Ginger: Nature's Zestiest Cure-All

Ginger and cold weather are a match made in heaven. The spice adds a warm tingle to baked goods, entrées and drinks alike. If you want a palate-changing treat, seek out truly fresh young ginger, with its pink- and cream-colored knobby root and emerald- green shoot.

Warning: You’ll never want to go back to standard tan gin- ger root! Native to Hawaii but now grown in the Northeast, this ten- der young plant offers exceptional flavor and aroma. Fortunately fresh young ginger freezes well and grates easily, and you can use the shoot and leaves in stocks, soups and teas. Here are several ways to add some fresh ginger to your plate and broaden your cocktail repertoire.