A perfect day here on Martha’s Vineyard. The humidity lifted and blew away, leaving us with a warm summer morning under blue skies and a soft breeze from the sea; a dangerous kind of day; if you were here on vacation, you might spend the rest of your life trying to figure out how to come back here to live forever. Perfectly set up to haunt you that way. Not one car was at the beach this morning, we had it all to ourselves except for egrets and seagulls, a lone kayaker, a couple of boats slicing out to the sound. I filmed the “surf” (which there isn’t any because it’s on the sound) for land-locked, ocean-lover girlfriends. . . You can almost touch it . . .
When we got home, I’d promised myself I’d clean the studio, but then my girlfriends came over so I couldn’t. I was forced to sit at the kitchen table and shoot the breeze with them. For two hours. When they left, I pondered: “studio, garden, studio, garden,” looked at the seventeen birds flittering around the bird bath, flipping water into the sky and gave up, I didn’t feel like cleaning the studio!
It wasn’t Spring Fever, it was middle-of-August, it’s-almost-over, Summer Fever. I got my stuff and went out to the garden. I trimmed, deadheaded and weeded. Felt almost sad to take out the weeds, they are so very healthy. I took pictures of our “pumpkin patch,” which is giving up it’s secrets … I’ll show you later. Joe set up saw horses outside the barn in the shade of a tree and painted shutters. We did good work. At least it looked like work. But it wasn’t work, it was heaven.
“You want something to drink,” I called to Joe, heading in to clean up. “Yeah, he said, “how ’bout one of those lime things.” I knew what he meant. Brazilian Lemonade. Have you tasted one of these yet? It’s not lemon, it’s lime, and so refreshing on a hot day. I make it with basil which adds a little spark to it. We had limes, I grabbed some basil leaves from the garden, got my camera and made enough for you . . .
First thing you do is make a basil simple syrup — boil together 1 c. water with ½ c. sugar and four whole basil leaves. Leave it in the pan and put it in the fridge to chill.
When it’s cold (ish) you pour the basil syrup into a blender.
Then add four quartered limes (peel and all) and 1/4c. of sweetened condensed milk . . .
And then, 2 cups of cold water . . .
Put the lid on tight, and blend on high for four seconds, just until the limes are roughly chopped. This is so easy.
Strain it all into a large pitcher. Rinse the blender with two more cups of cold water and pour it over the limes to get all the juices . . .
Mash into the strainer with a big spoon. Get that limey goodness . . .
And voila! Pour it into tall glasses over crushed ice. Garnish it with basil or mint, or a turquoise straw and . . .
Then of course, you have no choice…you drop Joe’s off to Joe, and you take yours, to the chair to the garden with the book. And you clean the studio tomorrow. ♥ Yes, you get the picture, I’m trying to be a bad influence. (Weekend’s coming, time to play, summer’s almost over!)
Here’s the recipe, all in one place; you will love it!
B A S I L L E M O N A D E
- 1/2 c. sugar + 1 c. water in small saucepan
- 4 whole fresh basil leaves
- 4 limes quartered
- 1/4 c. sweetened condensed milk
- 2 + 2 cups of water, divided
Boil sugar and water together, remove from heat and stir in basil leaves. Chill. When it’s fairly cold, pour the syrup into a blender; add limes, condensed milk and 2c. cold water. Blend, on high, for four seconds, just until limes are roughly chopped. Strain into pitcher. Put 2 more cups of water into blender, whirl it around to rinse it, and pour through limes and strainer into pitcher (to get the rest of the juices from the limes. Serve over crushed ice, garnish with basil or mint if you like. Makes 1 1/2 quarts.
S W E E T D R E A M S
I love in a place like that too..where the tourists come through and come back to buy and stay. A perfect day for sure, I had one too. Your drink topped it all of perfectly too! Come say hi 😀
Oh, what a positively PERFECT day! And thank you so much for the brazilian limeade recipe, sounds delish.
I had to smile when you mentioned the weeds looking so healthy that it was hard to pull them out. You know, a lot of the things we call weeds are actually edible. I wish I knew what you had growing there, I could tell you if it’s something you could harvest and bring into the kitchen!
