Lovely Lemon Recipes

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS...

MAKE LEMONADE & ENJOY WITH A GOOD READ

PERFECT LEMONADE
INGREDIENTS

1 cup white, granulated sugar (can reduce to 3/4 cup)
1 cup water (for the simple syrup)
1 cup lemon juice
2 to 3 cups cold water (to dilute)

INSTRUCTIONS

Make "simple syrup": Place the sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Stir so that the sugar dissolves completely and remove from heat.
Juice the lemons: While the water is heating for the simple syrup, juice your lemons. Depending on the size of the lemons, 4 to 6 of them should be enough for one cup of juice.
Combine lemon juice, simple syrup, water: Pour the juice and the simple syrup sugar water into a serving pitcher. Add 2 to 3 cups of cold water and taste. Add more water if you would like it to be more diluted (though note that when you add ice, it will melt and naturally dilute the lemonade). If the lemonade is a little sweet for your taste, add a little more straight lemon juice to it.
Chill: Refrigerate 30 to 40 minutes. Serve with ice, sliced lemons.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS
Looking for a new book or two to mix up your reading selection? Here are a few of my favorite recent reads.

ADD A LITTLE GIN AND TURN UP THE MUSIC

LEMON DROP MARTINI
INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 ounce Gin
1/2 ounce Triple Sec
1/2 ounce lemon juice freshly squeezed
1/4 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

Pour the sugar in a saucer. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze out the juice. Rub the rim of a cocktail glass with a lemon half and dip in sugar to coat the rim.
In a cocktail shaker combine gin, triple sec, lemon juice, vanilla and fill it up with ice. Shake until the cocktail shaker is too cold to hold.
Pour in the cocktail glass and decorate with a lemon slice

Listen now!

LISTEN TO OUR LOVELY LEMON DANCE PARTY PLAYLIST
Turn up the volume, sis! This playlist will have you singing in your home, car, or at the grocery store.

WHIP UP SOME LEMON BARS AND SHARE WITH A FRIEND

LEMON BARS
INGREDIENTS
For the crust:

1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups flour
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

For the filling:

6 extra-large eggs at room temperature
3 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (4 to 6 lemons)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup flour
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
For the crust, cream the butter and sugar until light in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Combine the flour and salt and, with the mixer on low, add to the butter until just mixed. Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and gather into a ball. Flatten the dough with floured hands and press it into a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking sheet, building up a 1/2-inch edge on all sides. Chill.
Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, until very lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.
For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature.
Cut and dust with confectioners' sugar.

SELF-CARE + FRIENDS
With busy schedules, it is easy for us to put yourself last. You might not want to give up your time with friends for the some self-care. Find success in taking care of yourself and inviting your friends. We all deserve it, girl!

Get Physical | Go to the gym, take the dog for a walk, or plan a hike around the Garden of the Gods.
Refresh & Relax | Whether it is a pedicure, massage sessions, or a day at the spa. Take some time for yourself
Gratitude & Goal Journal | Wake up, make that cup of coffee, and take 10 minutes to write down five things you are grateful for and 5 goals you have for the day. You can do this for just you or find an accountability friend to share with and cheer each other on.