Above: Berry and non-berry version
As Hurricane Irene wound me up, it also wound me down. I planned on spending this past weekend on Cape Cod at my folks’ place enjoying some last summer days at the beach, digging clams, and eating homemade ice cream. Hurricane Irene had different ideas. At first I was disappointed by her agenda. However, I was able to embrace the idea and looked at this as an adventure. We ended up driving home from the cape Saturday afternoon, stocked up on beverages and goodies from the Front Street Gourmet, dug out our Don’t Give Up the Ship tee-shirts and flag, made sure our flashlights were ready to go with working batteries, and called a friend who was celebrating his 40th Birthday that evening to let him know we would be there.
Originally all I wanted was to enjoy a long weekend on the cape and sizzle in the sun like a juicy piece of citrus-marinated shrimp on the grill. Instead, I was able to spend quality time with my family and friends, experience the storm in action, live in the moment, try out some new recipes, and relax. For anyone that knows me I rarely relax unless I am forced to do so due to some act of nature I have no control over…such as a hurricane. So Hurricane Irene: as much as you were an inconvenience I appreciated the fact that you forced me to take a walk on the wild side. It turned out to be a great weekend, full of cherished memories in a very different way than I had envisioned.
Hurricane Irene taught me the importance of making lemonade when life hands you lemons. I did just that……literally. Last week I bought some watermelons at the farmers market. My intention was to test out making a variety of different watermelon lemonades. If Hurricane Irene did not pay us a visit I probably would have sliced up the watermelons and snacked on them as I basked in the sun not bothering with the lemonade idea. Hurricane Irene didn’t let that happen. Instead, she gave me the opportunity to make delicious and refreshing lemonade to enjoy and share with others. I was going to call the final recipe Laura’s Lemonade but I felt Irene deserved the credit.
Irene’s Lemonade
2 small watermelons (I use Yellow Crimson because I find they are easier to seed and are sweet like honey. However, you can use Sugar Babies instead if yellow watermelon freaks you out). Set several slices aside for garnish
1 cup of strawberries
Lemonade- make your own or go buy some. Newman’s Own is my favorite store bought brand of lemonade. There are many different ways to make your own lemonade. Use whatever recipe fits your fancy.
Minced Basil- ¼ cup (This is one of the most important ingredients, don’t leave this out)
Cut up and seed watermelon into slices
Slice up strawberries (optional)
Puree watermelon and strawberries in food processor
Add to a pitcher of lemonade
50%lemonade, 50% puree
Mince basil add and stir into pitcher
Chill and serve
Garnish glass with watermelon slice
Irene’s Lemonade Direct Hit version:
Add vodka
