Berry Good Lemonade

Lemonade and summer fun go hand in hand. The addition of blackberry puree gives this old favorite a new twist. Enjoy this beverage, which is rich in vitamin C, after a leisurely walk on a warm summer evening with family or friends.

Blackberry Lemonade

Tools: Medium saucepan or pot, blender or food processor, strainer, large pitcher

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Yield: 10 servings

1-pound package of frozen blackberries

8 teaspoons plus 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/3 cup plus 3 quarts water

2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice

1. Place blackberries, 8 teaspoons of the granulated sugar, and 1/3 cup of the water in a medium saucepan or pot, place over medium heat, and let come to a boil. Immediately reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often, for about 10 minutes.

2. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

3. Pour blackberry mixture into a blender or food processor and puree for about 1 minute.

4. Pour through a strainer to remove seeds and pulp. Pour into large pitcher.

5. Add to the pitcher the remaining 1-1/2 cups of granulated sugar, the lemon juice, and the remaining 3 cups of water. Mix. Pour over ice and enjoy!

Depending on how you like your lemonade to taste, you might want to add more lemon juice for a more tart flavor or more sugar for a sweeter flavor.