spring is springing and we're still waiting...

feeling inspired by my bro-in-law john who has mastered handcrafted sodas at his cart, pyro pizza, and also by the bag of frozen rhubarb leftover from last spring, i decided to give this recipe a try.   i was delighted by the strong ginger flavor and liked that it was refreshing without being overly sweet! 



homemade rhubarb ginger soda
recipe from homemade pantry by alana chernila

2lbs rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
8 cups water
4 tbsp fresh lime juice (2-3 limes)
1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
1/2 cup sugar or more to taste*
a few sprigs of fresh mint, thyme, or lemon balm (whatever you have on hand)

1. combine the rhubarb and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.  reduce the heat to low, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rhubarb is almost dissolving.  use a slotted spoon to scoop out the rhubarb.

2. add the lime juice to the rhubarb water, along with the ginger and sugar.  raise the heat to medium high and cook at a low boil, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until the mixture is slightly reduced and thickened.

3. remove it from the heat, add your herb of choice (i used mint), and cover.  let steep for 5-10 minutes.  taste and add sugar if needed.  strain through a fine-meshed sieve into a jar or bottle and let cool.
yield: 1 quart syrup

to serve: mix 1/3 cup syrup in 1 cup seltzer or club soda.  serve chilled or over ice.  sit on the porch and take in all that surrounds you!

*rather than sweetening this syrup, i added some simple syrup i had on hand when mixing my sodas and it did the trick! 



a jar of flowers in the kitchen instantly brightens my day!



 
this afternoon, after a strong and sudden spring rain, this rainbow appeared outside our kitchen window.  it was actually a double rainbow for a second.  everytime i see a rainbow, i can't help but be reminded of god's promise to noah when a rainbow appeared for the very first time in biblical days.  luke and i are holding on to god's promises, particularly as we wait to hear about a home.  we placed an offer several months ago on a short sale home, and it is still pending.  we are excited at the prospect of being in the lents neighborhood, by many of our dear ones, and are considering doing respite care for families in the foster care system.  all that to say, we are excited at the possibilities!  yet, in this season of waiting, of anxiously checking email and text TOO many times a day, hoping to hear something, anything, luke and i are realizing the good that comes in the wait.  we are realizing together how good it is for us to be in a situation where we cannot do anything to change the outcome.  it practically forces our trust and reliance on christ.  it encourages us to communicate clearly about our hopes and dreams with one another and also leads us to moments of meaningful prayer, where we can pour out all that we are hearing to the One who never tires of listening to His children.

we are crossing our fingers, praying, and hoping that this house is the one and that we find out soon, but until then, we will rest in Him and enjoy the journey.