrub: stove-cooking or cold-process. Stove-cooking is easier and faster, but cold-process yields better flavor.”5
Two great sources I’ve discovered are The Ultimate Fruit Flavor Pairing Chart6 and Pinterest. The many thirst-quenching recipes, with a variety of fruity herbal combinations from the chart, create quite harmonizing, savory, and downright palate-pleasing beverages (of alcoholic or non-alcoholic variety), all the while fighting unremitting inflammation, pain, and fatigue. There are so many different combinations to choose from, but here are a few of my favorite recipes I have whipped up to stimulate our palettes which keeps us begging for more!
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