Happy Summer Solstice!
"As the sun spirals its longest dance,
Cleanse us
As nature shows bounty and fertility,
Bless us
Let all things live with loving intent,
And to fulfill their truest destiny"
~Blessing for Summer (bbc.co.uk)
The term Summer Solstice actually refers to an instant in time: the exact moment when the earth's axial tilt is closest to the sun at its maximum of 23° 26'. Colloquially, the day of the year with the longest period of daylight is known as Midsummer or Summer Solstice.
Most cultures around the world celebrate the Summer Solstice as a time of fertility. Known since ancient times as the marriage of Heaven and Earth, this union of God and Goddess, dark and light, yin and yang, creates the fruit of the harvest and the bounty of summer.
Summer Solstice occurs on June 21 only in the Northern Hemisphere. The Southern Hemisphere has its longest day on December 21. To all our friends below the equator, Happy Winter Solstice!
Here is a recipe for a delicious and refreshing beverage to celebrate summer, and the warmth, light and life that our Sun provides us.
Solstice Sunrise Sparkler
with Homemade Grenadine
For the best flavor, be sure to use ginger ale made with real ginger and cane sugar (not high fructose corn syrup).
For each serving;
12 oz. natural ginger ale
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 to 2 tablespoons Homemade Grenadine Syrup (recipe follows)
Orange slices for garnish
Pour ginger ale into a large glass with ice cubes. Add orange juice. Stir in grenadine syrup to taste. Garnish each glass with a slice of orange.
Homemade Grenadine Syrup
Grenadine syrup is traditionally made from pomegranate juice. Now that pomegranate juice is readily available in stores, it's easy to make authentic grenadine at home (much better than the artificially flavored store bought varieties made with corn syrup).
2 cups pomegranate juice
1 cup sugar
In a 2 quart saucepan, over medium high heat, add pomegranate juice and sugar, stirring frequently to combine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, without stirring, for 45 minutes or until reduced by half. Skim off foam. Let cool and place in a clean, glass jar. May be stored up to 3 weeks in refrigerator.
love the blog, love the book, love the Camus quote and adore you! Can't wait to make the Summer Solstice drink with pomegranate juice in my frig right now!
Reply to this
Hi there Gina! I am Jan's friend with the catnip in Kimberly, Oregon. I think your blog is lovely and I will enjoy visiting it. Jan raved about the beautiful brunch you made them. Happy Solstice! Wish I was closer, I would bring you some of my delicious lettuce...Jody Foss
Reply to this
Reply to this
Have read your blog and book. They are heartfelt, intuitive, practical and yummy! Thank you for bringing such wonder, light and nurturing food into our lives!
Reply to this