My house smells spectacular.

[kiya]

I set a vanilla bean, some cloves, and some orange peel over low heat to steep for a chunk of the afternoon. This has competely filled my house with scent (may this sweet smell come to You, Hetharu, as Your sweet smell comes to me!). I added rose water (a touch past its best-by, for values of 'a touch' equal to 'a bit more than half a year'). I have jasmine water and jasmine essence due to appear in the next couple of days, too, for the last flavor that goes in there; I'll put that in in the jug. I have added a bit of tea for tannins and pitched the yeast (which nearly outsmarted me in the package, silly thing).

Now we'll see if it blows out the vent overnight. :} Ahh, booze.


Other accomplishments for the day: three loads of laundry. Watered plants. All the prep for the mead. Joined a ZG raid that took down a couple of minibosses. Topped up one tank and added to the other; fed the lily. Glowered at an essay that needs writing. Made sure arawen's computer was returned to him. Uh, probably some stuff I forgot. (ETA: Handweights! I remembered the handweights!) But much with the productivity today.

Now going to poke at email for a bit.

Comments

[ashlupa.livejournal.com]

From several interesting experiences: go very easy on the rose and jasmine water, as they're liable to change drastically in fermentation, sometimes not for the better. You might want to hold on to the jasmine and add it into the second fermentation when you rack.

[lylythe-strega.livejournal.com]

Good for you, you accomplished person, you! Yes, the booze...the sweet, sweet booze... ;>

The last couple of batches of damiana liqueur I've made, I was tempted to include clove, but I was afraid I might over-clove it. I have to remember to reign it in clove-wise when I mull wine...a little goes a long way.

Maybe I'll try including a little the next time I make sangria, especially while there's still a little chill in the air. Hmm...