Although it still doesn’t feel like it, summer is almost technically here on the east coast and I thought I would share some fun treats I have recently created.
Above is strawberry-rhubarb lemonade that I made from the discarded liquid when I made Martha’s Strawberry-Rhubard Pielets the other day. I also had a ton of filling leftover that was so macerated (and I was so tired, no making an additional pie) that I put it all into a medium saucepan and brought to a boil, then simmered down for ten minutes. I strained the liquid to create a strawberry-rhubard syrup.
I juiced five lemon and strained the seeds and pulp, adding the juice to a large glass pitcher.
Then I added the strawberry-rhubarb syrup and topped with water.
Absolutely delicious! In fact my husband said it was one of the best things he has ever tasted and I agree! Now I know most people aren’t going to have discarded pie filling and macerated fruit juice… So if you want to make a version yourself add equal parts strawberries and rhubarb to a medium sauce pan with some water (a cup or so) and a cup of sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for at least five minutes. If you want stronger flavour, simmer longer and reduce liquid. Strain and use as I did after it cools off.
Seriously, I wish I could drink this every day, it is so good!
It isn’t every day I come across a giant bag of bananas that only cost $3 so I had to take advantage of this deal. Of course getting it home was the toughest part!
I make a ton of smoothies all year and I love cutting up the bananas, putting them on parchment paper and then freezing them. Then I put them in bags for my smoothies later on but this time I wanted to test out a recipe by Claire Robinson and make her peanut butter and nanner ice cream.
You put three chopped frozen bananas in a food processor with some peanut butter and sweetener. She uses honey, I wanted a mocha flavour which goes great with bananas so I added a coffee syrup. You let the food processor do its thing and magically it comes together. I couldn’t taste the mocha very strongly and added some more but the mixture just kind of circled and a lot of the syrup leaked through the bottom, no idea how that happened!
Still, it got super creamy and Reg was absolutely shocked there was no dairy in this at all! A really good alternative for people on a dairy-free diet or just for those without ice cream makers! I am in the middle of attempting to turn this into frozen chocolate-covered peanut butter bites. Maybe today!
One of my favourite drinks ever is my green tea lemonade, inspired by my friend Boho Single Mom. It is so good and simple, I just had to share it again. Go here for the simple recipe. Jamie and I lived on this during her visit in April. Always impressive and delicious.
I finally got a chance to show off my pretty pink glasses in one of my photos on yet another overcast day. The bumble bees did not seem to mind and were very interested in my beverage!!!
I know most of North America feels like summer right now so I hope you get some inspiration from this post and have a weekend filled with cool treats and drinks. Enjoy the warm beautiful weather for me!
I really needed this lemonade yesterday..I like both of these
Those lemonade shots are terrific — especially the last one with the 4 cups all lined up on your deck railing!
The idea of freezing bananas for future smoothies is brilliant. Thanks!!!!!!!
I bet that lemonade is really good and your idea with smoothies is absolutely great because I’m too lazy to make smoothies every day. I’ll just make a tone of that creamy thingy you did there to last forever.
Thank you and Debra, I had fun taking that shot despite getting attacked by bumble bees, LOL. I love those pink glasses! Jana, I save a ton of money, time and energy freezing those bananas. It also ensures the smoothies are super cold. Andreea, that’s why I freeze everything including the yogurt. Making smoothies is so easy when you just dump everything in with no effort.
Stunning drinks Suzie, love those pink glasses too. Cool idea to use up the leftover pie stuff to make those delicious beverages, clearly you can add mixologist to your resume š And the PB and Nanner Ice Cream sounds like an easy cool treat as well, I can see that being a super hit here.
Just found your blog, and I’m glad I did. Nice blog. I’ll be back to visit.
Ava, I love being considered a mixologist! Just one who doesn’t make drinks with alcohol (although this would be delicious with gin, LOL). I hate waste and am glad I came up with something that worked so well. That ice cream fakeout is quite remarkable, your kids will love it.
Christine, so nice to meet you! I look forward to your visits. š
YUMMY! Looks amazing! š
I just found your blog (WHERE have I BEEN? Obviously under a rock) and I am in LOVE! Gorgeous recipes, gorgeous photos, delicious writing. This could very well be my new favourite hangout… pass some of that strawberry rhubarb drink, will ya?
What a great picture! Love it.
Susie, definite signs of summer with this post! It’s just what was needed given this week-end’s weather in Montreal.We hit some chilly weather yesterday and it looks like a dreary day ahead. Not the best for all the tourists in for the Grand Prix.
Both beverages you made look really refreshing. The strawberry-rhubarb drink is really enticing with its beautiful sunset colour. Beautiful photography with the lemonade..loved the way you staged it.
Thanks for giving us two new drinks to try for the sweltering heat ahead.