Rosemary Limeade

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

I am freaked out right now. Since Jess is gone for the month, I can choose the Netflix movies coming to me. I have to confess that I have a thing for teeny bopper movies. I just love the tweener drama. Currently I'm watching the new Nancy Drew movie, but it is seriously scary. And I'm not saying that sarcastically. I mean that I am really truly scared. I thought Nancy Drew was going to be a lot of benign sleuthing, but I was so wrong. It has ghosts, scary people popping up, and murder. I can't handle that when I'm watching something alone. I've never done well with scary stuff. The first scary movie I watched was as a junior in college and I ended up grabbing my neighbor's hand and biting it during a particularly fearful time. There was a bathtub scene that freaked us out so much that Jess and I had to go to the bathroom TOGETHER that night. I can't watch CSI or Law & Order because they make me imagine all sorts of things. I can't read mystery books because my heart won't stop pounding. I can't listen to ghost stories because they are way way way too real to me. Been there, done that, don't need a recap. Basically I'm blogging right now to distract myself and to not get too into the movie so that I can actually sleep tonight. I feel slightly silly at the moment.

Anyway, I don't know why I haven't told you about my Rosemary Lemonade/Limeade until now. Last year I introduced it into our menu and ever since, it's been an ever-present part of our summers. So simple and so amazingly good.



Rosemary Limeade

Simple Syrup:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
fistful of rosemary sprigs (I've also used other herbs like sage and basil)

Put sugar and water in medium sized sauce pan. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure sugar is completely dissolved. Once it has boiled, remove from heat and throw in rosemary. Cover (very important to do this so that the essential oils don't escape in the steam) and let steep for 20 minutes. Strain through fine mesh sieve when done steeping. Can be stored in the refrigerator for weeks.

To complete limeade you need:
Juice from Limes or Lemons (one piece of fruit generally is good for 2-3 servings)
Water

Stir together. This is the ratio that works for me:
1 part simple syrup
1 part lime or lemon juice
2-3 parts water

Make sure that you taste and adjust accordingly.