a little relief

Well hello Friday. Where did you come from? You are very welcome indeed. This short week seems to have gotten away from me (yes, I had Monday off of work as well, just one benefit of working for a poor nonprofit-lots of days off). I had all kinds of things to share with you all (yes, I do have a list). Oh well, there's always next week, you're not going anywhere are you? Good. So, I don't know what it's like in your neck of the woods. But here in the mini-apple, it's freaking hot. I don't do so well in the heat. My philosophy has always been that at least in cold weather you can put more and more layers on. When it's hot, well, there's only so many clothes you can take off. So, being that it's dangerously close to 100 degrees outside (and probably only slightly cooler inside my apartment), I'm working on some ways to find some relief.

I'm not a huge drinker, and I certainly don't fancy myself as someone who makes complicated cocktails (and by cocktails I mean something that has more than two ingredients), but I've been inspired by my herb garden recently. Also, so many others have been sharing summer drink recipes that I thought it was high time I got over my avoidance and enjoy myself.

Last weekend, when Jared was home, we had some friends over. I decided that it would be a great opportunity to use up some of the ever expanding mint that appears to be taking over my herb garden and make some mojitos. Ah yes, this was good. We made a pitcher's worth and it was just perfect. I found this recipe online (of course I can't remember where now, must be the heat) and I think it was pretty delicious, though I'll warn you it's a bit on the limey side. I think I like it that way. Molly also posted this recipe that's made with a lime syrup and that sounded pretty tasty as well. I might have to give that a whirl. Just as soon as it's cool enough to turn on the stove.

Mojitos

4-6 fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice (about one lime)
1 tsp powdered sugar
handful of ice
1/4 cup light rum
1/4 club soda (and no, there is no difference between club soda and seltzer. I had to look it up).
1 sprig of fresh mint (for garnish)

Crush mint in glass with a muttler or back of a wooden spoon (don't pound it, just muttle). Add sugar and lime juice. Fill glass with ice. Add rum and top off with club soda. Pop in the sprig of mint and enjoy. Preferably on a porch or in some kind of shade. This is also tasty with a few fresh raspberries thrown in for good measure, you know, if you just happen to have some hanging around.

Happy weekend friends.