Mmmmm Lemonade

I bought this citrus press last week.

I had been wanting one for some time so it would be a lot easier to make cocktails and mixed drinks. However, with being preggers I decided to initiate it by making some fresh lemonade. I got this recipe out of one of my old Cooking Light magazines. So far it has gotten rave reviews to each person who I given a taste. So give it a try:

(P.S. It's a whole lot easier with a citrus press then by hand- I got mine at Home Goods for $16.99)

Basic Lemonade

Make a simple syrup. Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil for 1 minute or until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, pour into a glass pitcher, and transfer to the refrigerator to cool completely. (Mixture may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.)

Squeeze lemons. Slice about 11 lemons in half, then juice. They'll yield about 1-1/2 cups.

Combine and serve. Pour the lemon juice into the pitcher with the simple syrup, along with 3-1/2 cups of cold water and 2 cups of ice; stir. Garnish with thin slices of lemon, then serve. Yield: about 8 cups

Berry Variation:

This is to give is a more fanciful twist. I made two pitchers: Strawberry and Blackberry mint.

Replace the 1-1/2 cups of lemon juice in the original recipe with 3/4 cup pureed and strained berries of your choice with 3/4 cup lemon juice.

Optional: Add 6 chopped mint leaves for a gourmet and unique taste.