Lady Nine

With the summer-like weather this weekend, I thought it would be the perfect time to make my Basil Lemonade.  The inspiration of this drink came from the wonderful D'amico and Sons restaurant here in uptown.  A few summers ago, they featured this lovely drink and I instantly had to go home and create my own recipe.  After a few trials and many lemons later (I used to squeeze the lemons by hand and figured out buying the juice is much easier), I discovered the perfect drink that is fantastic for picnics, summer barbecue parties, or just during a hot day.  If you are entertaining, feel free to add some rum or vodka to the mix. Cheers! Basil Lemonade 4 cups water 3 cups basil simple syrup (recipe follows) 2 cups pure lemon juice 1 lemon sliced into wheels 1 small bunch of basil leaves In a large pitcher pour in the water, basil simple syrup, and lemon juice.  Stir to combine and then add the sliced lemon wheels.  Tear the basil leaves in half to release their flavor and add

There's no denying it, Spring is around the corner and I could not be happier!  Suddenly through the dark grey of winter, colors begin to emerge and the sunshine becomes familiar once again.  Today we hit our first 60 degrees of the year, quite remarkable for March in Minnesota. I decided to begin my spring activities by painting my nails 'Moonsooner or Later', a fun colorful OPI color while having my morning cappuccino. Mid-morning, my boyfriend Jon and I took a walk around uptown to a bakery to get some morning bagels.  It was wonderful to see people sitting outside on patios enjoying the warmth of the sunshine. I think even the bulldog was light on his feet this morning. When we returned home I began "gardening" also known as putting basil seeds in a planter and placing it on my kitchen table.  Lessons to be learned: I would recommend doing this before you do your nails in the morning.  I now have another excuse to go get a manicure. I wish you all a