well, it’s that time of year again… time to get your wicker on. now if you’re wondering, like a curious kaiser, where i got the peaches… i’ll tell you - from my freezer! here in new york, they are definitely not in season. isn’t electricity wonderful!? i bought myself a little freezer last summer and am still working my way through all the stuff i threw in there. but you should be able to find frozen peaches at any gourmet grocer.

ginger is ruled by aries. and aries does nothing gingerly. they will take unhealthy amounts of uncalculated risks. for they lack that healthy does of fear the rest of us tend to have. i’m jealous! if ever a piece of raw ginger has bitten your tongue, you’ll agree there is nothing gingerly about ginger either.

GINGERLY BUT NOT

5 oz pureed peach*
ginger syrup*
brandy
fresh squeezed lemon juice
seltzer

add peach puree, ginger syrup, brandy to ice filled shaker and toss
once. pour contents into tall glass and top with seltzer. stir and
garnish with a slice of peach.

GINGER SYRUP:
1 cup water
1/2 cup raw sugar
5 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh ginger
***place water, sugar, and ginger in small saucepan. Simmer for 15
minutes and remove from heat. when cool, place in storage bottle,
adding a splash of vodka and a drop of lemon oil to preserve (if you
have them, if not that’s fine).

PEACH PUREE:
5 fresh peaches
1 lemon
***peel and stone the peaches and place in blender along with the
juice of one lemon. puree until smooth. this mixture can actually be
frozen for later use.