February 7, 2013

proof whisky, year of the snake, Vol. 119



Sunday marks the first day of the Year of the Snake.
Here are a few suggestions for how you can celebrate Chinese New Year 2013.


the hot & sour 1 1/2 oz proof whisky • 1/2 oz fresh lime juice • 1/2 ginger chili simple syrup* • 4 oz Bistrotea hot lemongrass green tea
Steep tea according to packet directions. Add all other ingredients and stir. Garnish with a lemon grass spear or hot pepper. 
(NOTE This drink can also be chilled over ice)


*ginger chili simple syrup (makes 4 drinks) Combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan. Add 1 tsp freshly grated ginger and 1 dried small chili pepper 
Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes after sugar has dissolved. Strain into glass and is ready to use in hot drink.  To use in cold drink allow to cool and refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

 

Ancient Chinese Secret: This drink is also perfect for flu season.
lemongrass often is used to flavour foods, but it’s also used medicinally in some cultures. For instance, the herb has gained the name of “fever grass” in some countries because of its traditional reputation as a treatment for fevers and cholera. It can be added to tea or to a foot bath. Lemongrass is used to treat pain related to indigestion, rheumatism and nerve conditions. It’s also said that the herb can alleviate headaches and ward off drowsiness. Sometimes, lemongrass is also used as an antiseptic for skin infections, particularly ringworm and sores.


ginger is probably one of the world’s favorite medicines and cooking ingredients. A perennial herb native to China and India, ginger root has been used for centuries in Asian cooking and for its therapeutic properties. Its many different varieties are cultivated throughout Asia, Australia, South America, Jamaica and the U.S. Its delicate green leaves, resembling baby spinach, can be eaten in salads, but the roots of the plant, called rhizomes, are where the benefits of ginger root lie. 

Aids in Digestion – Ginger is perhaps the best herb for digestion. It helps break down proteins to rid the stomach and intestines of gas. It also aids in the digestion of fatty foods. Alleviates High Blood Pressure – Ginger’s warming quality improves and stimulates circulation and relaxes the muscles surrounding blood vessels, facilitating the flow of blood throughout the body. 

Treats Nausea and Morning Sickness – Ginger has been widely shown to prevent as well as treat motion sickness, relax the stomach and relieve the feeling of nausea. Lowers LDL Cholesterol – Studies demonstrate that ginger can lower cholesterol levels by reducing cholesterol absorption in the blood and liver. Its extract can help reduce the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body, reducing the risk of developing heart disease



Why not share a lucky giant deep fried sesame ball at Dragon Pearl Buffet, the largest Chinese Buffet in the GTA.


(http://www.dragonpearlbuffet.com  865 York Mills Rd. Unit 2 North York)

 


Check out Harbourfront’s Year of the Snake Celebration with Canada's premier presenter of contemporary expression in Asian arts and culture. FREE! (http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/lunarfest)



 The Year of the Snake at Scarborough Town Centre Welcome the Year of the Snake with an exciting lineup of events and cultural activities including: traditional Chinese folk dancing, thunder drums, the God of Fortune, eye dotting ceremony, waking up the lion’s ceremony and a tai chi demonstration. Visitors can also enjoy the free Year of the Snake photo booth from 12 p.m to 6 p.m. (February 9 from 12pm - 6pm)(www.scarboroughtowncentre.com)


Weekend Forecast
Saturday: Sunny and -6 degrees
Sunday: Mainly sunny and -2 degrees


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