{Tasty Tuesday: Strawberry Lemonade}

This is the last week of summer.  The first official day of fall is on Saturday and as much as I love fall, I'm holding on to summer as much as I can.

I'm just going to miss BBQing and the sun being up while we're eating dinner. 

I mean, when fall does come, I will welcome it.  I do love the crisp air and scarves and boots.

But until then, I'm going to hold on to summer.  Yesterday was a gorgeous and warm *summer* day and  I wanted to embrace it considering I can only call it summer for 5 more days.

Fresh lemonade. 

Does that not scream summer to you? 

And you know what else screams summer? 

Strawberries.

Hense...Strawberry Lemonade.  It had to happen.

And boy am I glad that it happened.  Husband and I enjoyed them on our back patio after he got off work and it felt like a summer day.  See?  We're enjoying summer while it's still summer.  We just love it.

Strawberry Lemonade for Two

What You'll Need:

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (approx. 3 large lemons)

1 T lemon zest

6 Strawberries

Water

1/2 cup sugar

Mint for garnishing

1.  Grab your lemons.  We got ours from my in-laws backyard a few weeks ago on our way up to Oregon.

2.  Cut them in half and squeeze the living daylights out of them (unless you have a fancy lemon juicer).  You'll need 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice.

3.  Get your 1 tablespoon of lemon zest ready.

4.  Cut the stems off of about six strawberries.  I used more, but I ended up having a lot leftover.

5.  In a blender, puree your strawberries with 1/4 cup of water.

6.  Next, make your "simple syrup."  Combine 1/2 cup sugar with 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil in a small pot, stirring often.  Let simmer for about 3 minutes, still stirring, or until sugar is dissolved.  Remove from heat, and let cool.

7.  Add your fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.  Stir to combine.

8.  Place mixture in an airtight container and put in the fridge until cool or when ready to make lemonade.  It will keep for up to 3 weeks in the fridge.

9.  When you're ready to make your lemonade, begin by pouring ice in your glass.  Then add 1/2 cup of your lemon mixture, 1 cup of cold water, and 5 tablespoons of your strawberry puree.  Mix together and garnish with a sprig of mint.  Voila!  Summer in a jar for your tasty pleasure.  You're welcome.