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| Photo by chooyutshing |
The year of the dragon is upon us once again, promising good fortune for those born in 1988 (like me). A symbol of energy and strength, the dragon is a leader among the heavenly and earthly realms, spouting not only brimstone, but the vast knowledge of the world. Dragons are typically loners, requiring time in solitude to recuperate from their often stressful encounters.
As a child, I always told myself I would find a dragon someday while exploring the ancient lands of Asia. Diving into ocean trenches, exploring volcano caverns, navigating the densest forests. What I might actually find will probably be a mystery forever, but sometimes the dream is enough. Holding on to childhood memories helps us remember who we are. That being said, let's take a spiel into dragon territory in light of the Chinese New Year.
Dragon Blood Dessert
1/2 c. water
1 c. sugar
2 tsp. cherry extract
Cherry sherbet (or any red sorbet)
Cherry 7-up
Cook the water, sugar, and extract mixture over medium heat until sugar dissolves completely and mixture becomes clear (or red if extract is colored). Let cool and transfer to squeeze bottle with small nozzle or tip. Chill stemmed glasses in freezer for about 30 minutes, until frosty. Place 1 to 2 scoops of sherbet in each glass, followed by the soda. Drizzle simple syrup over sherbet and enjoy.
*Note: The red elements can be replace with lime flavored ingredients to create the look of dragon snot.*
I'm still working on a dragon rice recipe, something spicy with a lot of crunch. I will post the results later. Dragon cupcakes sound like a good idea too, with crimson wrappers and butter cream eyes.
Here's hoping Shenron has a fruitful year!
~The Vegetarian Cat
