One Hungry Mama

November 6th, 2011

{cravings} Your Holiday Drinks Secret Weapon!

Brooklyn-based Morris Kitchen, started by local, seasonal food advocates on a mission to connect New Yorkers with fresh, organic foods, is a food company giving new meaning to slow foods. They started by distributing a single product: ambrosial ginger syrup. And, now, finally, they’ve released a second: hand-crafted apple cider syrup.

I’ve tried the small-batch ginger syrup—I’m a sucker for products like these—and can attest to it’s shockingly delicious flavor. Though I’ll never pass up an opportunity to buy a hand crafted specialty food treat, I almost always end up thinking that I can make it just the same (dare I say better) myself. I rarely make a second purchase. But Morris Kitchen’s ginger syrup is different. Though I’ve never tried their apple cider syrup, I’m confident that I’ll feel the same about it.

Both syrups have endless uses: pour over warm fall-spiced cakes, add to a pork roast marinade or glaze for roasted veggies, drizzle over ice cream, or stir into hot water with lemon, cloves and honey (maybe a dash of bourbon, too, for mama and papa).

The best way that I can think of to use these syrups, though, is in seasonal holiday cocktails. Buy both and start experimenting before the cocktail party season begins! (These syrups would also make a great holiday gift.)

Their site says that the goal of Morris Kitchen is “to provide quality products that are made with genuine care, by hand.” Sometimes that takes time. So, go ahead, Morris Kitchen, go slowly, because, so far, mission accomplished!

PS: One of the two folks behind Morris Kitchen is a former restaurant cook who honed his skills in veritable kitchens including Craftbar and The Breslin Bar and Dining Room. The other has a fine arts background and front-of-the-house restaurant experience. She also says that she, “enjoys teaching kids about local produce and healthy eating habits.” Love it!