Can’t wait to see the pumpkin patch!
xo
I wish I knew what I had growing there too! 🙂
Oh, thank you for that yummy sounding recipe! I can’t wait to try it outn my hubby. I had a lazy day too. I did do some weeding, but it was very half hearted. I spent more time checking to see what was going to flower next (I think asters are getting ready ) :). The Rose of Sharon is starting to blossom and I have new roses budding.
Life is good.
XOXO
Janet
A beauty of a day here in NE Ohio, too! FINALLY the heat and humidity are gone! I can’t seem to wrap my mind around basil and limes, but I really want to give this a try. Thanks, Susan!
Just delicious! I promise. No humidity for you either, how WONDERFUL!
Heavy sigh… I’ve been sitting in a windowless cubicle all day. Didn’t even get out of the building to work on my cross-stitch project on my lunch hour. Now that it’s 5:00, I get to commute home 45 minutes (if I’m lucky) on the Bay Area freeways. Don’t you feel sorry for me :-(?
I’m envious of your idyllic day and look forward to days like that when (IF!!) I retire. Thanks for giving me something to dream about though. It was lovely.
Awwww, I did my best to take you to the beach! I hope your weekend is a good break!
Holey Moley, the basil limeade sounds to die for! We will have some tomorrow when we celebrate our “last day of freedom before the Woman goes back to the salt mines” day.
Thank you for the beach video. While I prefer the mountains, I spent (or mis-spent) my youth on the Florida Gulf surfing, swimming, and chasing / being chased by boys… but, maybe, not in that order… I miss the sound of the water in late summer and early fall. So heavenly and soothing, isn’t it??
I just came in from deadheading my basil plants and with my fingers still smelling of basil, I am typing this. Perfect timing to stumble upon your recipe. It sounds very refreshing and I will be trying it.
Loved the little movie at the beach. Made me want to stick my feet in. How’s the water?
Your day sounds lovely. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Water’s warm; the Gulf Stream goes around the island.
You just made my day. I was going to clean my studio today too, but there were baby juncos running all over the gardens and playing in the bath… I spent almost half the day outside with my camera and the other half reading on a blanket in the yard with my dog. This post just erased any traces of guilt I was having. And is there anything that can be made with sweetened condensed milk that isn’t awesome? Thanks for the recipe!
Wow! Sounds like a perfect day! Thanks for sharing it with us. You are right….today was one of those great summer days, but I had no limes! Oh well….and…..one question…..how does Joe feel about having very little privacy? He is a good sport!!!! Please tell him I said hello from Maine!
I try to be careful with Joe and my friends…which is why you don’t see very many photos of them here…I don’t want anyone thinking I’m living life for a blog!
Susan, you do an amazing job! Love it all! Thank you!
Hi Susan –
Thanks for posting the video of the beach..I arrive in Dennis Port this Saturday and I’m literally counting the hours..I didn’t think I was going to be able to get out to the Cape this summer, but managed to work everything out … can’t wait to feel the sand between my toes, soak up some late summer sun…and eat lots and lots of seafood..scallops being my favorite. Saturday is looking perfect – it will definitely be a beach day for me!
Lucky you: on the Cape in August, and don’t forget to go to Sundae School for a hot fudge sundae, they have great lime rickeys there too. I have good friends in West Yarmouth and Dennisport whom I love to visit, a day doing Main Street in Chatham is so much fun too. Enjoy!
Oh, now I’m thirsty and no limes! I DO have basil, though, so I’m halfway there! When we get back from vacation that’s the first thing I’m going to buy at the grocery store. Heading tomorrow early to South Dakota and the Badlands with our daughter and grandson. Fun trip ahead. Gorgeous weather on the horizon. Today here in Wisconsin was simply perfect as it was by you. No humidity, just gorgeous sun and 72-ish degrees. Savoring these last perfect days of summer. Thanks for a peek into your productive day….you were a good girl balancing building relationships and getting work done and relaxing. Good job! xoxo….kp
I hate to say this but we always loved to see all the summer residents leave,, this is an area of lakes and it a very popular tourist and summer area.We lose 50 percent of our population when the snow comes,, and I love it then, peaceful and quiet,, I know we need the summer residences business,, it is a tourist town after all but gosh its nice to have the area all to ourselves.This drink is divine,, you had me at “Eagle brand milk” I can eat this with a spoon, yummo!
We love to see them come, but not sad when they go!
