DATE GINGER RECIPES

Steps:

• Wash the rhubarb under cold running water and slice into 2cm pieces. Tip into a large ceramic or plastic bowl and add the jam sugar, lemon zest and juice, and chopped stem ginger. Finely grate the peeled ginger directly over the rhubarb.
• Stir the mixture thoroughly, cover loosely with cling film and leave to one side for about 2 hrs to allow the sugar to dissolve into the rhubarb juices. You may need to stir the mixture occasionally to encourage this process along.
• Pop a few saucers in the freezer. Scoop the fruit and all the sugary juices into a preserving pan and set over a medium heat. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved, and bring to the boil. Continue to cook at a fairly swift pace until the rhubarb is really tender and the conserve has reached setting point – this should take about 10-15 mins.
• To test for a set, drop ½ tsp of the jam onto a cold saucer, leave it for 30 secs, then gently push it with the tip of your finger. If the jam wrinkles the setting point has been reached. If not, continue to cook for a further couple of minutes and test again.
• Remove the pan from the heat and leave to one side for 2-3 mins before pouring into sterilised jars. Seal immediately and label with the date once completely cold.

Steps:

• Slice the piece of ginger root thinly on a sharp diagonal, making about 4 or 5 slices total. Combine ginger and water (and optional dried herbs) in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce to a simmer and cook, partially covered, until mixture is a dark color and smells strongly of ginger, about 10 to 15 minutes total. Strain mixture into a mug. Stir in honey to taste and enjoy. (You may also make this in larger quantities and store, covered, in the fridge for a few days. Enjoy chilled or gently reheated.)