Summer has been a little of a balancing act for me this year. Well, it seems to always be a balancing act but it seems this year is just a little more difficult. Being a work at home mom makes it difficult to work when you kids are home. My daughter is 8 going on 9 but she is an ADHD kid so she can be quite trying at times. Some days are good, some days... not so much. So I can wake up with a plan but in an instant that can change. When she was in school I had time to myself to work and get things done. Now I feel like I am drowning. Drowning in work, dishes, laundry, housework, appointments, cooking, and trying to be a good Moma by doing fun things so her summer is not a waste. I am still working on that last part.
Summer and lemonade just go so well together. I always try to have lemons on hand for cooking because it can add such a bright and fresh flavor to so many things. I found my lemons needing some love so I thought lemonade was in order today. I didn't have any fresh strawberries on hand but I did have some frozen berries that I keep on hand for smoothies.
Fresh Strawberry Lemonade
1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries, pureed in the blender or food processor
1 cup sugar
1 cup water (for the simple syrup)
1 cup lemon juice
3 cups cold water (to dilute)
Make simple syrup by heating the sugar and water in a small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved completely. Set aside to cool. While the sugar is dissolving, use a juicer to extract the juice from 4 to 6 lemons, enough for one cup of juice. Add the juice and the sugar water to a pitcher. Add the pureed strawberries and 3 cups of cold water, more or less to the desired strength. Refrigerate 30 to 40 minutes. If the lemonade is a little sweet for your taste, add a little more straight lemon juice to it. Serve with ice, sliced lemons, strawberries, and a spring of mint.
*you may not need to use all the simple syrup depending on the sweetness of the berries. Use half and test for sweetness and adjust accordingly.
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I am a massive citrus fan. Right now it's winter here so I will be saving this recipe for summer time. With your struggles and this post the phrase "when life gives you lemons-make lemonade " comes to mind. Haha :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds delicious! I wonder if you could sub some agave syrup for the simple syrup too!
ReplyDeleteI am a huge citrus fan too Jade. You are so right, when I was writing it I never thought to add that line in. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteHi Liz,
ReplyDeleteI think substituting agave syrup would work well in this or even honey. Great tip to keep in mind the next time I make it. Thanks for stopping by.
Looks amazing, will defiantly be trying this out in the summer.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alexandra,
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to try it and love it like I have. Thanks for stopping by.