Fire Cider for the Community
In someone’s basement in Bed-Stuy, a group of danced-out celestial beings came up with the marvelous idea of making Fire Cider for the ‘community’ to ward off this season’s gay cold. It quickly shifted from Fire-Cider for the community to how we can market it and sell it for our own delectable profit.
I grounded the group. “Let’s not be so quick to give in to our capitalist devils, let’s just do it for us and our people.” The beings agreed, chastising themselves for even the thought of profitability on such a wholesome project.
A few weeks later, after some rescheduling, these creatures of the night gathered, old kimchi jars in hand, in the Bed-Stuy basement’s backyard to make the infamous Fire Cider of their healing dreams. The producer of the event, our resident relationship anarchist, unloaded the Fresh Direct order. Garlic, onions, apples, turmeric, ginger, cayenne, sprigs of rosemary, honey, and apple cider vinegar covered the table. The project managers, kabbalah witches hailing from Maryland, passed out cutting boards and knives so dull that only 20-somethings could put up with. We all got to work chopping and chatting, astrology signs were swapped and tentative full moon plans were arranged. Poets and lovers came and went, Cookala, the cat, was taken out on a leash, and by the time the sun was going down we were ready to fill our jars.
Grabbing handfuls of turmeric and onions, we gleefully filled each vessel. Soon, we realized we were lacking on the ACV1 supply and took turns running to the bodega to re-up. We finished up just as the moon began to peep her head out, and headed our separate ways with this season’s concoction in hand.
Fire Cider is a beautiful community project. For your community’s Fire Cider you’ll need the following (it’s also okay to leave some things out if you can’t find them. It will still rock your system with goodness):
Onion
Garlic
Ginger
Apples
Lemon juice + zest
Jalapeno peppers
Horseradish
Tumeric or Turmeric Powder
Cayenne
Rosemary
Apple Cider Vinegar
Cinnamon Sticks
Honey
We were missing jalapeño peppers, horseradish, and lemons but we made up for it in other departments. You get to make your own rules! So gather your friends, order in bulk, bring your old jars, and get to work.
P.S Your Fire Cider has to steep for 30 days to do its business in a dark, cool place. I found above our kitchen cabinets to be perfect. When it is done steeping, pour the elixir through a strainer or cheesecloth separating the materials from the liquid into another vessel. I used my pasta pot for this. Then, store the strained liquid in a dark, cool place or in your fridge and use it as needed. It does not need to be refrigerated but will last longer in the fridge. Take a shot of it a day, or when you feel the gay cold coming on, and it will zap the bug right out of your system.
P.S.S Use parchment paper between metal lids to protect from corrosion. Plastic lids are preferred, which is why old kimchi jars work perfectly.
1. ACV is the hip abbreviation for Apple Cider Vinegar — Bragg’s preferred.
Alessandra Pilkington is a tender being who believes in the power of food to build community. When she’s not making Fire Cider she can be found on set styling food to look as delectable as your dreams. Dumplings make her heart sing, especially when there are multiple sauces on offer.