We say the same thing here (a little resort town on Lake Huron). I’m glad for all the merchants and the tourist do bring a bit of excitement to this sleepy little village, but by August I crave the quietude.
Here too ladies! But we’re just the opposite- our tourist season in Southeast Florida is looming just ahead- the return of the Snowbirds. I know it’s good for the economy, but the crowds are a bit hard to deal with for us locals…
I loved the walk to the beach, and the “good choices” you made after that! And, the drink sounds & looks wonderful! What a great day! I can hardly wait to see what tomorrow will bring!
“Tomorrow” is bringing the cleaning of the studio!
Something tells me you can even make cleaning an adventure and something to inspire all of us!
I had a very tricky mom who made it a “game” when I was little. Photo of me in back yard with my brother, at kids table, tied in aprons, washing doll dishes in a pan of soapy water. Loved it!
Yikes, best have a “Skip & Go Naked” at the day’s end to celebrate a spotlessly clean studio! ♥
Basil lemonade! We must try that treat! Yes, I am trying to figure out how to return to Martha’s Vineyard after our vacation there last October. It won’t be this year, sad to say.:( We are quite a distance from the ocean, so I appreciated the video. Our “volunteer pumpkin patch” yielded 2 pumpkins, one larger than the other, and that was the one we prepared today. Hopefully it will be something we will be able to use in our favorite pumpkin recipes. It was actually cool enough this evening for a short walk. Perhaps that is an indicator that fall will REALLY come! I am ready! I’ve always wondered what makes weeds so healthy. xoxo
A perfect day in my books ! wonderful photos and post the lemonaid looks and sounds yummy ! Have a wonderful evening !
Perfect summer days are not meant to be wasted… no matter what you choose to do! Our weather changed on Tuesday, and we have had 3 days of temps in the mid 70s, no humidity, bright blue skies and cotton ball clouds scudding across the sky. I went to see an amazing movie today; normally not my choice on a day like this, but a whole group of dear friends was going, so off I went too. We saw the movie
“The Help”… and it is a must see. So well made, acted, staged and done. I hope you will go see it. I hadn’t read the book, but it’s on my Kindle now, and will be ready to read starting tomorrow.
I absolutely adore your beach sharing… I was meant to live on a beach, but somehow got detoured to suburban Chicago… so Lake Michigan makes do for the beach when I get over to it. Your basil limeade sounds delicious… will make it the next time my girlfriends are over for lunch. Thank you again for you daily (well, pretty close to daily) day brighteners… I check every morning to see what’ s new… and sometimes, like today, later in the evening. Take care, Susan!
I so agree with what you said – The Help is so worthy of your time and was so funny – you will not be disappointed.
I saw “The Help” yesterday too and absolutely loved it. You will love the book too. Every seat was taken in the theater and there was a lot of clapping and cheering during the movie. Love this interaction at the movies.
Good for you, “seize the day”!
I am west of you a few states but we had that kind of day too, the humidity was gone, mid 60’s, perfect sky, good breeze, and the big ole puffy clouds moved in. If you watch closely, which I have learned to do….it’s about this week in August every year..that subtle change happens…and always the clouds…big billowing white cottony fast moving clouds…the suns rays are just a touch less hot, and the mornings take a bit longer to see daylight. I love to watch this evolve every year. Never saw the basil drink before, but looks perfect! I hope it was a good day, I have tomorrow off and hope to capture some good moments too.
Thank you Susan….
oh that Water…..so lovely…and yes…I could live there…and go into Boston when necessary….now all that would be Heaven for me…I love ALLLLLL of New England…..oh well…I will just go down to my own Beach in the South Bay of California… and pretend its YOUR BEACH….thank you for today….Lovely….
Carol O. in California…
Thanks for the recipe. I will have to try it this weekend. I am so envious of you, living near the beach. We drive to Lake Michigan (about 1 1/2 hours) several times a summer and always vacation at the ocean somewhere. Why don’t we live by the shore? I really don’t know! This weather is just wonderful, don’t know how long it will last.
Please stop by my blog and say HI. Have a great weekend!
Cindy
Wow! I can’t wait to try the Brazilian lemonade! My dear Husband has been on a limeade making bing for the last couple of summers, we found that we can get them extremely inexpensive at the flea mkt produce stand, and this year he started buying a whole box full! The concentrate freezes well. So! We definetly have limes! I love limeade! I think thats what got him started. Isn’t he sweet? We all deserve lazy days with a glass of something and a good book. I am glad you take the time to do that, it’s great for the soul!
