Freshly Minted

There is something extra special about the first few warm days of a new year. It's a nice excuse to make an extra fresh treat.  Although I don't like to eat watermelon off the rind, I cannot deny that the smell is intoxicating, and it is a taste that belongs to Summer. Mint is another warm weather favorite. If I'm not making mint tea, I am finding ways to include it in other dishes. For lunch, I think it best to keep it light- I love a salad, and an ultra refreshing drink. I made a vegetable medley reminiscent of a caprese salad. The drink I fixed up was a mint watermelon lemon spritzer.  The color of the drink is just phenomenal.

Mint Watermelon Lemon Spritzer
 
  .5 C Fresh mint leaves
  1.5 C Unseeded watermelon cubes
  .5 C Sugar
  .5 - .75 C Lemon Juice
  .75 C Boiling water
  Sparkling water
  Ice

  Put the cubed, seedless watermelon in a blender, and blend well. Add the sugar to the boiling water, and stir until fully dissolved. Strain the blended watermelon into a pitcher, and add in the sugar water mixture. Add in half of the mint leaves, then give the other half of the leaves a twist, and add them in as well. Add lemon juice, to taste. Add in sparkling water to taste until it is diluted as you would like. Put in refrigerator, and let chill. When you pour the drink in individual glasses, add in ice, and garnish with a few mint leaves.

Cucumber Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

  .5 C English Cucumber
  .5 C Cherry Tomatoes
  .25 C Small Mozzarella Balls
  2 Tbl Seasoned Rice Vinegar
  Salt & Pepper

   Peel cucumber, then quarter and slice. Halve the tomatoes, and the mozzarella balls. Put them all in a bowl together, making sure everything is evenly dispersed. Add in the vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!


xoxo- e