HOMEMADE STRAWBERRY LEMONADE

Ever since I started this blog I have come to realize that I complain about the weather a lot. It is either too cold, too wet, uncomfortably foggy or so darn windy. And I never forget to let you know about it either.

Today, it is much too hot.

Like, I-do-not-want-to-move-ever-again-in-an-attempt-to-keep-the-sweat-from-running-down-my-face kind of hot.

But this time, instead of moaning about the temperature, the lack of fans in my apartment and the number of days until fall is finally upon us, I have decided to share with you a more practical solution to withstand the heat. Because so far, moaning has gotten me nowhere. And, truthfully, the fall months are simply going to make me curse my broken umbrellas and non-existent rubber boots.

So let's be feasible.

I remember my mom making lemonade in the summer for us kids to sell at the street corner where we lived back in the days when I was as small as a button (approximately). We my dad would drag a table from the house to the end of the long driveway and us kids would dance around the table to attract potential customers. We'd have colorful, handmade signs that we'd wave at passing cars. I trust our parents helped us spell out "homemade lemonade", but whether the passers-by could actually read our spidery handwriting, we'll never know.

To boost business, I'd even put up original paintings made by Motte herself on sale. Yeah, I know, what an opportunity. Strangely enough, no-one seemed to want to buy them, which I never really understood. They must have been overwhelmed by my talent.

In any case, business men would happily stop for a refreshment on their commute back home and we'd be convinced we'd just made enough money to pay this month's rent.

No worries, dad, we've got you covered!

My mom's lemonade to me was always some sort of magic juice; golden and sweet. Something I never dared to imitate; for how could I get it right?

So when I learned how simple it is to make lemonade, frankly, I was shocked. How had I been missing out all of these summers after moving out from my parent's home?

To keep the magic alive, I won't be copying mom's magical recipe, but make my own pink lemonade adding strawberries. It is super easy to make as it is made in the blender. I use honey as a sweetener, but you can substitute it with caster sugar or syrup. You can easily make strawberry limeade by replacing the lemons with limes. And adding a generous swig of your favorite booze (vodka, rum, tequila) makes for a delicious summer cocktail.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

750g / 4 cups of strawberries, washed and cut in halves
2 lemons, washed, quartered and peeled
8 Tbsp honey
6 cups of water
Ice cubes

In a stand mixer, or using an immersion blender, blend the strawberries with the honey and 1 cup of water. Transfer the strawberry mixture into a pitcher.

In the same blender, blend the quartered lemons with 2 cups of water. Strain the lemon mix into the pitcher.

Mix well adding the rest of the water, Taste and adjust the sweetness based on your preference and the sweetness of the strawberries.

Add the ice cubes and garnish with fresh herbs.

MUSIC PARINGS:

Jess Penner, Sweeter
Dave Moisan, Lemonade
Tyronw Weels, And the Birds Sing
O.A.R., Peace