Christmas Recipe

In preparation for Christmas gorging, here is a recipe for the healthy, refreshing and nutricious Sorrel Drink that is popular in the Caribbean at this time of year. Sorrel is said to contain large amounts of vitamins, antioxidants and can help in weight loss (which is unusual for Holiday food!)

Sorrel is native to Jamaica and is also grown here in Grand Cayman. This dark red drink can be found at the fresh juice counters in our supermarkets; why not have a try at making your own. (A great addition to a party for the designated drivers to sup on).



Recipe: (taken from RecipeCottage.com)

1/4 pound sorrel sepals
strip of dried orange peel
cinnamon stick
a few whole cloves
1 gill of rum (1/2 cup American or 1/4 pint Imperial)
1 gallon boiling water
2-3 pounds sugar
1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon powdered cloves

Put the dried sorrel, orange peel, cinnamon stick and whole cloves in a gallon jar, pouring the water over. When cool, cover and leave the mixture to steep for 2 days. Then strain off the liquid, add sugar to taste rather sweet, add rum, powdered or ground spices and let it stand for another 2 days before serving chilled or with crushed ice.

If you don't have time to make this before Christmas, try it for a New Year's party. It is an 'acquired taste' but full of vitamin C and calcium and could give you just the healthy boost you need to set you on the right foot for your New Year Resolutions.