I can’t wait to get to the library tomorrow, they called and my book is in, the latest Janet Evanovich! She is crazy funny! I will take her out to my swing with my new drink!
xoxoxo
Love it, went from an all nighter reading The Help before the movie came out to finally reading Janet’s latest. I didn’t want to start it and then have it soon be over, you know how you want to keep having adventures with Stephanie and co.???? So much fun, two thumbs up for both books.
I forgot! Thank you for the video! I love the sound of the ocean waves lapping the shore, I could sit for hours just watching and listening!
The basil lemonade drink looks so refreshing and it has to taste good if it has sweetened condensed milk. I have basil in the garden and a lime tree and just checked the pantry…no condensed milk…boo hoo. Easy enough to pick some up though. Thanks for the recipe and nice photos. 🙂
Twist my arm to head for the deck garden with a book! The Brazilian Lime drink sounds wonderful, will try it soon. Maybe I’ll surprise Norm with a glass of it out on the deck sometime this weekend–thanks for the recipe! 🙂 I know exactly what you mean –as much as I hate the heat, humidity, and storms of summer and wait all summer for Autumn to come (my favorite season), about now as the weather here starts to mellow out and we can see the end of summer in sight, I feel this sense of wanting to enjoy what is left of it… The water at the beach in your film looks so clean, that is what it looks like at the beach in Door County, Wisconsin, where we go for vacation…I could imagine the feeling of walking in the sand along the water. Have a good weekend! 🙂
Susan, I’ve a quick question about the recipe: When you have chilled the basil syrup and are ready to put it in the blender, do you remove the basil leaves or do they get blended with the cut-up limes? Thanks!
Yes, the basil goes right into the blender with the rest of it.
Ahhh… wish I could wiggle my toes in that crystal clear water! How refreshing! 🙂 We had a Bea-U-tiful day in Colorado. In the high 80’s, breeze and very little, if any, humidity. How can any day be anything less than fantastic with the Rocky Mountains as a back drop?! The sunsets are breath taking! You must spend some time here – perhaps it will inspire you to write a book about us! paint pictures! ride horses… oh, wait… that sounds too much like work. Well, just come by and I’ll make you a batch of Limeade 🙂 Thanks for sharing your day with us. PS Joe sounds like a great handyman to have around!
Hi Christine … I have family in Durango — Joe and I took a looooong drive through Colorado one year, went over Independence Pass (if I was painting those words I would do them in shakey letters because of that scary road) — out of Aspen over to Colorado Springs. Colorado is so beautiful; I could do it again in a minute!
You know what they say… the difference between a wish and a goal is a date.. When are you coming?!!! 😉 We were in Durango a few years ago at Christmas time — it was so magical! We took the Polar Express train ride through the mountains to the “real” north pole with two of our grandkids. I think I was more excited than they were! You’re right about some of those mountain roads! Can you imagine doing that in a covered wagon? I think when we got to Boulder and I saw that HUGE mtn. range I would have told my scout master “I’m home!”
Me too! We spent New Year’s Eve when 1999 went to 2000 in a cabin in the snow outside of Durango with our whole family! Was so wonderful … everyone in snowsuits! I’ve always thought about the covered wagons, especially when the train goes through deep snow in Donner Pass!
I’m a CA transplant having grown up in the Denver area, college at Colo State. You’re both making me homesick! We took the train out after Christmas last year to visit friends. Got the idea from you, Susan, and it was so fun! Lots of snow in the Sierra. The route took us over Donner Pass. We’ve decided that we will eventually retire in CO. But I think we’ll have to make a few more trips (dang :-)!) to cement that decision.
I really remember how good Colorado smelled!
It was beautiful here in Missouri too but no ocean in sight. 😀 Beautiful goldfinches in the back yard at the feeders though and a cute little chipmunk running on the rock wall. Thanks for the recipe. Sounds interesting and definitely different than anything I’ve tasted before. I will have to give it a try.
Now that’s the kind of summer day I want to hear about. And, I think it’s the kind of summer day I am going to have tomorrow. That chair in the garden is just calling to me! Your day reminds me of being a kid in the summer… just pure fun.
