Sassy Southern Cooking with a French Twist

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Sparkling Fruity Slushy for Cool Fourth of July Fun

Celebrating Summer and Fourth of July Following a Nearly Forgotten Spring

Forgive me readers, it’s been three months since my last blog post.

Almost certainly like you, this pandemic situation has left me remembering aspects of my life long-forgotten (like regular childhood confessions before receiving sacrament at Mass), and creating fresh habits and perspectives that have enhanced my own life and cooking in ways I could never have imagined.  In the newly refreshed long-forgotten camp, the meditative power of cleaning and walking and time alone with pets. My nature renaissance even extended to a burgeoning love of “birding” and a fascination with a young family of finches that were born, nurtured, and fledged outside my front door petunia basket around Mother’s Day.  In the fresh habits, I’ve cut out television (especially news, which I refuse to watch), worked with and cooked almost exclusively with fresh fruits and vegetables, eaten more ice cream (!!), and increased my reading and (not surprisingly) kitchen time. I’ve spent a lot of time feeling grateful for the small bounties afforded every day that in busier months past I may have overlooked.  I even rediscovered with childlike glee fireflies flitting about a few evenings ago. For reasons unknown, even though I was cooking more and even better foods, I felt less inspired to tell people about it. I wanted to keep it, and a lot of things, to myself. I went inward. That’s where I and maybe you needed to be, too.

But, with July here, and mercifully the specter of Covid-19 (though still here) waning with the slow reopening of a prudent, contained Virginia, I do want to share this delicious fruity recipe for a cool, alcohol-free slushy with you to help you celebrate July 4th and summer, safely, and in this case, most healthfully. The “core” of this recipe is frozen watermelon, an idea shared with me by my boyfriend, who has also polished his cooking knowledge and interest during this slow time. He freezes watermelon and grapes to have as cool treats and possible embellishments to his morning “green” drinks. So, I’ve added a freezer bag to my freezer at all times. The trick is to get your hands on a nice, mini, sweet, seedless watermelon. Wash well in lightly soapy water (even in non Covid-19 times), rinse, and dry.  After that, I cut mine in half, and then slice each half into several 1-inch thick slices. From there, cut off the rinds (discard or compost), and cut the melon into 2-inch cubes. Pop in a freezer bag and forget about them until it’s time for a cool, mid-afternoon, mouth popping snack, or a refreshing summertime “slushy.”

Make it just before using. The Sprite (or lime/lemon soda) will lose its pop within about one hour. If you don’t use it all at once, keep it cool in the fridge or freezer. If you want to modify, feel free to add a banana or peaches or alcohol – vodka would make a neat, clean addition.  For extra fun, you could pour it over a few of your own watermelon ice cubes.  Garnish with fresh blueberries, mint, and an old-fashioned red and white paper straw, if you like.

Have fun and be safe out there and remember to count your blessings every day. Be kind, patient, and know that this, and nothing, lasts forever. Including life. Cherish yours and those you love and Happy Fourth of July and cooking! I’ll be enjoying mine, especially watching my little finch family, two babies all grown up to almost indiscernible adulthood now, feeding at the feeder outside my kitchen window.

Sparkling Watermelon & Strawberry Mint Slushy

(Makes 2 large to 4 moderate servings)

Sparkling Frozen Watermelon and Strawberry Mint Slushy

 

Ingredients:

2 cups frozen watermelon cubes

1 cup hulled, halved fresh strawberries

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

8 leaves (about 1 tablespoon fresh mint)

2 cups Sprite or another lemon/lime soda

Pulse to combine in a blender until frothy smooth. Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh blueberries and mint leaves.

Bon appetit!

 

Holly and Rocky and “my” baby finches, just about to fly the nest and into their new lives, on Memorial Day.

Author, Chef, Cookbook writer Holly Herrick

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Summertime and the Cooking is Easy

I think you’ll enjoy this post and recipe about easy summer cooking. This one features Opa! Greek Surprise Lamb Stuffed Tomatoes. Serve them cool and put the heat on the back burner.

Opa! Greek Surprise Lamb Stuffed Tomatoes

Opa! Greek Surprise Lamb Stuffed Tomatoes

Here’s the link:

http://charleston.thepermanenttourist.com/summertime-and-the-cooking-is-easy/

Happy and cool summer cooking!

Holly

 

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