Would you just look at that? Did your mouth just water? It's one of those Pavlovian responses you almost can't stop!
Watermelon. Ruby red, light pink fading to pure white, stripey green flesh, black tear drop seeds, and sweet juice that goes all over your face, hands and down your arms to your elbows. Does anything say "Summer is here" like the first watermelon?
For some really good nutritional facts, you may want to go here and read up. Turns out not only is watermelon a visually pleasing fruit, and delicious, but it is damn good for you! You see all that red? That means beta-carotene. That also means lycopene. It means vitamin C and tons of anti-oxidants. And . . . . .
apparently it contains high levels of something called arginine. Arginine has something to with prostate, erectile dysfunction and lowering blood pressure. So if you would like to give someone you love a little "boost" in that department, ahem, give them a big hunk of watermelon!
Or you could whip up a batch of this drink. This has become one of my all-time favorite beverages. I got this several years ago in a little book put out by Southern Living magazine. (sorry, I have no clue how to underline for titles).
Make this recipe the first time the way it is written. Then let your imagination take wing and explore loads of varations. Try it with cantaloupe, or my favorite, honeydew with cucumber. Add in some herbs like flat leaf parsley, rosemary, basil, mint, or cilantro. I promise you it ranks right up there with Sonic fresh limeade slushies in the fabulous department!
Enjoy!
Watermelon Cooler
8 cups (1/2 inch) seeded watermelon cubes
1 1/2 cups ginger ale
1/3 cup water
1 (6-oz.) can frozen limeade concentrate
Garnish: watermelon slices
Place watermelon in a single layer in an extra-large zip-top plastic freezer bag and freeze at least 8 hours. Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes.
Process half each of the frozen watermelon, ginger ale, water and limeade concentrate in a blender until smooth; pour mixture into a pitcher. Repeat procedure with remaining half of ingredients; pour into pitcher, and serve immediately. Garnish cups with the watermelon slices.
***My notes: The seeding is a lot of work. Buy seedless watermelon to save time, and don't worry about the little white seeds. They blend down to nothing so don't bother digging them out.
Makes about 8 cups
Chris and I have already gone through two this spring/summer, and I have one on my grocery list for today :) mmmmmmm
ReplyDeleteTry this recipe, it is really so yummy. I was just thinking how pretty it would be to do half with red watermelon and half with either yellow or with honeydew and then layering in the glass like a parfait.
ReplyDeleteAnd also, try the Reed's Genuine Ginger Beer. I usually get the one that says Extra Ginger on the label. It is made with honey and pineapple juice for sweetening rather than the evil HFCS and lots of real ginger. When you only have 3 ingredients, make them of the highest quality. Woot!!
I'm doing it, LisaPie. We have been so fortunate this summer. Florida has a bounty of summertime fruits, but the watermelon this year is exceptionally sweet and delicious. Anytime anyone leaves the house, I tell them to pick up a watermelon. Love that my favorite fruit is so good for you.
ReplyDeleteI put watermelon slices in my water pitcher and put it in the refrigerator. It is cool and refreshing. I love watermelon
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa, thanks for stopping by my blog. That watermelon picture is making me hungry! Do you think that drink would have the same health benefits with a little vodka in it? Just wondering. :)
ReplyDeleteShelly, vodka, rum, even gin would totally add another level "health" benefits. Yes, indeedy!
ReplyDelete