I was intrigued when I received a copy of Vegan Secret Supper: Bold & Elegant Menus from a Rogue Kitchen
Oh…and hand crafted soda extracts:
As I served glasses of Lavender Lime Sodas to Kirk and my brother, Dave, I got a whole bunch of yuk-yukking from them. The kind of “Oh great, now Sarah is making soda. Hipster alert!!” Har har you two. I loved the delicate floral essence of the lavender, a nice use for the bounty from my many plants. Do be sure to use culinary lavender and that chemicals were not used on it. In fact, there are also ginger beer and root beer concentrate recipes. Once you realize just how easy it is to make your own soda…well, you might fall in love with it. And here is the thing – I don’t normally care for pop. It is too carbonated, too sweet and too full of junk (preservatives). Even when I can find a quality brand, the carbonation bothers my stomach. But as I read the book, my mind kept wandering back to soda. I thought of years ago when I was a barista and making Italian sodas. Those were not over carbonated, due to seltzer water. So I decided I had to try this crazy blend of flavors.
And? Perfect.
Just the right sweetness and just a bit of the bubbly! I actually had the thought that the syrup would be wonderful added to sparkling wine (say Champagne) in summer.
Lavender Lime Soda Concentrate (From page 185)
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup agave nectar
- ½ cup fresh lime juice (about 3 limes)
- 2 Tbsp dried lavender flowers (culinary varieties only)
Directions:
In a pot on medium-high heat, bring agave nectar and lime juice to a boil. Boil for 6 minutes. Remove from heat. Add lavender seeds and let steep for 20 minutes. Strain (a fine mesh strainer works well).
Store in a bottle, in the refrigerator.
To make soda, use 1 Tablespoon concentrate per 8 ounces sparkling water (seltzer water), served over ice.
Makes about ¾ cup syrup.
~Sarah
The Giveaway!
Having enjoyed reading and using this cookbook, I’d like to share my copy with a reader! Enter using the Rafflecopter link below:
FTC Disclaimer: We received a review copy of VSS for potential review. We are hosting the giveaway of this book ourselves.
A vegan entertaining book is a great idea! I’m sure it’s full of ideas to please even my meat loving family and friends.
I so want this cookbook–looks amazing!
It is a wonderful book!
Ah! So THAT’s the secret! Entered & Shared!
I’ve thought about making my own soda! I loved when you wrote, “har har” When are big kids where small we always said “hardy har har” and we even made up a silly song to sing in it’s place. I especially love all things lime and cannot even imagine lavender and lime together.
I would *LOVE* to try my hand at making soda. It’s one of those treats I gave up long ago, for health reasons, but this would be a great sub, and it probably tastes way better too!
This book sounds fabulous for inspiring dinner parties!
I’ve always wanted to go to a secret supper, but have never heard of any in my area. I guess this cookbook is the next best thing? 😉
Yay!! I have been looking for a good cookbook, hopefully i win htis one
Looks like a great cookbook. One can always use new staple recipes. 🙂
I peeked at the book preview…
Cashew Lemon Pudding Cake
Hazelnut Ice Cream
Peanut Butter, White Chocolate and Brownie Cheesecake
all jumped out at me right away! Yumza!
Love to try some of these recipes! My family would appreciate it 🙂
I really did just read about homemade sodas today using syrups. We make ginger beer using ginger and lemon, but I like the idea of syrups on hand. Love the review!
I’m so intrigued by that soda! Sounds amazing. Entering the giveaway!
It was funny after – I had extra sparkling water and Walker wanted sodas made with the syrups I use in my lattes 😉