Can’t believe this hot weather keeps going on and on . . . ! Who would have thought it? Who would have thought England in the semi-finals?!
So, sorry to be a nag – but are you drinking enough? It is very important to keep hydrated in this heat – but I understand water can be tooo boring – and alcohol can actually be even more dehydrating so all those beers and even Pimms? I gave you a couple of drink recipes a few blogs ago (elderflower cordial and champagne) so here is a couple more – and how to quickly cut up a watermelon, the most thirst quenching of all fruit.
Lay the watermelon on a cutting board and trim both ends with a sharp knife. Slice in half. Stand up the watermelon and slice down the middle to create two big halves. Lay each half flesh side-down and cut in half again. You’ll have a total of 4 long pieces. Turn each quartered piece horizontal and slice into 1″ strips to create triangles. You can freeze the triangles and eat like an ice lolly or chop them up and add to drinks as ice cubes.
Try salting the watermelon before it serve it – it’s totally optional but believe it or not helps bring out the sweetness!
The Easiest Ginger Beer
Grate about 14og of fresh ginger into a mortar. Add a small handful of Demerara sugar and the zest of 3 lemons. With the pestle, muddle the ginger, sugar and lemon zest together and mix really well, Juice the lemons and mix with the ginger. Pour into a large bottle of fizzy water, allow to sit for 10 – 20 minutes, shaking occasionally. Strain and chill before serving.
. . . . . and Lemonade
Measure 150g of caster sugar into a pan. Add 750 ml of water and heat, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved. Set aside to cool, then refrigerate. When cold, stir in the juice of 6 lemons. When ready to serve, top up with fizzy water.
Ailsa cooks for One 