Recipes

Recipes

TOM PEPPER’S HOT BREW

To soothe the throat or otherwise ease a long day.

1.4 drachm (1 tsp) local raw honey

16 drachm (1 oz) scotch or bourbon

½ pint (1 cup) hot water

3 sprigs fresh thyme

Stir honey and bourbon at bottom of mug. Add hot water and thyme sprigs. Steep five minutes. Sip while warm.

BLACKFRIARS BALM FOR BUGS AND BOILS

To subdue angry, itchy skin caused by insect bites.

1 drachm (0.75 tsp) castor oil

1 drachm (0.75 tsp) almond oil

10 drops tea tree oil

5 drops lavender oil

In a 2.7 drachm (10 ml) glass rollerball vial, add the 4 oils. Fill to top with water and secure cap. Shake well before each use. Apply to itchy, uncomfortable skin.

ROSEMARY BUTTER BISCUIT COOKIES

A traditional shortbread. Savory yet sweet, and in no way sinister.

1 sprig fresh rosemary

1 ½ cup butter, salted

2⁄3cup white sugar

2 ¾ cup all-purpose flour

Remove leaves from rosemary and finely chop (approximately 1 Tbsp or to taste).

Soften butter; blend well with sugar. Add rosemary and flour; mix well until dough comes together. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Form dough into 1.25-inch balls; press gently into pans until 0.5-inch thick. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until bottom edges are golden. Do not overbake. Cool at least 10 minutes. Makes 45 cookies.