By Teri Cayton
The Parsons Advocate
This past weekend I went to see my niece receive her white coat and begin her last year in college to become a veterinarian. I am very proud of her for following her dreams. She had said when she was five years old that when she grew up this is what she was going to do. I really wish I had followed my dreams, but that is all they are now are dreams. Momma Said, “Don’t let the world pass you by, reach out and grab it by the horns.”
I have a feeling coming over me lately to tear something up in my house. I don’t know what yet but something needs to click soon or I am going to go crazy. I need to remodel something and make it look new again. I am trying to find a buffet table on legs with 3 or four doors in the front. I want to make it into a TV stand for my living room. I just can’t seem to find the time to go look for one.
It is supposed to be crappy weather this weekend so maybe I can go to my supply lady and find something that strikes my fancy. She has warehouses full of furniture that I am dying to rummage in. Momma Said, “Maybe I am the furniture whisperer.” When I find the perfect piece it will speak to me and I will know.
This hobby has almost become an obsession to find the most unique piece to redo and bring back into the light. I already have my bathroom vanity picked out and I can’t wait to start on it. It is going to be spectacular if I do say so myself.
Raspberry Lemonade
A refreshing summer drink made with freshly-squeezed lemon juice and raspberries.
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups lemon juice about 10 lemons
- 6 cups cold water
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor combine the raspberries, warm water and granulated sugar. Blend until pureed. With a bowl underneath to collect the mixture, pour the raspberry mixture into a fine mesh sieve. Use the back of a spoon to press the mixture into the sieve to remove as much liquid as possible, you should get about 1/4-1/3 cup raspberry liquid. Set aside.
- Juice the lemons. With a bowl underneath to collect the mixture, pour the lemon mixture into a fine mesh sieve. Use the back of a spoon to press the mixture into the sieve to remove as much liquid as possible, you should get about 1& 1/2 cups lemon juice.
- In a large pitcher combine the lemon juice, raspberry juice and cold water. Taste and add more water if needed.
Notes
You can use fresh or frozen raspberries. If using frozen raspberries, thaw them first.
How to store: Store leftover lemonade in a covered pitcher for 3 to 4 days; give it a good stir before serving.
Notes
You can use fresh or frozen raspberries. If using frozen raspberries, thaw them first.
How to store: Store leftover lemonade in a covered pitcher for 3 to 4 days; give it a good stir before serving.
HOW TO JUICE LEMONS
You’ll need a lot of lemon juice for this recipe, so these tips will help you get the most juice out of each lemon!
- Microwave your lemons for 30 seconds.
- Use the palms of your hands to roll the lemons on the countertop to soften them a bit.
- Cut the lemons lengthwise.
- Use a reamer or juicer to extract the juice.
Expert Tips
Here are some hints and tips for perfect raspberry lemonade:
- Start with the best lemons. When buying lemons for lemonade, look for lemons that feel thin-skinned—this means they have less pith, which means they’re easier to squeeze and your lemonade is less likely to end up bitter.
- Add salt. If your lemonade tastes bitter, add a pinch of salt. This might sound strange, but it works!
- Don’t add ice. It can be tempting to pour your lemonade into a pitcher full of ice cubes, but once they melt, the lemonade will be diluted and bland.
Pink Lemonade Variations
There are so many ways to customize this raspberry lemonade recipe and make it your own!
- Swap out the raspberries. Strawberries will work just as well, or you can use watermelon for a paler shade of pink.
- Make it sparkle. Add sparkling water, lemon-lime soda, or champagne.
- Add some additional flavors. Mint, basil, rosemary, thyme, and even fresh ginger can be muddled and added to your lemonade.
- Make it sugar-free. Substitute your favorite sugar-free sweetener for the granulated sugar.
- Freeze it for lemonade popsicles.