Sunday, August 23, 2009

It's Hot

I don't know if it's just that I've been cooped up inside a lot this summer, or if it really hasn't been all that summery hot this year but I'm having a hard time believing that end of summer is coming. I'm not going to pretend though--I am not shedding any tears. Though I love some aspects of summer, like the markets, fairs, and all the fabulous produce, when it comes down to it, I'm just not a summer girl. I am so incredibly heat intolerant--nothing is more miserable to me than being hot. Grouchy and mean words come out of my mouth uncontrollably--it's like I have some sort of heat induced Tourette's. Do you think that's a real thing maybe?

I'd take a snowstorm over 95 degrees ANY day. I think England, even with cold rain coming down, is preferable to Mexico or the Caribbean. In fact, there's only a brief one month period around February, where tropical vactions even appeal to me.

All this to say that I really wanted to throw something in the dutch oven and let it simmer all day long, but the weather did not cooperate. Nothing was going to be simmering for very long in this kitchen. Luckily, simple syrup takes about 5 minutes tops.

I love cucumber slices in my water--it's just so fresh tasting. I also love this new trend of cucumber cocktails. While I could take or leave alcohol, I wondered if the same ingredients, minus the gin, would be as refreshing. It was...it was better actually.

I made a basic simple syrup (1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, boiled until sugar dissolves), cooled it to room temp and threw it in the blender with one chopped up english cuke. I refrigerated it until cold, and strained out the cucumber pieces.

Add some of the cucumber syrup to a glass with the juice of half a lime and a bit of seltzer and who needs soda? Add some schmance, frivolous diamond ice cubes, and the heat is almost tolerable. Almost.

8 comments:

Lynn said...

This looks wonderful, but, I would still like it with gin!

Lynn said...

MaryMary,

As a complete aside, I wanted to write to you, but, I could not find an email address for you. I wanted to explain my lack of commenting on your wonderful blog. Trust me, I have been visiting, but, I haven't been able to comment. I finally dug out an old gmail account and now I am able. Your blog is my favorite. I love everything about it. Cheers, Lynn

lmletourneau@mac.com

Leslie said...

you changed your picture...and your other picture...and you blogged...hang on, i better go back and read the post so i can comment on that too!!!

Leslie said...

ok, i am back...that sounds so amazing. I love a cocktail once in awhile, but not a fan of the alcohol...so this could be absolute perfection. We have been enjoying cucumber chili mint ice pops this summer...cucumber is so good.

Mary said...

Wow--that's a really nice thing to say Lynn--thanks! That's way too kind.

Leslie dahhhling--you know I'm easily bored and I already rearranged my living room this month...had to resort to the blog photos.

Brown Family Blog said...

oh I am going to have to try that. I am a huge fan of cucumbers...oh and finding out that E is too!

Liz said...

Oh please tell me where you found an ice tray that makes diamonds. The drink looks tasty too.

Mary said...

I found mine at TJ Maxx but I saw them at Urban OUtfitters I think...or one of those type stores.