-=> JIM WELLER wrote to DAVE DRUM <=-

 JW> we're not supposed to dwell on politics here

 DD> This discussion has to to with bureaucracy, not politics.

 JW> Which are very closely tied together.

 JW> I've criticized the American way of doing things enough this month;
 JW> I'm going to lay off.

Bureaucracy is not necessarily an American exclusive. Nor is it tied
exclusively to gummint.

MMMMM----- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.06
 
      Title: Bombay Government Punch
 Categories: Five, Beverages, Booze, Citrus
      Yield: 20 Servings
 
      2 c  Demerara or turbinado sugar
      7 c  Water
     12    Limes
     16 oz Batavia arrack
      1 qt Dark, funky rum
           Grated nutmeg; garnish
 
  The precise proportions for this recipe are taken from the
  1694 regulations the English government put out for Bombay
  punch houses, which mandated "if any man comes into a
  victualling house to drink punch, he may demand one quart
  good Goa arak, half a pound of sugar, and half a pint of
  good lime water, and make his own punch." Now, Goa arrack
  was made from coconut-palm sap, but sugar-cane arrack and
  then rum were natural substitutes. The further substitution
  of cognac for part of the rum or arrack was common as early
  as the 1680s, and indeed soon became the preferred way of
  making it. The addition of a goodly amount of water or tea
  is also both traditional and extremely sensible.
  
  To prepare, first stir 2 cups of Demerara or turbinado sugar
  in 1 cup water over a low flame until the sugar has
  dissolved (about 5 minutes). Let this cool.
  
  Then squeeze 12 limes and combine the juice in a large bowl
  with the sugar syrup and stir. Add 16 ounces Batavia arrack
  and 1 quart dark, funky rum and top off with 1.5 liters/48
  ounces water. Stir again and refrigerate.
  
  Half an hour before serving, add a large block of ice (this
  can be made by freezing 2 quarts of water in a bowl
  overnight) and grate nutmeg over the top.
  
  From: http://www.chow.com
  
  Uncle Dirty Dave's Archives
 
MMMMM

... There is no passion like that of a functionary for his function.

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