Vegan Ginger Cookies

Ginger Cookies!
4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tbsp freshly ground ginger
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups margarine (butter works too)
2 cups sugar
2 tbsp Flaxseed Meal and 6 tbsp water (or two eggs)
1/2 cup molasses
Crystalized Ginger (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Mix flax and water set aside to soak while preparing the rest of the ingredients (skip if using eggs)
3. Cream margarine and sugar.
4. Mix in remaining ingredients including flax except for the flour.
5. Slowly add flour until dough is formed.
6. Drop by tablespoons onto ungreased and or/ lined cookie sheets. No more then 12 per sheet as they spread.
7. Place a little piece of crystalized ginger onto the top of each cookie. (optional)
8. Bake for approx 11-13 minutes or until golden, do not overcook!
9. Allow to cool for a minute and remove to cool on wire rack.
10. Enjoy!

Homemade Ginger Ale!

Homemade Ginger Ale is awesome! I dont think I will ever go back to store bought ginger ale. This has a real kick to it. Also good with a little lemon juice... Sorry cant rotate the photos...

2 cups thinly sliced ginger (use a mandolin! makes it easier)
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
(or even amounts to make more I used 3.3.3)

1. Place all ingredients into a saucepot and bring to a boil over medium.
2. Simmer/slow boil until reduces by half.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool until able to handle.
4. Strain and put syrup into glass jar.
5. Add 1ounce syrup to approx. 10ounces selzer use more or less depending on your preference, remember it is very strong!
6. ENJOY your lovely beverage as Alton Brown would say!

Mmmmmm!

I store in an empty applesauce jar...

Roasted Garlic and Garlic Oil

16oz olive oil
1lb peeled garlic cloves approx 3cups

1. Place everything in a dutch oven/ covered oven safe vessel and bake at 375 degrees for 1-2 hours or until garlic cloves turn medium brown. *Lovely garlicy aroma will keep any vampires away!
2. Remove from oven and uncover allowing to cool enough to handle.
3. Take garlic out of oil and place into food proccesor and blend until smooth and creamy. Can be used as a spread, or mixed with butter and herbs. Many Many possibilities!
4. Pour garlic back into oil bottle and label/store use wherever you would use olive oil to add a hint of garlic! *I've heard its good for ear infections too!

Roasted Garlic ready for the freezer and Oil!

Getting ready for the oven, and yes I have a lot of cast iron.