The North Wind Blows and Making Deliciousness Out of Lifes Bitter Fruit. (Black Currant Syrup)7/21/2019 
Life is full of bitter fruit. Repeating patterns. It never fails... I feel I'm doing well, I feel I'm getting settled, comfortable, caught up, finally on my path... and then the North wind blows.... bringing cold reality and the urge, and need for change.
Chocolat is one of my all time favorite movies for a multitude of reasons... If you've not seen it, please go find a way to watch it.
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This movie is beautiful there are many life lessons, one of which is the message of knowing your own worth, and being sure about what you bring to the table even when those in charge don't see your worth and see you as a threat/sinful/frivolous. It's about being true to yourself and savoring life. Also, being kind. I've been working on affirmations. As I mentioned in my last post this has been a squirmy exercise. A big one is that: "I am valuable, and worthy of abundance." I have in my life, made far more money doing far less. I think the lesson that I am learning is that instead of breaking myself, trying to prove my worth, and value, if it's not seen, and appreciated, to walk away, and keep being me. Being loyal is fine and good, but life is short and it's too short to be miserable. Thats another affirmation I'm working with: "I easily let go and walk away from all that is not meant for me and does not serve my higher good." It's time for change, it's time for growth. I was getting cozy, but the North wind is blowing. It's time to be valued and treasured. 
So I spent the day in cooking therapy, making something sweet out of something tart. I love black currants, they are not an easy fruit, but incredible when treated right. It is not a fruit you generally just pop in your mouth, it is tart and bitter, full of seeds and sometimes worms.
You have to handle currants with care, gently remove the stems and old flower bits, simmer in water with some sugar and bring out their sweetness. I made two types of syrup today 
Black Currant Syrup (Two variations) (Measurements are per batch)
(needed: 6-8 qt pot, Immersion blender, 4 cup measuring cup, 2 cup measuring cup, funnel, fine mesh strainer, slotted spoon, 16 oz sterilized bottle with lid 3 Cups Black Currants (cleaned and washed) 16 oz Water 1/2 Cup Sugar 1 Tb Vanilla Extract (obviously would be better with fresh but I didn't have that) OR 2" Piece of Fresh Ginger peeled and large dice 
In the pot place berries, water, sugar and vanilla or ginger. Simmer for about 20 minutes are so till the berries are soft. You don't want it to boil, just a gentle simmer.
I kept both versions pretty tart, if you want it sweeter you can add more sugar. 
look out for any worms that may have wiggled out of the fruit. strain these out with a spoon.
Don't be grossed out. This is common and good in organic fruit. Birds, and bugs find these delicious too. 
Using your slotted spoon go around and smush the berries to release the fruit. Simmer for another 10 minutes or so. Using the immersion blender stir the pot to break up more of the berries. Simmer another 5 minutes or so. Using a fine mesh strainer and a spoon pour the mixture through the strainer a bit at a time pressing through the juice into your measuring cup, discarding the pulp as you go for ease of using the strainer.
When everything is strained pour into your sterilized bottle with the aid of a funnel.
I made two batches one Currant with Vanilla one Currant with Ginger. The whole project took me about 3 hours. resulting in two 16 oz jars that will last about a month in the refrigerator. 
What is this syrup good for you ask?
Cocktails on waffles on pancakes mix with club soda for a refreshing NA beverage or Sprite/7up if you want it sweeter I'm pretty sure you could make a pretty bad ass bbq sauce too... will play with it more. 
unstrained and beautiful.
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