Job Well Done

Well, I almost didn't make it.  I almost took a bye this month.  But the day the battle ended, I bought pink peppercorns and came home to make a savory spiced cocktail with the tiny pink jewels.  I was celebrating two things.  Not giving up on the Battle, because pink peppercorns was my idea and I have been wanting to use them for years.  And, I started a new job.  The first job in ten years where I worked for someone else, instead of being self employed.  I got my first paycheck signed by someone other than myself or my husband and headed straight to Whole Foods. 


When I got home, I toasted 2 tbsps of pink peppercorns, four whole star anise, 2 tsp whole all spice until fragrant.  It smelled so warm.  I added two cups of water and one cup of sugar (I used raw sugar but next time I'll use refined.  I would have liked a cleaner looking cocktail.)  Once the sugar was dissolved I added a half bunch of fresh thyme and a two inch strip of lemon zest and let it simmer for 10 minutes.  I took it off the heat to let it steep until cooled.  Perfect timing because that's when everyone got  home from Adam's soccer practice and needed showers and baths.  With everyone in bed, I strained my spiced simple syrup, and poured about 4 oz over ice.  Added a shot of vodka.  Topped it off with Pelligrino (my favorite product in the entire world) and then a garnish of more pink peppercorns.

Then we toasted.  It was sweet, savory and spicy.  Kind of like life.  Which is different now.  For the better or worse?  Well the jury's still out on that one.  It's only been three weeks.  But just being willing to try something new needs celebrating.  An ingredient ... or a job.