Lemonade

Yesterday afternoon, I planted the thyme and basil I had picked up the day before in the containers on my balcony:

I use lots of these throughout the summer, so I got three of each plant:

I like the shadows the pots made in the late afternoon sun:

The basil will become pesto, pan bagnat, caprese salad and pizza.

The thyme will be made into this:

Mmmmmmmmmm . . . thyme lemonade.  I got this recipe from the Martha Stewart Everyday Food magazine, June 2008.  The addition of thyme really enhances the lemonade.  Here's the recipe:


1 1/2 cups sugar
1 bunch fresh thyme
2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 10 lemons)
1 cup gin (optional)

In a medium saucepan, bring the sugar, thyme and one cup water to a boil; stir until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes.  Stir in lemon juice, gin (if using) and six cups of cold water.  Strain into a large pitcher.  Refrigerate until cold, at least one hour. Serve over ice, garnished with thyme sprigs, if desired.

thyme-y sugar-y goodness!

I can't wait for my babies to get bigger, so I can make up a batch!