Pink Lemonade (Watermelon)

Photo/sweetlilmzmia

I am in "very" sunny Palm Springs, California where the forecast high for today is 101 degrees. Just two days ago, I was shivering under an umbrella in Oklahoma. What a pleasant change in climate! Now I am sitting on the hotel balcony craving pink lemonade. It would hit the spot. 

When I am home, I use this deliciously sweet recipe  from Pat Crocker's The Smoothies Bible (2003). Watermelons, the recipe's key ingredient, won't mature in Oklahoma for another 4 or 5 months (planting season started mid-April); however, they can be found in the local market throughout the year. 

We Oklahoman's love our watermelons!  If you are passing through Oklahoma August 13th, 2011, join the 20,000-30,000 visitors at the Rush Springs Watermelon Festival.  The festival started in 1948 and has been going strong ever since, in large part due to the 50,000+ pounds of watermelons purchased from area melon growers and served to visitors during the day. Activities include watermelon exhibits, stage shows, tiny tots contest, free watermelon feed, antique car show, rodeo, carnival, and arts and crafts fair. Admission is free. Maybe I will see you there!

This recipe serves 4.

Substitutions:

Read more: What Can Be Substituted for Crystallized Ginger?

Liquid Honey=maple syrup, light or dark corn syrup, molasses

If you would like to make your own candied ginger, please visit the Cook's Thesaurus.

Pink Lemonade

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup orange or cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 6 ice cubes, divided and crushed, if necessary
• 2 cups chopped seeded peeled watermelon, divided
• 2 tsp chopped candied ginger (optional)
• 1 tbsp liquid honey (or to taste)

Preparation

1) In blender, combine orange juice, lemon juice, 3 ice cubes, 1 cup watermelon, and ginger (if using). Cover with lid and blend on Low for 1 minute.

2) Stop blender. Add remaining watermelon and ice. Replace lid and process as directed until smooth. Sweeten with honey.