Making Lemonade from Lemons

Last June I wrote a post titled,  “Teaching Your Kids to Make Lemonade from Lemons.”  I spent most of the time talking about its figurative meaning– making the most out of life and turning what could be perceived as negative or “sour” into something positive or “sweet.”  It’s still something that we continue to massage in my household; obviously a difficult concept for two young kids to fully grasp intellectually.  Today, since spring is truly in the air on the east coast, we’re talking about the literal meaning of making lemonade from lemons!  I’m ashamed to admit that I had never made lemonade from fresh lemons (and that (gulp) includes all those falsely-marketed “fresh” lemonade stands I helped orchestrate for my kids over the years).

I’m not quite sure why making fresh lemonade from real lemons, picked and squeezed, seemed so difficult to me?  Instead, to quench my thirst, I’d always default to the powdery mixes that claim to be “natural.”

My previous version of fresh lemonade

Last weekend I was visiting a close friend in San Francisco with my daughter.  We spent the morning at the Ferry Terminal Building, weaving our way throughout the most impressive, expansive, organic food market featuring local farmers’ products.  We sampled everything we possibly could: from dried fruits, to artisan cheeses, to freshly-baked breads, to obscure drinks.

Dried apricots, peaches, apples and plums

Fresh KimChee Juice!  Do you even know what KimChee juice is?

I was so impressed with the health-conscious, eco-friendly attitude that’s organically woven throughout the San Francisco lifestyle.  You can’t seem to cross one street without stumbling upon a health food store or restaurant.  Residents of San Fran are required to compost and have composting containers in their kitchens and composting trashcans staking claim on their streets.

San Fransisco trifecta: Green= Compost   Blue=Recycle  Black= landfill garbage

Heck, even the airport had mostly healthy food options and at least 5 different types of recycling trashcans for left over food and waste products.

But, the best part?  My friend has a lemon tree in her front yard!  And, the tree was bursting with fresh, joyous, RIPE, lemons!

And, still riding the wake of the SF healthy living/healthy lifestyle, I felt compelled to pick them and make freshly-squeezed lemonade, right there on the spot!

My daughter, gearing up for some real freshly-squeezed lemonade

With just six lemons, some sugar and tap water, we made the most delicious, refreshing pitcher of lemonade I’ve tasted in a looong time.

While we can’t literally pick lemons from trees here in NYC, we certainly have our pick of lemons at the various markets lining the streets.

There’s no reason that in life and in the kitchen, we shouldn’t be making lemonade from lemons!!

Go ahead, it’s time to make yours…