Orange Wellness Elixir

お元気ですか？(O-genki desu ka?) Vous allez bien? Dje si? Shnoo ahwalak? Wherever I travel, I like to think about linguistic nuances that reveal something about a culture, and sometimes even about human nature. While every place has its own version of “How are you?” and other common greetings, there are some places that add a distinct and interesting twist. In Japan, “O-genki desu ka?” asks not only how you are, but also whether you have good health, energy and spirit. The French likewise often eschew the open-ended “How are you?” for the more to-the-point “Are you well?”

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Clementine & Elderflower Jellies

Elderflowers, or holunderblüten, are used here in Germany to make juices, jams, and cordials, and are believed to relieve symptoms of flu, colds, and allergies and maintain healthy, clear sinuses. I found a bottle of amber syrup made of these blossoms and decided to try it in little heart-shaped jellies with clementine juice. They came out beautiful and were devoured within a few minutes! I realized this is a great way to make nutritious snacks, controlling the sugar content and loading them with vitamins and immunity-boosting nutrients. Can you find elderflower syrup where you are? If so, give this a try!