This was the first time we’ve had a full moon on the June solstice (celebrated by ancient peoples as a time of renewal, fertility and harvest) since 1967, as the two events coincide only once every 70 years. This means, for many, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime event.
According to the folks at the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the full strawberry moon was so named by Native Americans because it signaled the start strawberry-picking season. In Europe, it’s sometimes called the “rose moon” because the roses begin budding.
As I pointed out before it is cold here and the sky was so overcast that the moon was not even visible, but that did not affect many others around the continent and the world. They could see what I could not, but I had the drinks they didn't.
The cold did give us an excuse in the Tavern for some adventure behind the bars, making Hot Toddies to sip beside our roaring fires.
There are ways of making hot toddies and not all are as civilised as here in the bar. You will need....
• 2 ounces whiskey. Or six fingers. Or just count to six - slowly - as you pour. You can, of course, use Rum or Brandy.
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 4 ounces water. Already hot is fine. But if cold, have a hot poker handy.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Fresh. The real stuff.
• 1 slice fresh lemon. Cut off before the rest is squeezed.
That serves one.
Mulipy the amounts depending on the numbers of customers. We use very large pots and full bottles.
1. Place the whisky in a large microwave safe mug. That's for civilised folk.
2. Add the honey.
3. Pour the hot water into the mug over the spoon you used for the honey to get off the last little drops.
4. Add the lemon juice and stir well.
5. Place the mug in the microwave for 1 minute or until it is piping hot, but not boiling. Alternatively, if outdoors, heat your poker until glowing and thrust it into the liquid.
6. Add the lemon slice and serve.
Look at the moon, raise a glass.
Pax.
I had not heard the expression Strawberry Moon before today. I wondered what it meant, thank you for the explanation :-)
ReplyDeleteThe moon has been spectacular over the last few days, although I haven't managed to get a photograph of it.
Those old Almanacs are chokka with odd bits of fancy. Hahaha. The image of Red Indians picking strawberries is one to savour. They served them with cream when tribes gathered annually for the inter-tribe contest & feast of Wim Bull Dun.
DeleteAh, the solstice. Shall have to try that.
ReplyDeleteI am pretty sure the old chaps who built Stonehenge had a few recipes for the occasion, but with huge ice blocks brought especially from the colder north and rolled on logs for 300 miles.
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