Happy 4th of July weekend! What are your plans? Tomorrow my 8-year-old niece and I are making a red velvet ice cream cake at her request. We’ll do two layers with vanilla ice cream in the middle and red, white, and blue sprinkles—pretty over-the-top, and both of us are thrilled. We’re also taking Owen to his first fireworks show. I hope he isn’t too scared; I remember being terrified of fireworks when I was small.
Below are a few links and things I’ve enjoyed recently—some thought-provoking, some funny, and some delicious.
Elinor Burkett captured my exact feelings about Caitlyn Jenner in her New York Times essay, especially the final paragraph: What Makes a Woman?
If you ever wondered about orthodontic culture, this piece on America’s obsession with perfect teeth is fascinating—even for those of us who never had braces.
Home envy alert: Michelle Williams bought a lovely Brooklyn house. Take a look at her new place in Elle Decor: Michelle Williams’ new house.
For a moment of pure joy, watch the tiny hamster eating corn in this charming video: Tiny Hamster’s Tiny BBQ.
Also cheering: a trend away from uncomfortable underwear among young women. Read more in the New York Times: Young Women Say No to Thongs.
There was a fun guacamole debate in The Atlantic—worth a read: Guacamole-gate.
Three recipes I want to make this weekend: chilled watermelon soup with coconut cream, strawberry basil ricotta popsicles, and grilled cherry milkshakes. They look refreshing and perfect for summer: watermelon coconut soup, strawberry basil ricotta popsicles, and grilled cherry milkshakes.
I recently contributed an article to Wee Westchester about easy homemade lemonade recipes, including classic lemonade, honey-peach lemonade, and cherry limeade. I also developed a green juice lemonade that felt a bit too sophisticated for little kids. Owen wanted to try it because he loves the color green, but the ginger was a little too much for his toddler palate.
That’s fine, because I get to share the recipe with you here. This drink is what happens when nutrient-packed green juice meets everyone’s favorite lazy summer beverage. It’s the kind of thing you’ll reach for after a hot July run, mix with seltzer to liven up your day, or even add to a gin and tonic if you’re feeling adventurous. And yes—since it contains kale, you can feel a little virtuous while enjoying it.
Green Juice Lemonade
Ingredients
-
4
cups
water -
1
cup
granulated sugar -
1
cup
freshly squeezed lemon juice -
3
cups
loosely packed kale -
1/2
cup
loosely packed mint -
1-
inch
knob ginger -
1/2
English cucumber -
1
green apple
quartered
Instructions
-
In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and the sugar. Bring to a simmer and stir until the sugar dissolves. Let the syrup cool, then transfer it to a pitcher and stir in the remaining 2 cups of water and the lemon juice. Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator.
-
Run the kale, mint, ginger, cucumber, and apple through a juicer in that order. Stir the green juice into the chilled lemonade and return to the refrigerator until cold.
Recipe Notes
Chill the lemonade before adding the green juice to preserve its fresh flavor and vibrant color. This drink is best enjoyed within a day or two.