In the lazy days of summer we were too lazy to assign a theme to this dinner. So instead, we just let everyone cook us something they thought would be delicious. It turned out to be a really great summer dinner.

• Sweet Potato Fries with Veggie "Ketchup"
  
• Chorizo & Pork Burgers with Green Chile Mayo
  
• Stuffed Grape Tomatoes
  
• Middle Eastern Bulgur Salad
  
• Fresh Melon
  
• Drink: Celery Soda
  

I cooked up the chorizo burgers and the celery soda. Everything was spectacular. The veggie ketchup was inspired by a condiment we tasted by Call Steven Catering in Bozeman, MT. The stuffed grape tomatoes had some concoction in it that consisted of cream cheese, scallions, and bacon. The celery soda is something I saw on Good Eats, drank in Bozeman, and decided to make some myself. I love it - while other people seem to be a little more touchy about it. So here, for your drinking pleasure - celery soda.

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Celery Soda

Pantry

• 2 cups granulated sugar
  
• 1 cup water
  
• 2 tablespoons freshly ground celery seed
  

Groceries

• Soda water

Tools

• Med. saucepan with cover
  
• Very fine mesh strainer
• Heat proof container
• Airtight container
• Spoon & Glass for serving
  

STIR the sugar and the water into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Continue to stir frequently until all of the sugar has dissolved.

REMOVE from the heat and add the celery seed, cover and allow to steep for 1 hour.

STRAIN though a fine mesh strainer into a heat-proof container and place in the refrigerator, uncovered until completely cool. Place in an airtight container and store for up to 6 months.

To use, add 2 or more tablespoons of syrup to 1 cup soda water and stir to combine. I like mine very strong, so I add like 5 tbl

Yields 2 1/4 cups syrup

Labels: Celery Seed, Chorizo, Drink