Blueberry Soda

Folks-

Tonight I fixed my new Crab Rolls and served this Blueberry Soda with it. They went well together, but I expect the soda would be just fine by itself.

You first make a blueberry simple syrup, then mix that with club soda, Tonic Water, or similar in a 1:3 ratio. I recommend 1/3 cup syrup and 1 cup soda water. Ice is good in it.

Here's the recipe for the Blueberry Symple Syrup I got from Berly's Kitchen:

Ingredients:

1 lb fresh or frozen blueberries

1 cup water

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and mash fruit immediately with a wooden spoon or potato masher. Allow to cool for 10-20 minutes, and strain through a mesh sieve to get the fruit pulp out. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Note: The blueberry pulp you strain out is wonderful on ice cream.

15 Bean Soup

Folks-
Time for another ZAP 190 Cookbook recipe. This time it's from my mom's assistant at Live Oak School back in the day. With no further ado, here's Sheril Gomes's 15 Bean Soup Recipe.

Ingredients:
1- 20 oz bag 15 Bean Soup Mix
2 T Salt
Chopped Ham, Ham Hocks, or 1 Ring Smoked Sausage
1 Large Chopped Onion
1 Large Can Tomatoes
1 Red Pepper or 1 t chili powder
Juice of 1 Lemon
1 Clove Minced Garlic

Directions: Wash beans thoroughly. Place beans in a kettle, cover with water and add salt. Soak overnight. On the following morning, drain and add 2 quarts water. Add ham or sausage. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Add other ingredients and salt and pepper to taste and simmer for another 30 minutes.