‘My ideas usually come not at my desk writing, but in the midst of living.’
Anais Nin
I love this quote…I have been away from my computer as well as my daily life – visiting with family, traveling out of state and simply living life differently than usual… I’ve had many ideas for new posts, as well as an appreciation for my life and how I choose to live it -so until more time is available I offer the above quote… enjoy life and live it as you like!
xoxoox
I came across this recipe a few weeks ago in an old Betty Crocker cookbook, “Betty Crocker’s Cook Book for Boys and Girls”, 1957. Finn recently picked it up at our local freebie barn, during one of our weekly ‘dump’ visits. He was attracted to the cover – a young boy and girl happily helping their mother prepare food…in classic 50’s style…any book with kids on it, he has to have…
Later that day while we were looking through it (interesting and odd food photos by the way), I came across this recipe. I was so excited because I had just been thinking about how nice it would be to have fresh lemonade and here was a recipe for ‘Party Lemonade!’ Who doesn’t love a party, I had to try it – it was so good I had to share.
I personally like my lemonade a bit more on the tart side, if you favor a sweeter version, juice fewer lemons…
Ingredients and how to: (I’ve slightly adapted it)
In pitcher stir – 1/2 cup sugar (I used raw cane sugar)
Add -1/2 cup hot water
Add – juice of 6-7 lemons
1 lemon, sliced very thin
1 quart (32 oz., 4 cups) cold water
Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon.
Pour into tall chilled glasses, over ice,
garnish with lemon.
Try adding these too…
finely chopped or muddled fresh basil
fresh strawberries
fresh raspberries
mint leaves
club soda
vodka or specialty vodka like Organic Square One Cucumber Vodka (so yummy!)
thinly sliced cucumber
…
any suggestions?
drink your vitamin C, stay cool and enjoy!
Happy Summer
Ahhh, the simple pleasures of summer…freshly picked strawberries are SO incredibly good! I had never picked strawberries before and I really wanted to make homemade strawberry ice cream, so off Finn and I went to a beautiful organic farm in Bowdoinham Maine, Fairwinds Farm, they have acres and acres of beautiful strawberries!
it was an incredibly beautiful and hot day – just right for picking and eating…I did most of the picking while Finn did most of the eating…strawberries warmed in the sun are SO juicy and tasty – simply irresistible!
I decided we’d make a few biscuits too – biscuits, strawberries and freshly whipped cream – need I say more?
Ahhh, summer…ice cream, strawberries and sunshine…and so much more…
My garden feels like it’s taking a bit longer to ‘get going’ this year as opposed to past years. I attribute it to the fluctuating weather we’ve been having these past few weeks…it’s been pretty extreme around here – cold, then SUPER hot and sticky, now it’s cool, balmy and wet … at least I don’t have to worry about watering for the next few days – I just have to contend with the mosquitos and weeds…two things which just love this kind of weather. Before all this wet and sticky weather arrived, we did enjoy a few absolutely beautiful days – thankfully – so before heading to the beach (have to take advantage of every warm sunny day in Maine – there not always abundant…) to play in the sand and sun, Finn and I did a little garden work…
We pulled a few weeds, planted three more tomato plants, tended to the existing plants and of course picked greens – super delicate lettuces, firm and curly kale and vibrant swiss chard…
swiss chard – love the contrast of colors…
kale is just bursting
carrot greens are thickening
pumpkins are thriving near the compost pile and the borage (below) is great not only for the protection it gives the tomatoes, but also for the vibrant color it exudes among all the green…
The corn unfortunately has had a few set-backs – heavy rains for the first planting, intruders for the second planting and now, thankfully, this third planting is beginning to show signs of life – no pics yet, didn’t want to jinx anything…oh the risks of gardening…
Though the benefits far out way the risks – most definitely. Knowing where your food comes from, understanding and appreciating the dedication needed to grow your own, and most importantly the taste it delivers – there’s nothing like it! Not to mention the convenience.
Mushrooms, vermont cheddar cheese and freshly picked kale all melted together between fresh crispy corn tortillas and then topped with sour cream and salsa make for a quick and simple meal – mushroom and kale quesadillas, yum. Add a margarita and it’s a perfect meal!
Too bad I wasn’t able to snap a photo of them before we devoured them, they were delicious! You’ll just have to try and see for yourself! Garden to table – everyone should be so lucky!
until next time – enjoy.
Ripe Red Berries 