And, thanks for the post on the dishtowels. Like I’ve said before, you are so good at reminding us to look at the “little” things that make life so much fun!
Have a great weekend and think of us when you’re dipping your toes in the Atlantic… Soon you’ll be able to do the same on this side of the country!
Jake
Loved starting the day with the ocean in my head! Thanks so much. Central Ohio is enjoying wonderful weather and tomorrow I have three BFFs coming to Lavender Cottage for our monthly “Girl’s Luncheon”. We call it a luncheon but it usually lasts four or five hours! I’m going to add the Basil Lemonade to the menu. Sounds like it would fit perfectly. Everyone, have a terrific Friday where ever you are. Talk to all ya’ll soon!!
Susan (and Dawn, too!), every time you write about your organic pumpkin patch, I keep meaning to tell you what my vet says about organic pumpkin & kitty cats. Apparently, this is an excellent food for their little digestive systems ~ isn’t that good news? So easy and healthy. It keeps them “regular,” and most cats seem to like the taste. I buy the canned version at Whole Foods and just put maybe 1/2 teaspoon on kittie’s dinner plate. Happy kitty! (Oh, how I wish there was some way to bring your baby out to CA this fall…I don’t think even pumpkin’s magical powers will keep her from getting depressed when you leave ~ xo)
I would have never thought to put basil in a drink but last week my sister and I were pedaling around Anna Maria Island in Florida and it was HOT! We stopped at a little antique store and out front was a big glass jar of ice water with basil leaves floating in it. A little sign said, ” Cool off with some refreshing basil water !” It was so cold and refreshing, perfect! Your lime drink sounds yummy!
Thank you SO SO much for my beach time. I think I will watch it every day until I can return. I had to smile when I hear you say ,”No beach glass”; you sounded just like me. It is one of my favorite things on earth, and has been since I was really young. It is such a wondedrful gift from nature…
Happy cleaning today!
Had to share a story with you…on a warm October day five years ago I went to a woodcrafters show with my husband of 6 months (trying to be supportive) and he surprised me with an afternoon stop at one of the beaches on Lake Erie. He told me it wasn’t the ocean (we had honeymooned on the Maine coast), but that I could walk in the sand and pretend! Anyway, I told him I was going to look for beach glass and he said he would help. About 5 minutes later he asked, “Honey, is this what you’re looking for?” I turned and saw that he had found a glass block (the kind from windows) that was totally intact! We carried it home and added it to my collection. Great reminder of a loving day!
hahahaha…now that’s what I call beach glass!
Our thoughts exactly!
A good day here in North Carolina also – low humidity and beautiful Carolina blue skies. A promise of rain come Sunday – yes, why do the weeds look so healthy – did someone come in and water only them? The trip along the beach was just what I needed today – I love the “softness” of walking along the water line with the solitude of the birds and water. Thank you for that and for the limeade recipe. Have a fun weekend. Judy C in NC http://www.shadetreequilting.com
Once again you have lifted me from the doldrums of my desk at work to a paradise. What a lovely way to start the TGIF day:) If only I could stay home and putter- my biggest wish! Too bad I didn’t win the Powerball- that would have made it a bit easier. Well, tomorrow’s the weekend and you can be this tasty treat will be on my Saturday afternoon menu. Thank you Susan- YOU ROCK.
FOSB 4-Ever,
Jacqui
PS I’m so honored that everyone is picking up on my little phrase 🙂
I SO needed your little piece of “surf” this morning. I can’t wait to send it to a friend who always asks, what do you find so interesting in blogs? Thanks Susan!
we have had 51 days of triple digit heat here in West Texas…no rain during that period….so your posts of your walks and the water and all your delicious receipes and songs and …………! I love it all….thank you!
We’ve been hearing about that! Will do a little rain dance for you today!
that rain dance has sent rain clouds this way….keep dancin’
I have enjoyed your website for a few years now. I miss Willard by mail, mostly because I like to touch the paper and see your art in my hand. What can I say I am a visual, touchy, feely kind of gal. The photos you put on the site are wonderful. The basil lemonade recipe will be made for my Mom and me on her birthday next Monday. We love those little green guys. Maybe I should go buy a blender today? Thanks for all your hard work for my visual pleasure.
