METHOD:
Simmer about 20 cinnamon sticks in 11 cups of water for 40 minutes. In a separate pot, simmer 2 or 3 large pieces of ginger, peeled, in 11 cups of water for 40 minutes. Put 2 ½ cups sugar in another large pot, then strain cinnamon and ginger water into that and simmer until sugar is dissolved and flavors meld, about 20 minutes more. This is usually served cold, even slushy, garnished with dried fruits and nuts. Makes 20 servings.