We live in a four-plex with a narrow shared backyard. Since three of the four households here have kids, summers are dreamy times when kids runs amok with only occasional interference from moms and dads. We put water in the kiddie pool last week. And the neighbors pushed over their slide. Then the eldest discovered that if we run the hose through the old laundry line support, we can have a trickling water fall running onto the slide and swooshing into the pool. Shoes have not been worn since.
And clearly, in this summer space, there is a great need for lemonade. We happily helped ourselves to some fragrant yellow fruit set out in a cardboard box at the edge of a lawn down the street. And Desmond and I went berry crazy at the Hollywood Farmers Market on Sunday. So when some more pals popped by yesterday to play in our jury-rigged backyard oasis, Paul and Desmond whipped up some berry lemonade. It was mostly made with strawberries, and a few stragglers from the pint of squishy boysenberries that we gobbled up as soon as we got home from the market, but you can use any combination of berries you like. With Fathers Day Sunday, I think it is an appropriate time to mention, that Desmond and Felix have one rad dad. I love that guy. And his summer drinks are pretty great too.
Berry Lemonade
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (or the juice of 2 - 3 lemons)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 3 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups of hulled (That means take off the stem.) berries
Put all ingredients in blender and process until smooth. Strain if you like, we don't, and serve in a big pitcher with lots of ice.
