Fire Cider!

'Tis the season...for the warming, invigorating, immune-enhancing tonic known as fire cider.  For years, this potent medicinal food tonic has been used for it's antibacterial and immune boosting benefits.  Variations on ingredients abound but the basics remain the same - a combination of foods and possibly herbs renown for their illness preventing and healing properties steeped in unfiltered apple cider vinegar for several weeks.  The result is a potent tonic of which a spoonful can be taken daily for prevention or a tablespoon or two during illness.  Not only will this strengthen your immune system but it's sure to put hair on your hobbit feet too.

McCollum Family Fire Cider (makes enough for two quart jars)

two bulbs garlic, smashed and chopped
a generous dose (about a cup or so) of fresh grated ginger
three to four jalapeños, sliced, seeds included
about a cup of grated or chopped horseradish root
a tablespoon or more of raw honey (optional)
a quart and a half or so of unfiltered apple cider vinegar

Split the ingredients between two quart size jars (any quart-size jars will do).  Pour the apple cider vinegar over the ingredients in the jars, leaving about an inch of space at the top.  Tamp down the ingredients and stir gently with a wooden spoon.  Cap the jars and let sit for four to six weeks.  Shake gently daily.

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