Throwback Thursday - Strawberry Lemonade

We are in the midst of a heat wave here, record setting temperatures!  Yesterday, it was 44 celsius in our back yard (that's 111 F!).  I love the heat of summer, though not the fires that come with the heat.  Here's hoping for some rain (lightening free) to help our forest fire fighters in their battles around the province.

Today's Throwback Thursday recipe is for Strawberry Lemonade.  Love making fresh lemonade for my family...check out the recipe here!

Watermelon Lemonade

I am SO IN LOVE with fresh, homemade lemonade this summer.  And I am loving trying new flavour combinations.  My food processor is getting a workout these days with all my experiments.  I've discovered that our 5 year old likes his lemonade on the tart side, while my hubby and I prefer things a little sweeter.   My latest kick is Watermelon Lemonade.  Here is a version that I made recently:

4 cups sliced/cubed watermelon (approximately 1/2 of a watermelon)
4 lemons
Water (3-4 cups, or depending on your taste)
Simple syrup (to taste) - Here is how to make simple syrup

In a food processor, puree the watermelon.  Squeeze the juice out of the 4 lemons, and combine with the watermelon puree.  STRAIN into your pitcher.  Add ice cold water and mix.  Add your simple syrup and mix.  Start by adding a 1/2 cup of the syrup and taste - then add more syrup as needed to satisfy your taste buds!

I've also made a version throwing a little pineapple juice into the mix.  Our son loved that one a LOT!

Enjoy!!

Strawberry Lemonade

A few weeks ago I shared with you a recipe for Strawberry Infused Vodka...that sure was tasty...and since then I've also made some Blueberry Infused Vodka, another delicious treat!  Both of these pair nicely with Sprite/7-Up and the Strawberry version really paired nicely with Strawberry Lemonade.  Ever since I made this lemonade, I have been craving more...good thing I have more lemons!  Now if only the weather would smarten up!  Here is the recipe:

Homemade Strawberry Lemonade (Source: My Baking Addiction)


1 cup sugar
1 cup water
Fresh strawberries
1 cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 6-8 lemons, freshly squeezed)
4-6 cups cold water

Combine the sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan.  Heat over medium heat until the sugar is disolved, stirring occasionally.  Allow to cool.  This makes your simple syrup.

Squeeze/juice the lemons.

Take the strawberries and 1/2 cup water and puree in a blender.

Combine the cooled simple syrup, pureed strawberries and the lemon juice in a large pitcher.  Add water - start with 4 cups and taste.  Add more water as your taste prefers. 

VERDICT:
Oh.My.Goodness.  This was so so good!  What a perfect summer drink, I look forward to enjoying more to cool off from the heat of summer.  The lemonade was a hit with everyone in the family!

Strawberry Infused Vodka

A while ago my hair stylist told me about how dangerous strawberry lemonade can be...especially with a little bit of vodka.  She sent me her lemonade recipe, which of course I can't find anywhere (sorry Roxy!), so I searched for a new one., found it, made it, and well...I'll be sharing that one with you soon :-)  Yes, I am a bit of a tease. 
Before I could make my strawberry lemonade, I wanted to make some Strawberry Infused Vodka to add to that lemonade, to kick up that strawberry-ness just a little.  And it makes for a nice, adult drink!  I had no idea that making an infused vodka was so stinkin' easy...thanks to Shutterbean for the recipe and tutorial!

1 pint of fresh strawberries
2 cups vodka

Wash, hull and slice the strawberries.  Fill a mason jar. Measure out the vodka, pour over the strawberries.  Seal.  Let the vodka/strawberry mixture sit for up to a week - on your counter, in the pantry, just not in direct sun.  Give the mixture a good shake everyday.  When you are ready, strain the mixture. Strain it well...get as many of those little bits out that you can!  I also squeezed as much juice as I could out of those strawberries.  You will now have some beautiful, sweet smelling, nectar-like vodka that you can store in little mason jars in the fridge and add to your favourite drinks.

It's easy peasy!!

VERDICT:

My husband was doubting me when I said that I was making Strawberry Infused Vodka.  Maybe because I don't really drink much (been busy making babies for the last 6 years!) - so he was rather shocked when he opened up that jar full of strawberries that was sitting on the counter, took a whiff, and WOWZERS what a surprise.  This was before the infusion had really set in, so it was more of an alcohol smell than the sweet strawberry smell that it is now.  And it is just that...such a beautiful sweet smelling concoction...I just want to chug-a-lug! LOL.  We added some to our strawberry lemonade, and well...YUM!  You'll have to come back and try the recipe for strawberry lemonade...posting soon :-)

Scrumptious Sunday #9 - Features!

Week #9 of the Scrumptious Sunday Link Party was another great success!  Thank you so much for sharing 89 of your fabulous recipes!  You make it so tough for a girl to choose features!  If you are featured, please grab a button!

<a href="http://iamaddictedtorecipes.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w519/AddictedtoRecipes/addictedbutton.jpg" width="200" height="177" border="0" alt="I was featured, I was Featured by Addicted to Recipes"></a>

Before I get to the features, just a reminder that I will post the links on my Facebook page...and NEW THIS WEEK, I will also be pinning each featured recipe on my Pinterest board!

Here are this week's features!

Dreami Kiwi Lemonade from Baking with Blondie

Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork with Bleu Cheese Coleslaw from Living Gorgeously

Mini Red Velvet Cupcakes from DJ's Sugar Shack

And because these look just like my favourite Starbuck's treat, Oatmeal Fudge Bars from Close to Home!

Congratulatiosn everyone!
Just a reminder the Scrumptious Sunday Link Party #10 opens on Saturday evening at 8 pm PST. I am really excited to see what you bring to next week's party!