February 2009: Secret Ingredient--Ginger!

Janet hosted 'Secret Ingredient--Ginger' on February 7, 2009. It was our first meeting without Heather, who is currently living large in New Zealand. We also missed Sabrina and Michele who had other commitments.

Ginger is a spice which is used for cooking and is also consumed whole as a delicacy or medicine. It is the underground stem of the ginger plant, Zingiber officinale. The ginger plant has a long history of cultivation, having originated in Asia and is grown in India, Southeast Asia, West Africa and the Caribbean.

Ashley started us off with ginger lemonade beer (sadly, there is no picture). It was made of hand squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, ginger, all added to beer.

Norah's dad was supposed to hang out with her during cooking club, but he had to unexpectedly go to Washington DC for work. So, even though cooking club is not a family event, Norah got to hang out anyway.

Christina made pot-stickers with tofu, ginger and veggies, with a delightfully spicy peanut sauce.

Tina made grilled shrimp in a thick and spicy ginger infused sauce/marinade. For Bonnie she brought a delicious ginger spiced salsa.


Angela made Indonesian Carrot Soup. It was hearty and delicious.

Heidi made a spinach salad with oranges and ginger and a shallot dressing. Light, refreshing, and delicious.

Janet made ginger-lime chicken (tofu for Bonnie) over coconut rice.

Bonnie ended the afternoon with a carrot-ginger cake with a coconut-cream cheese frosting. Vegan dessert never tasted so good.

Norah passed out from all the fun (and she didn't even get to eat anything!)

The best part? No one left with a stomach-ache (those medicinal qualities of ginger and all...)!