Bucket List # 9 Cook Something New

I came across a recipe for ginger ale on the internet. I haven't ever made it before, so I thought it would be fun to try and thought it would work for my bucket list. The recipe I used was not the best, and I didn't know that the byproduct was yummy candied ginger. The one I used said not to peal the ginger and just to put in in a blender, but now that I have made it once, there are a few things I would change. I found another recipe that I will post at the bottom that looks better than the one I used. I took pictures of the process.

Fresh ginger root

Blend it

Simmer for 1.5 hrs

Ginger ale, candied ginger, ginger syrup

I read that the syrup and candied ginger is good on ice cream so I had to try it.... it was yummy.

Here is the recipe that I will use next time.
For the Candied Ginger and Ginger Syrup:
1/2 pound ginger (8 oz.), about 2 large knobs, peeled
2 cups granulated sugar, plus 1/4 cup extra for coating the ginger pieces
2 cups water
For the Ginger Ale:
Seltzer or sparkling water
Ginger syrup (recipe above)
Lime slices (optional)

Procedure:

1. Slice or chop the ginger to desired size.
2. In a medium heavy saucepan, combine the sugar and the water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Add the ginger pieces.
3. Simmer over medium heat for 1 hour if you’ve sliced your ginger very thin, and at least twice that if you’ve cut your ginger into larger chunks. (Check on them occasionally to make sure they aren’t drying out and that the water isn’t evaporating too quickly.)
4. Meanwhile, line a small sheet pan with wax or parchment paper, or with tinfoil. Spread the remaining 1/4 cup sugar on the lined sheet pan.
5. When the ginger is done (it will be soft), remove with a slotted spoon to the prepared sheet pan. Toss the ginger pieces in the sugar and spread them out. Let dry for several hours, or overnight. Let the ginger syrup cool, then refrigerate. If you want a thicker ginger syrup, continue to cook over medium-low heat until it reaches the consistency you want.
6. To make homemade ginger ale: add 3-4 generous tablespoons (or more, to taste) of ginger syrup to a large pint glass. Top with seltzer or other sparkling water. I also like to add a bit of lime. Garnish with candied ginger, if desired.

Makes about 1 1/2 cups ginger syrup and approximately a cup of candied ginger.


I found a website with a few health benefits of ginger. Here is a link, and the following is a quote.
"Ginger has been used as a natural remedy for many ailments for centuries. Now, science is catching up and researchers around the world are finding that ginger works wonders in the treatment of everything from cancer to migraines. Here are ten health benefits of this powerful herb."