Happy Independence Day Bahamas

The Bahamas is 37 years old today!!!

March on Bahamaland!

Watermelon Lemonade

Summer is here and that means, heat, heat and watermelons.  I absolutely love watermelon.  I have memories of visiting my aunt in Brooklyn in the Summer as a kid having all the watermelon I could eat.  You see her "friend" at that time was a manager at a grocery store. He would bring us lots of watermelon, I guess to get on our good sides. So I always look forward to watermelon season.

 My daughter and I are the only watermelon lovers in the house.  Usually a large watermelon can last for days.  Sometimes I'm over zealous and end up buying too much watermelon.  I never want it to go to waste so I make Watermelon Lemonade.

It's cool, refreshing and just another great way to enjoy the watermelon.  Although my husband and son are not fans of watermelon, they are fans of Watermelon Lemonade.

You just need the following:

1. 1/2 - 3/4 Cup Lime juice.  (I know I said lemonade but I use limes.  They are locally grown and are cheaper than imported lemons.)
2. 1 1/2 Cups Watermelon Juice. (Put the watermelon in a blender, then strain.
3. One Gallon of water.
4. 1 1/2 Cup Sugar.  ( I know, alot right?  But I like sugar...dont judge me. Adjust the sugar to your liking.)

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together and chill several hours. 

All ingredients can be adjusted to taste.  You may like yours more tart so use more limes or prefer to have the sweetness of the watermelon to dominate so adjust to your liking.

Linking to:

Creations by Kara

It's So Very Cheri

Blue Cricket Designs

 

The Produce Exchange

I went to The Produce Exchange on Friday.  It is a government run facility that helps farmers from the Family Islands sell their produce here in Nassau.  A variety of fruits and vegetables are sold there at wholesale prices.  Fruit and vegetable vendors come and purchase from them.  However, the public is welcome, even encouraged. You never know what they have there as the produce are seasonal and fresh.  

First, let me say that it is pure chaos in there. The facility is small, so there is barely walking room in there.  The Exchange is only open from 8am-12 noon, so it's crowded and hot. Everyone's yelling trying to be heard above all the noise.  But it's a great experience. 
I really went there in the hopes of getting some mangoes, but look what I scored:

Papaya

Watermelon

Onions

Thyme

I had some of the papaya and watermelon with breakfast this morning.  I'm thinking of making some Watermelon Lemonade later.  It was a hit last summer with the kids.

Onions and thyme are a staple for me as I cook with them regularly.

I don't go as often as I should. I really prefer to eat locally grown produce. I'll make a trip once a week.  Hopefully when I go next week, the mangoes will be in.