Monday, July 6, 2015

Anna Sultana’s Simple Syrup and Lemonade

Homer, in the Iliad, describes the approach of Achilles toward Troy in these words:

Sirius rises late in the dark, liquid sky
On summer nights, star of stars,
Orion's Dog they call it, brightest
Of all, but an evil portent, bringing heat
And fevers to suffering humanity.

The dog days of summer began on July 3.
They’ll be with us until August 11.
The sun is in the same region of the sky as Sirius, the Dog Star. 
People used to believe that this caused the hot weather.
Whatever.
It’s hot, and will just get hotter.
Time to drink some lemonade.

Lemonade is actually good for you.
Along with keeping you hydrated, which is very important, drinking four ounces of lemon juice, mixed with eight cups of water per day, can reduce your risk of getting kidney stones. 
Lemons contain a high concentration of citric acid - higher than any other fruit has - and this weak acid inhibits stone formation.


Hints:

If you want to use fresh lemon juice, you’ll need 4 to 6 lemons to get one cup of juice.

For a little fizz, instead of using 3 to 4 Cups of tap water, use sparkling water.

While making simple syrup add a few slices of ginger to make a ginger lemonade.

To make pink lemonade add 1/2 Cup of raspberries or strawberries before chilling for 30 to 40 minutes.
You can also add cranberries, grape, and/or blackberries.

You can make limeade or a mixture of lemon and lime juice. 
Cherries add a nice touch to limeade. 

Any of these drinks, without the sliced lemons, can be frozen into a slushy or popsicle-like dessert.
The kiddies really enjoy that!!


                        Simple Syrup

Place in a small saucepan
1 Cup sugar
1 Cup water
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Allow the syrup to cool.

                        Lemonade

Place in a large pitcher
1 Cup lemon juice
the cooled simple syrup
3 to 4 Cups water
Refrigerate 30 to 40 minutes.
Serve with ice and sliced lemons.

If you’ve made one of the variations, it’s up to you if you want to add more fruit.

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