Spirit of the season: cardamom liqueur

It’s certainly beginning to look and sound a lot like Christmas here in Vancouver!

Local lad, Michael Bublé warbles Christmas tunes over the audio system of any store you walk into. There’s snow on the mountains, and a forecast for snow in the city soon. Everywhere you go, the sound of “Jingle Bells” seems to follow. And, of course, the exhortations to shop fast and furiously blare at you from the radio, TV and flashing billboards.

Personally, I love this time of year for the pretty Christmas displays, and the sound of Christmas carols, but I’d  rather avoid the crowds and shop online! Or, better still, make some gifts for friends, instead of buying them. Since ’tis the season to be jolly, this seems like the right time for a little home made liqueur. 🙂

Like so many ladies in Coorg, my grandmother was a handy home brewer. She made delicious orange, lychee, and ginger wines. Some were for home consumption, but mostly, what she made was to be shared with family and friends during social gatherings.

My mother, on the other hand, dabbled just a little in home brewing during her time as an army wife, picking up tips and recipes through a cosmopolitan “Ladies Club” effort.

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