Herbology

The Lirin, the race of Rhapsody's mother, and the Filids, the religious order that tends to nature and the Great White Tree, understood the secrets of herb use. Here are links to two sites that can provide further information on the historical and medicinal use of herbs and spices.

A detailed page of herbal lore from Celtic times, and a gallery of herbal art:

http://www.earthrunner.com/serendipity/celticlore/index.html

Want to know the difference between herbs and spices? Looking for rare information? Have an herb question? Ask the Outrageous Herb Lady!

http://www.herbanspice.com/silversage/lore.html

Oelendra's Dol Mwl

From Prophecy

Dol mwl [pronounced DOLL-mill], the warm spiced drink Oelendra gives to Rhapsody, is a Lirin version of mead mulled with spices, fruit, and flowers. Like Sangria or punch, it is drunk with all the flavoring "additives" left in the pot and the mug. Mead, a drink made from fermented honey, is considered by some to be the most ancient of alcoholic beverages, and perhaps even alcohol's genesis.

Oelendra makes reference to several different types of dol mwl, the light, dry kind that she prefers, the richer, sweeter version drunk by some of the other Lirin cultures, and even a type for children made with honey instead of mead. The Lirin were also fond of mulled wine and spiced cider.

Edible flowers

If you are going to add flowers to the dol mwl recipe, make certain they are actually edible, not just non-toxic. Use only homegrown flowers, as commercial or highway wildflowers may have been sprayed with preservatives or pesticides. Only use the petals unless otherwise noted, and pinch off the white part that connects the petal to the flower's center [it's sometimes bitter]. These are some of the flowers the Liringlas favor in their dol mwl:

How to Make Dol Mwl

In a metal or glass pot, blend the following ingredients:

    1 large bottle of mead [Merrydown and Moniak are good for mulling, as are a variety of American, Polish and Australian meads]
    10 whole cloves
    10 whole allspice
    3 white cardomom pods, cracked [optional]
    3 large cinnamon sticks
    1/4 tsp nutmeg
    1/8 tsp anise
    One shot each Grand Marnier and Goldschlager

Let sit, covered, for a few minutes so that the spices infuse the liquid. Then put the pot, still covered, on the stove, and heat on low. Add the following ingredients:

    1/2 cup to 1 cup edible flower petals
    1 orange, quartered [add the peel as well]
    1/2 cup raisins, currants or grapes cut in half [optional]

Allow the mixture to simmer on very low heat for at least 20 minutes. The longer it simmers the more flavorful it will be. Adjust spices to taste. Do not boil unless you wish to remove the alcohol. Serve warm in mugs or heat-resistant glasses, or over ice like tea. Obviously, the dol mwl's flavor will be affected by the types of flowers and spices you choose to put in it.