Happy Friday, MARtians!
I believe that if you think life is a bowl of cherries, then it is. Therefore, when bad things happen – and they do – I do not wallow, blame others or let it get me down. I take those cherries (or lemons in this case) and make lemonade.
After the disastrous water pipe break in my home, the water destroyed my beautiful kitchen, custom-stained hardwood floors, beloved collection of Ina Garten cookbooks and so many precious personal items. My home means so much to me, and seeing it go from “coffee table book-worthy”Casual Luxury design to a big mess was hurtful.
It took a while to work with the insurance company, but I just kept moving forward every day. It took a lot out of me to design a completely new kitchen, but I persisted. I even found the redesign process to be invigorating. I decided to share the entire experience with you MARtians, new and old, in my upcoming second season of “Life on Mar’s: The Home Makeover Show.”
The past is the past, the future is a mystery, but the present is a gift. I can’t wait for you to see how I’ve turned this setback into a breakthrough, and I want to remind all my dear MARtians, that good things are always right around the corner.
Now, enjoy a taste of the sweet life with my Favorite Sparkling Cherry Lemonade, from me to you. If you are feeling a little frisky add a splash of your favorite spirit. I like to use rum or vodka. This recipe will make enough for two big pitchers. I hope it leaves you feeling in the pink!
Ingredients:
| 1 cup white granulated sugar | 4 cups plain seltzer |
| 1 cup water | 2 cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice |
| 2 to 3 cups sour cherries, chopped | Ice cubes, or crushed ice |
| Juice of one large lemon |
Extra cherries for garnish |
Method:
Add the sugar, water, cherries, and juice of one lemon to a microwave safe bowl, or a medium saucepan. If you’re using the microwave cook on high for 4 minutes, stirring halfway through. If using a saucepan, simmer until sugar is fully dissolved and cherries are broken down. Let syrup mixture cool totally and then strain.
Finally, to a large pitcher, add ice, seltzer, lemon juice and half of the syrup mixture. Stir and serve with additional ice. You will have enough cherry, lemon syrup left to make another pitcher. Take it to the next level with a thin wheel of lemon and a whole cherry as a garnish. Remember, we eat with our eyes first!
“Cherry”-o!
and
Keep it casual!!
