Once upon a time in Ancient Rome, Terminalia, was celebrated on February 23rd to honor the God Terminus. According to Ancient Roman mythology, Terminus, was the ancient God who protected boundaries and the feast was celebrated by landowners. Terminalia was the feast created in his honor.
Here is a sorbetto cocktail (influenced by the Ancient Romans) to celebrate. It’s a healthy non-alcoholic cocktail. But I have added a touch of sage, in honor of the Romans, who introduced this herb as a medicinal plant to Europe from Egypt..it was also known to have been touted as an overall tonic.
Orange & Sage Sorbetto
4 cups spring water
1 1/2 cups sugar
filtered juice of 2 fresh oranges
skin of 1 fresh orange and extra for garnish
5 sage leaves
In a saucepan place water, sugar and orange peel. Boil for 20 minutes and until the sugar is completely dissolved. Place orange juice and sage leaves in another saucepan and heat for 5 minutes over medium low heat to reduce the juice. Add in sugar mixture and stir over low heat for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Cool. Then filter the liquid, removing sage leaves and orange peel. Place liquid in a tight container, cover and freeze. When frozen, place in food processor till ‘slushy’, then refreeze in a covered container. Take out approx 3-4 minutes before ready to serve. Serve in chilled fluted glasses, decorated with orange peel and sage leaves. Serve….
Cin Cin to Terminalia!
*And if you are in the city (NY city that is) and want to catch a charming production of Ah WIlderness! , by playwright Eugene O’Neill , check out one of NYC’s best kept secrets at The Sheen Center for Thought and Culture..but hurry..only a few days left for this production https://www.sheencenter.org/
For more great recipes, get your copy of Gourmand World Cookbook Award Winner The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: Holidays & Special Occasions-2nd edition
