Lemongrass and Ginger Tea &
Savory Lassi

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            FOOD FUNNY
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Irene DiCaprio asks, "Does a joke that takes place in a bar qualify as a
food funny?" I say it's close enough for me.

One day a pirate and a bartender were talking to each other in a bar.
The bartender asked the pirate, "Where did ya get that peg leg from?"

The pirate responded, "We were sailing the seas when a big ol' shark
came up to me while I was swimmin' and bit off me leg."

Later the bartender asked, "Where did you get that hook then?"

The pirate responded, "Well, me crew and I were in a battle and it got
cut through the bone."

The bartender then asked, "Then where did ya get the eye patch from?"

The pirate said, "In a harbor I looked at a gull flying overhead and it
made a dropping right in me eye."

The bartender was puzzled and asked the pirate, "How would that make you
get an eye patch?"

The pirate responded, "First day with the hook."

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            TODAY'S RECIPES
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Infusions similar to this are to be found all over Asia, and you'll
find them served both hot and cold. You can eliminate the tea
if you like, but I think it adds an enjoyable complexity to an
otherwise simple brew.

Lemongrass and Ginger Tea

4 cups (1 L) water
1 Tbs (15 ml) black tea
About 2 Tbs (30 ml) sliced ginger
2 stalks lemon grass, coarsely chopped
Sugar to taste

Combine the ingredients in a pot and bring to a simmer - do
not boil - over moderate heat. Remove from the heat and steep
for 5 minutes. Strain and serve hot or over ice. Serves 4.

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If you have dined in an Indian restaurant you have probably
encountered sweet lassis made with fruits, but savory versions
are also very popular and are considered equally refreshing in
their native land.

Savory Lassi

2 cups (500 ml) plain yogurt, preferably whole-milk
1 cup (250 ml) cold water
1 cup (250 ml) crushed ice
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin, or to taste
Cayenne pepper to taste
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Combine the ingredients in an electric blender or food processor and
puree until smooth. Serves 4 to 6.
Received on Wed Apr 4 03:51:38 2007