Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

A lot of people think of lemonade as a summer time treat.  But it is my drink of choice all year long, besides water.  I used to use processed powder mixes, until I realized they all contained aspartame and we were trying to cut that out of our diet.  Then I discovered how easy fresh squeezed lemonade is to make.  

 1.  Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 cup water

7-8 lemons

2.   Juice Lemons

Lemons should be room temperature or warmer before the juice is removed making it easier. I use approximately 7 to 8 medium size lemons.  This should yield about 1 ½ cups of juice.  If they are cold, you can warm the lemons by placing in the microwave for about 1 minute. After the lemons have been warmed, roll them on a solid surface using the palm of your hand.

This will help release the juice, you can feel them lemon start to soften.  Cut them in half and juice one half at a time either by hand or using a juicer. 

If using a juicer apply pressure and twist the lemon to remove the juice.  I then pour the juice through a strainer to get out the seeds and pulp.  If pulp is desired, it could be left in. 

3.     Combine

In a saucepan, bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil and then add 1 1/2 cups of sugar.  Continue to cook over medium low heat until sugar has completely dissolved.  Remove from the heat and add 1 1/2 cups of the fresh lemon juice to sugar water mixture.  

4.  Assemble 

Mix thoroughly and then allow the mixture to cool completely.  Put syrup into pitcher and add to it enough water to make 2 quarts. 

**Look for some future posts about things you can do with your left over lemon peels. Thanks!