With the peak-season watermelons showing up at our local farmer’s market, we wanted to pay homage to these sweet treats and to the trickling days of summer. Appropriate for the holiday, it took a bit of elbow grease, but the result is devine.
The recipe follows. Please note that a tarp might be in order for the squishing of the watermelon. Happy Labor Day!
WATERMELON LEMONADE
*3 1/2 c. watermelon juice from about 5 lbs. of melon
*2 1/2 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice, 11-12 lemons
*2 c. water
*simple syrup to taste (we used 1 1/2 c.)
*lemon slices from an organic lemon, for garnish
Make the simple syrup by putting equal parts sugar and water in a small pot over medium-high heat. When the mixture begins to boil, count to 30 slowly with your child, stirring the entire time so that all the sugar dissolves. Take the pot off the heat and let cool while you’re working with the fruit. For this recipe using 1 cup sugar: 1 cup water would work well, but it’s also nice to make larger batches so that you have extra to use in your mojitos later.
Cut your watermelon in half, and place a fine mesh sieve over a large bowl. Begin scooping out chunks of the watermelon with a spoon and placing them in the sieve. Now, get your little helper to start squishing and pressing the watermelon with his or her hands. Keep going until all the watermelon is pressed or until you have 3 1/2 cups of juice.
Gather all your lemons, a cutting board, a knife, a large measuring cup, the fine mesh sieve, and your mini-chef. To make juicing the lemons easier, and to give your mini-chef a very important task, roll each lemon back and forth firmly on your work surface. When one lemon is ready (you may want to give each an extra roll, too), cut it in half and start juicing over the sieve. By the time all of the lemons are rolled, you can help your child juice. Juice and juice and juice some more till you have 2 1/2 cups worth.
Now, get out your pitcher, pour everything in, and give it a stir. Pour tiny samples into cups for you and your child to try. Adjust the sweetness to taste.
Makes about 2 quarts and is delicious chilled or frozen as popsicles.
