.strawberry basil lemonade.

ingredients:

4-5 cups water

1-2 cups sugar to taste

1 pint strawberries

5-6 lemons

a couple handfuls of fresh basil

step one:

send sweet friends outside to pick basil.

step two:

squeeze lemons.

chop strawberries.

step three:

bring water and sugar to boil.

stir.

add most of the strawberries and most of the basil to the pot (tear basil leaves in half before adding).

lower heat to low-medium and simmer for about half an hour,

stirring occasionally.

step four:

strain out solids and discard.

(i hate throwing out fruit, but at this point the strawberries and basil have no flavor left in them! it's all in the water!)

stir in lemon juice.

stir.

taste.

add sugar or lemon juice as necessary for desired sweet-tartness

(but we found it just right!).

step five:

pour into jars!

fills about five pint-size mason jars.

add a few of the remaining strawberries and basil leaves

to each jar for a lovely look.
seal tightly... this juice is VERY pink.
i also recommend not spilling...
especially not immediately after asking people half your age to be very careful.
(conveniently, strawberry basil lemonade is an excellent compliment to humble pie!)

step six:

unleash just-released-for-the-summer-bursting-with-creativity middle-schoolers

on a basket full of paper, glue, scissors, glitter and yarn

and watch magic happen.

step seven:

admire your jars of beautiful and delicious summer refreshment!

drink yourself and enjoy the taste

and distribute to friends and family and enjoy giving a lovely and fun gift.

happy taste of summer!

(love these girls + love cooking and crafting with them!)