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Food
Summer Sipping
JUICY CHEF
Jacqui Sinclair
Thursday, July 02, 2009
It is July already; I cannot believe it, but I am feeling it as my body feels hotter and hotter, and the fan does not seem to be effective as it only circulates hot air even with all of my windows open.
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| Passion and Pineapple Slush. (Photos: Lionel Rookwood) |
Sometimes outdoors is quite oppressive with the sun beating down aggressively on our backs, sucking out the energy we feel. Or, it can have the opposite effect and be totally invigorating. The temperatures are rising and the humidity is in full effect - summer is here! This is a time when our thirst levels rise and we have to keep seriously hydrated. There is nothing more precious than water, but of course, for variety, there are certain drinks we can prepare to cool us down as well as being a welcome treat.
As you know, I like to focus on beverages from time to time, and now with the advent of summer I would like to give you alternative ideas for lemonade and iced teas which are absolutely delicious in their own right. We are blessed with many fruit trees which are beginning to become loaded with summer fruit.
Cherries and plums are currently in season and make delicious drinks blended with water and ginger. Try to make the most of these fruits by picking and immediately freezing them so you can enjoy them out of season. Red fruits are naturally good for you as they are loaded with nutrients. In fact, it is said that a handful of West Indian cherries are more loaded with vitamin C than an orange.
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| Cucumber Cooler |
Passion fruits should also be arriving soon. The perennial much- loved watermelon and pineapple also make energising drinks by themselves and mixed with other fruit. The humble cucumber makes a refreshing cooler. Not local to our shores is cranberry juice but it is a popular drink on the island, and while on the more expensive side, it can be stretched with soda water for a light, revitalising mouthful.
Enjoy the following summer beverages to quench your thirst and cool you down over the next few months.
Passion and Pineapple Slush
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| Cranberry Grape Cooler |
Serves 2
Ingredients:
1 cup of pineapple chunks
6 fl oz passion fruit
1 ripe banana
2 tbsp coconut cream
Ice cubes
Method:
Mix all of the above in a blender and serve with straws in two tall glasses.
Cranberry Grape Cooler
Serves 4
Ingredients:
4 cups cranberry grape juice
2 1/2 cups of soda water
Ice, to serve
Method:
Mix cranberry grape juice and soda water together.
Serve over lots of ice.
Cucumber Cooler
Serves 6
You can turn this drink alcoholic by adding one cup of vodka or gin. I have never tried it, but I am sure it would be lovely with our local white rum as well.
Ingredients:
4 medium-sized cucumbers, peeled, seeded and roughly chopped
3 limes, juiced
3/4 cup white granulated sugar
6 cups, ice cold water, divided
Mint, for garnish
Cucumber wedges, for garnish
Method:
Blend cucumbers, lime juice and sugar with 2 cups of water.
Pour into a large pitcher and add the remaining 4 cups of water.
Add more sugar or lime juice to taste if it needs adjusting.
Garnish with mint and cucumber wedges.
Happy Sipping and Bon Appétit!
Jacqui Sinclair is a Cordon Bleu-trained chef/food stylist & hotelier. She has worked in the world of food photography and film in Europe. A bon vivant, she is passionate about sharing her food secrets with enthusiastic home cooks. Contact Juicy at info@juicychef.com
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