Hi, Susan! What a joy to read your blog this morning! I’m so used to doing this lemmonade at home that it never occurred to me that someone could make lemmonade differently… And I never thougt of these fruit as limes either! In Brazil we call the small, round, green ones “Tahiti lemmons”, and the bigger, pointy, yellow ones “Sicilian lemmons”. Next time I make lemmonade I’ll try your basil recipe. Sounds delicious! Have a great weekend, hugs from Brazil!
I’m always intrigued with the pictures of your beautiful garden and loved the little video of the ocean. The sound of the sea is very soothing to me. Always a pleasant experience reading your blog. xoxo
We have a 1/4 acre in back and there are always those “healthy” weeds. Found a patch of Nettles this morning and we had Winterberries last year but my dear hubby didn’t like them (thought they were weeds) and pulled them. They are coming back. Perseverance of nature, lol!
You definitely live in a heavenly place. The ocean is so beautiful. I will be on the Cape in October when it’s quiet and we have the beaches and restaurants all to ourselves.
I am definitely making that wonderful Basil Lemonade. I have lots of basil growing here on my patio, and have limes in the fridge. I found some cute little glasses to use, they are Sour Cream glasses…have you ever heard of them? I can see them on your shelf in your kitchen. Since I can’t post a photo of them here, I will put it on your Facebook.
Enjoy your day and have a wonderful weekend.
Thanks for the video Susan, I could feel my blood pressure dropping and my breaths getting slower and deeper as I watched it. Your blog is so good for the soul. I’m an East Coaster who’s been forced to move to the Midwest, and I miss the ocean like you wouldn’t believe. Actually, you probably would. :o)
I would. But I do like those Midwest people!
Thanks! (what can I say?!) LOL
Susan I closed my eyes and could almost smell the salt air and hear the gulls. You never disappoint and it’s always a treat to see what you’ve posted! That drink looks to die for and I’m going out tomorrow and buy some limes and try it this weekend. I’ll let you know my results. I don’t have a blender (I know right!), but I have a food processor so maybe I can try it in that just don’t get it too mushed up. I’ll let you know my results. Enjoy your weekend with Joe.
Remember the old “Calgon…take me away” commercials? Just substitute the word Susan Branch for the word Calgon!
I’m also in a window-less office at work and this blog is like a breath of fresh air and warm sunshine. Oh, to be walking along the coast line of Martha’s Vinyard! To see some water, of any kind actually, would be wonderful!!
Thanks for taking the land-locked, drought-living (with extreme heat ) readers along for the walk! I can almost taste the salty air. 🙂
Hope everyone is having a good Friday!
Marilyn (in Dallas)
I love the beach video. Thank you!
Susan… you make me want to come and visit you sooooo bad…(smile) But I ‘thank you’ for this virtual visit!! Love to just ‘dream’ along with you… your garden looks amazing!! Our birds are doing the same…looks like millions of them around the feeder and bird baths…must be that time of the year…”summers end”..
And we just have to try your Basil Lemonade it looks scrumptous!!!
Once again I thank you for this lovely visit!
Blessings…
Gert
YUM on the limeade! You amaze me with who you are. Your artwork is just great, how do you do it! Thank you for sharing your life with the world and showing us how to live and see the wonderfulness in everyday things. You have me in awe. Bobbie
I was thinking I was going to clean my Art Room today also but the Garden called me too. Me and one of my girls just came in from weeding(those healthy weeds:) and I am going to make a Peach smoothie. Of course I am flippin to try your recipe but have no limes. And how can I clean the Art room tomorrow, its Saturday, tag sales are calling 🙂
happy weekend Susan
love the picture of the birds in the birdbath
Heading out to the garden right now with husband and dogs and a good book.
Oh, this sounds perfectly delicious, thanks! I hear my pumpkins are going gangbusters as are the tomatoes, potatoes, melons, ‘lopes, etc. I’m headed home on Tuesday and will be glad to start “putting up the garden”…as Mom always says.
Wow! This sounds scrumptious, Susan! I am going to try your recipe ASAP! We are just waiting for the weather to heat up here again…we want our typically HOT summer days! Will be thinking of you as I sip my delicious new limeade!
