Lemonade!

This summer, say NO to the powdered stuff!  Making lemonade from scratch is easier than you think!  Here is one recipe from FNCimag:

Ingredients:
Makes 8 servings

4 lemons
1 cup sugar
2 cups water
*1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, washed

Additional mint sprigs and lemon slices, for garnish

Directions:
- Prepare a “simple syrup” by pouring the water into a small saucepan. Stir in the sugar and place over medium heat, stirring until dissolved.
- Wash the lemons. Before juicing, press the heel of your hand into the lemons and roll them on the countertop to help release juice. Halve and squeeze the juice from the lemons. You should have about one cup of lemon juice.
- Combine the lemon juice with the simple syrup and transfer to a pitcher.
- Add two quarts of water, stir in the mint leaves, and chill.
- Served chilled lemonade over ice cubes and garnish with additional mint sprigs and lemon slices, if desired.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/imag/Food/How+to+Make+Your+Own+Lemonade+from+Scratch#ixzz1QfIOna7H
 
* Verne suggests freezing a fresh mint leaf in each of your ice cubes for an extra special presentation.
 
Bonnie also shared her recipe for homemade lemonade, which involves no squeezing or boiling water. 
 
Slice 4 lemons and place them in a pitcher (2 qt)
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of sugar with the lemons and let them sit for 5-10 minutes.
Add a small amount of warm water to dissolve the sugar
Fill the rest of the pitcher with cold water and ice cubes
Remove lemon slices, enjoy!

Finally, here's a fun song from Chris Rice with the title, "Lemonade"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKiB9zs5uAs