The Pause That Refreshes

For a long time I have admired your blogs with the collages. After four days of fussing, I finally figured out how to do it on Picassa. I feel like one of the big kids now! I couldn't wait to show off for you!

Do you remember that old commercial where the tag line was "the pause that refreshes?" Was it for Coke? Or Pepsi? Maybe it was Mountain Dew? I don't remember anymore but I do remember the catchy line.

Cherry Lemon Cooler
(From Getting By on A Dime and The Northwest Cherry Board)

3 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 cup fresh sweet cherries, halved and pitted
1 cup fresh lemon juice, refrigerated
Crushed ice
1 bottle (1 liter) club soda or seltzer
Fresh sweet cherries with stems, for garnish (and just plain good eating!)

4 long stems fresh mint-optional (for garnish)

Combine water and sugar in small saucepan; add halved cherries. Bring mixture to boil; reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

Strain syrup into container with tight fitting lid; discard cherries. Refrigerate syrup until cold.

Fill a tall 12 to 16-ounce glass with ice. Pour 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/3 cup syrup over ice and top with club soda. Garnish with cherries and mint. Makes 4 servings.

Tip: Leftover syrup may be stored, refrigerated, up to one week.

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving: 140 Cal., 0 g pro., 0 g fat, 37 g carb., 0 mg chol., 1 g fiber, 28 mg sodium


Vietnamese Coffee

8 cups chilled coffee (leftover coffee is perfect for this!)
1 can sweetened condensed milk

Combine both ingredients in a pitcher. Find a long handled spoon; stir until well combined. Make sure and click the spoon against the sides of your glass picture. It's music. Get yourself a tall frosted glass. Toss in some ice cubes, pour chilled coffee over ice, hear ice crackle.

Summer is too short. Kick back and enjoy!