Lovage Soda Food

LOVAGE SODA

Steps:

• Place lovage leaves and lemon juice in a large nonreactive bowl and gently smash with the end of a thick wooden spoon or wooden rolling pin until leaves begin to bruise. Add sugar and salt and continue muddling to release the herb's essential oils, about 30 seconds.
• Bring the water to a boil. Stir lovage mixture into boiling water, remove from heat, and let infuse 20 minutes.
• Pour syrup through a fine sieve into a bowl; discard solids, then refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes. Fill glasses with ice, add 3 tablespoons syrup to each, and top off each with 3/4 cup seltzer. Garnish drinks with lovage straws and serve immediately.

OLD FASHIONED LOVAGE AND POTATO SOUP

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, saute the chopped onion in olive oil until translucent; then add the cubed potatoes and mix together.
• Add the stock and milk, simmering until the potatoes are nearly tender.
• When potatoes are soft,add the lovage and liquidise the soup, adding further stock or milk if a thinner consistency is required.
• Check the seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste.
• Return to the saucepan and heat through gently - do NOT allow the soup to boil.
• Serve hot and garnish with the remaining lovage and crusty bread and butter or bread rolls.
• This travels very well in a thermos flask for a warming picnic soup.