Alaskana recipe: Birch syrup-turmeric tonic

A person might find themselves a little regretful and maybe still a little full the day after Thanksgiving and on occasion throughout the holiday season. In that case, you might try a warm tonic to calm the system a bit. Turmeric is supposed to be an anti-inflammatory, ginger is said to soothe the belly and both flavors pair well with the earthy local Alaska birch syrup. I am not a doctor, so I can’t verify these claims, but it sure doesn’t hurt to hydrate, right? Turmeric-ginger tea is available at most grocery stores. You can also find both fresh ginger and turmeric root at Asian groceries including New Sagaya. Should you want to use the fresh ingredients, I’d recommend starting with a teaspoon of each, grated, in a tea ball. If you can’t find birch syrup, try maple syrup, local honey or manuka honey.

Warm birch syrup-turmeric tonic

Serves one

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon birch syrup

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

1 cinnamon stick

Eight ounces 200-degree water

1 turmeric-ginger tea bag

Method: In a mug, mix birch syrup, lemon and vinegar. Add a tea bag and a cinnamon stick and pour in hot water. Stir and steep for at least 5 minutes before drinking.

[Spice up your latte: Turmeric lattes are warming and surprisingly delicious]