Oh, thanks so much for that recipe – sounds delish! We’ve been having the same beautiful weather here in the Washington, DC area. I planned to do some cleaning and organizing, but the day was just too sweet for that. Had to be out and about to enjoy it! Anyway, I’ll tackle all cleaning soon. Susan, you recently shared those beautiful pics of the 3 tierd square coconut cake that you made for Lowey’s birthday. It’s a wonderful recipe and I can do it with the 3 round pans but wanted to try 3 different sized pans like you did. Will the recipe be fine because the pans are different sizes and you just adjust it or do i need to make more batter and lemon filling? And thanks so much for the bit of sea heaven you sent today. Girls, I hope you all have a lovely weekend.
I think you’ll be OK..you have one larger pan and one smaller, that should equal out for two of the same size.
That makes perfect sense. Thanks for taking time to respond. Can’t wait to try it!
Susan:
The heat here in Virginia seems to have broken, as well. We have had “chamber of commerce” weather here the past few days. I hate to rub it in to my friends back in Texas, from where we recently moved, but I just can’t resist, because they spent all winter sending me pictures of them sitting by their pools in February. 🙂 But I’ve been gentle with them because that heat they’ve been having there is just monstrous.
I have a MESS of basil growing right outside my kitchen, and can only eat so much of it on huge tomatoes with nice piece of mozzarella, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. So this drink of yours sounds promising. I kept expecting the addition of alcohol in there somewhere. 🙂 Back in Texas, my girlfriends always had a limeade punch at baby showers and girl gatherings that was always so tasty. But this addition of the milk is intriguing. Thanks for the recipe!
Hate to say it but it has been a cool summer here in Nova Scotia and we are looking forward to some heat in late August/Sept. The basil lemonade sounds great, something interesting to try. Thanks.
WOWZA, Susan! My DH and I JUST made this and it is DELISH! thanks for sharing…I LOVE your blog!!
Thank you, Susan, for a taste of your beautiful sea. I am landlocked and in love with the sea so that vid was a treat! The limey drink sounds so delish. You’re such a good wife to make it for Joe.
Where has the summer gone?
Jody
Susan, Thank you for the delightful blog! I have so enjoyed your books and calendars over the years and now almost every day I enjoy seeing your delightful artwork and thoughtful prose. You are a gift!
I am so making this today! I am working from home today getting things ready for my classroom for this school year (which involves lots of heavy duty crafting) and I think I will definitely deserve this kind of reward. Summer is officially over for me on Monday. I’ll be running outside shortly to see if I have enough basil left for this.
I have an update on it too, to lighten it and make it last longer, mix it with sparkling water (selzer) — I’m drinking it right now and it’s delicious… I also put mint in it. Yum.
I’m trying the recipe for company tomorrow, bought the limes and have a basil plant…I’m wondering how it would taste if one used lemons and raspberries, instead of the limes, sometime…might be good, too? 🙂
Hi Susan,
Do you add mint in addition to the basil or can it be added instead of the basil? Both sound delicious!
Thanks
I made the drink, just like the recipe says, with the basil in it, I crushed a sprig of mint (gently) and used it to garnish….but I bet mint instead of basil would be good too!
Good Evening Sweet Sue…Love Your Beach Video…. I’ve watched it 5 times…ahhhhhhhhhhhhh I Can smell the Sea Air & feel the sand between my toes lol…now I am actually craving Your Basil Lemonade…(Limes)…cleaning can always be put off for another Day….Yay! lol….You & Joe did excellent work in the Garden….Full~Moon Tonight…shall We Twirl under The Green Corn Moon?…I caught a glimpse of it early morning & I swear the Moon was Tinted Green! Make Your Wishes My Friend! xoxo Poof!
I’m twirling with you Angie!
I can’t wait to make this delightful drink..
Sadly, my basil has gone to seed but the market has plenty. This sounds so refreshing! Thanks for the recipe.
Oh my goodness! It was a very warm weekend here in Southern California and so I decided to whip up a pitcher of your basil lemonade for my mother and myself yesterday – it was SOOOOOO good I almost didn’t let my 74-year old mother have any. I mean I can run faster than she can! LOL Yum. Thanks for sharing.
My sister Debbie made this luscious drink for us with my basil and her mint. It was lovely on a warm Michigan afternoon. We love everything Susan does. P.S. Deb put peach schnapps in hers (I wasn’t supposed to tell : – ) )
xoxo