You all know by now that I am a West Virginia girl through and through.
It doesn't matter where you live in this state, whether it be in town or in the most rural of areas, we are country. We wave to complete strangers, we greet one another with a smile, move a little slower, and simple things like "porch sittin'" are a way of life.
*sigh*...Porch sittin'...
At this very moment I am on my porch, dogs in the yard, summer tunes in the background, and a warm breeze blowing through my hair. The only thing that would make this moment better would be an ice cold mason jar of good ol' fashioned Fresh Squeezed Lemonade.
Yes, I know that there are all sorts of great powders on the market, but let me just tell ya, there is NOTHING like the real thing, and you wont believe how easy it is to make. :)
Let me show you!
Old Fashioned Fresh Squeezed Lemonade:
*Prep Time: 10 min. *Cook time: -- *Difficulty: Easy *Servings: approx. 2.5 gallons
Ingredients:
- 4 c. sugar
- 4 c. fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 2 gallons of cold water (32 cups)
- Ice
Instead of just adding granulated sugar to the lemonade,
we are going to make a simple syrup.
A simple syrup is just equal parts water and sugar that
have been heated until the sugar has dissolved in the water.
For our simple syrup you will add the sugar to the sauce pot.
Then add the water.
Turn the heat on and let simmer until, on low until
all of the sugar dissolves.
Then, remove from the heat, and allow to cool.
While the simple syrup is cooling, you can squeeze your lemon juice.
There are lots of nifty tools to do this,
I got this little gem at The Dollar Tree for $1.00.
However, a simple fork and a good squeeze with your hands will work too!
I'm not going to lie to you.
To get enough lemon juice you will need between 12 and 18 lemons,
a lot of work, but it is soooooo worth the effort.
Now that your simple syrup has cooled, and your lemons are juiced,
it is time to start pulling this lemonade together!
Pour the 2 gallons (32 cups) of water into your
dispenser.
Now the lemon juice.
And lastly, the simple syrup.
Stir it all together, finish filling the container with ice,
add a few lemon slices, pour you a nice glass full and....
Head on out to the porch!
Take this time to talk to you husband, wife, children about anything and everything.
Leave the electronics inside.
Holler out to your neighbor, invite them over for a glass,
slow down, and just enjoy the moment.
Life is too short not to.
As always y'all....
Happy Reading, Happy Eating, and Happy Living,
~The Kitchen Wife~
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