Winter is Coming... Let us Put the Heat Back in 'Ya!
Fire Cider is a spicy infused vinegar with herbs, vegetables, spices, and more! Some people believe that fire cider has medicinal benefits (anti-inflammatory and stimulating digestion) though I'll leave that you to decide.
I love a good spicy vinegar splashed over salad, as a chaser to a shot of whiskey, or mixed with honey on a cold winter's day.
It is a firey kick that's sure to wake up your senses and knock out whatever is ailing you!
Like most of my recipes you can make this with whatever you have on hand, quantities are flexible and the possibilities are endless.
Some of these herbs and veggies came from my garden, while others were picked up at the local shop.
All you need to do is fill your jar with spicy goodies and cover with apple cider vinegar. Keep it in a dark cool place from 3 to 6 weeks. Shake it once a day for a second to stir up the flavour and remove air pockets. Taste regularly until it's perfect and then strain out the vegetables and spices (they've served their purpose) and keep in the fridge!
Honey, maple syrup, or even sugar can be added before it's consumed. You can mix with water as well if the taste is too powerful! I like to follow a shot of whiskey with a shot of spicy goodness!
I made a total of 6 varieties today.
Introducing...
Hot Blooded
Sweet red peppers and red bell peppers, shallots, chili flakes, and garden fresh tomatoes! I added a dollop of Sriracha too for a little complexity
Flame's Kiss
Sweet orange peppers, chinese pepper, oranges, and cinnamon transform into a cold-fighting blast of heat and tang.
Golden Hour
A rich broth of turmeric, ginger, bright lemons, yellow onion and sweet yellow peppers.
Emerald City
Horseradish lends it's kick to this herbaceous brew, followed by lime, parsley, basil, mint, and jalapeño and green bell pepper.
White Lightning
White onion, daikon radish, white pepper, basil, rosemary, cardamom and chives blend together to create a light refreshing bite.
Purple Haze
Red cabbage, radishes, red onion, grapefruit and black pepper lend their flavours to this purple punch.
And here is the rainbow! I made two pint jars of each flavour. I'll let you know how they turn out in a month!
Morning After Update
I opened each jar to make sure they were filled to the brim with vinegar. Meanwhile I stole a little spoonful of each flavour. Purple Rain is much sweeter than I expected so I'll be adding some chili to it. I wonder if I can find a purple chili at the farmers market?! Flame's Kiss could also use a bright orange spicy pepper to offset the powerful orange and cinnamon sweetness.
The joy of making two smaller jars, means I can experiment with one while keeping the other as is.