Saturday, July 31, 2010

Watermelon Limeade - Pink Saturday



From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...I spent some time today perusing new cook books in our library. I found Emeril Lagasse's latest book, Farm to Fork: Cooking Local, Cooking Fresh and brought it home with me. I've not always been a fan of his, and it's only in the past few years that I've come to appreciate the work he does. I never doubted his ability as a chef or business man, but his antics as a showman made me uncomfortable and I tuned him out. Then, in the final episode of the first America's Next Food Network Star, I saw him perform an act of kindness that changed my mind about the man. When the winner was announced, everyone, save Emeril, swarmed around the couple who had won. The loser, who had obviously not been told what to do should she lose, just stood there, stunned, and unfortunately the cameras stayed trained on her. Emeril came to the aid of the visibly shaken young woman and gave her a squeeze, distracting her until she regained her composure. He was genuinely sympathetic and I became more interested in the man and his cooking after that. Who knew? The guy's a mensch. This wonderful version of limeade is in his new book and I can attest to how good it is. It's very easy to prepare and, while this version of the recipe contains no alcohol, this, mixed with white tequila, has the makings of a fabulous margarita. If you don't feel like cutting watermelon, the watermelon juice that's available in supermarkets will also work in this recipe. That juice, by the way, makes wonderful ice cubes, as well as popsicles for the kids. This is a lovely new take on classic limeade. I think you'll love this. Here's the recipe.

Watermelon Limeade...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Emeril LaGasse

Ingredients:
8 cups cubed watermelon (seedless), or 1 quart watermelon juice
1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 cup sugar, or more to taste
Lime slices, for garnish (optional)

Directions:
1) Place half of watermelon cubes in a blender and process until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve set over a large bowl; discard solids. Repeat with remaining watermelon cubes. You should end up with about 1 quart of watermelon juice.
2) Add lime juice and sugar to watermelon juice, and stir until sugar has dissolved. Taste, and add more sugar if necessary. Transfer limeade to a nonreactive pitcher and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
3) Serve over ice in tumblers, with lime slices for garnish. Yield: 5 cups.

You might also enjoy these recipes:
Homemade Ginger Ale - One Perfect Bite
Limeade Concentrate - One Perfect Bite
Watermelon Smoothie - One Perfect Bite
Iced Coffee Recipes - Yummy
Pineapple Limeade - Real Mom Kitchen
Coconut Iced Tea and Coffee - Jenn Cuisine

This post is being linked to:
Pink Saturday, sponsored by Beverly at How Sweet the Sound.

47 comments :

Pondside said...

That sounds delicious - what a nice afternoon break it would make.
Lovely story about Emeril - I can understand how that would help change your mind.

Adelina said...

Simply beautiful- what an inspiring recipe...and shot too! Thanks so much for sharing! I certainly plan to try it now that watermelons are in plenty at great price!

Ginny Hartzler said...

This looks just lovely, and I do love limeade. Your fascinating stories that go with your recipes continue to amaze me! Yes, I watch The Next Food Network Star and Top Chef both. I love both shows and they are both on now. I have seen them all, but never noticed what Emeril did! You are one sharp cookie! I used to watch Emeril's show, but he had a band and a sidekick and it was so much like the Tonight Show! I half expected him to pull off a mask and become Johnny Carson! Now that I remember, Emeril had two shows. The food Network has a new channel now, the Cooking Channel, and we are getting that.

Monet said...

Thank you for sharing that touching story about Emeril. I've also been a bit iffy about him over the years, but such an act of kindness is worth admiration. And of course, this watermelon limeade sounds so refreshing. You are always able to pair the best stories with your dishes/recipes. A lovely post!

Katerina said...

Sometimes, not very often people tend to surprise us with their unexpected behavior. Sometimes in a good way, like in this case, sometimes in a bad way. Human nature can be very surprising. The drink also looks very refreshing and I can give it to my kid as well.

Deb in Hawaii said...

Watermelon & lime is such a great pairing--this looks so refreshing & delicious! ;-)

giorno26 ¸¸.•*¨*•. said...

Ciao Mary :-)
questa tua bevanda è molto-molto buona !
Veramente rinfrescante !
Buona giornata.
Che tempo fà nella tua città ?
Buona giornata amica mia.

Regina said...

Beautiful story Mary.
Happy Pink Saturday!

Enjoy your weekend.
Blessings.

Angie's Recipes said...

Emeril...sounds like a humble chef with personality.
The watermelon limeade looks lovely.

Anonymous said...

watermelon - cucumber is another nice combo. cheers!

Diane said...

Pour one for me as well please. Diane

From the Kitchen said...

Deliciously beautiful!! Thank you for sharing your feelings about Emeril. I've dismissed him for years for the same reasons you gave. His new cookbook received a good review in the latest BookPage and I'm going to check it out. I certainly like the subject matter!

Best,
Bonnie

Rita said...

Loved your story about Emeril; I have never heard of watermelon juice. Your jug looks so refreshing.
Rita

Faith said...

Not only do watermelon and lime look so beautiful together, but I bet they taste really delicious together too! This is the perfect beverage for a summer day!

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

I must be living under a rock since I have never heard of watermelon juice you can purchase. Whether store bought or homemade this would be a very refreshing summer drink.

My Little Space said...

This is so refreshing! Have to get a watermelon tomorrow. Slurp! And thanks for writing back. Your grandson is getting really active soon, so it will be difficult to get his arm wrap up! Hope you're enjoying your day.
Cheers always,
Kristy

Big Dude said...

I often wonder what it would be like to really know the people we see on TV. I suspect there would be many surprises in both directions. The drink sounds very refreshing.

Allie and Pattie said...

Mary, great story about Emeril. I've always felt the same way as you however I have found his recipes to be generally quite good. So nice to hear he's a kind man. And I, too, have never seen premade watermelon juice
xoxo Pattie

Suman Singh said...

love that combination of fruit n veggie in the juice..very refreshing..looks wonderful, perfect for these hot summer days..have a nice weekend..tk care!

Lynn said...

This sounds great, and that was a nice glimpse into the more sensitive side of Emeril!

Unknown said...

I saw that on the Next Food Network Star also and thought that he really was a stand up guy! The Limeade looks so inviting and wonderful for a warm summer afternoon. I haven't bought a watermelon all summer, must do that immediately!

caren said...

Yummm.....what a great drink on such hot afternoons! Happy PS!

Biren said...

What a refreshing drink! Thanks for the story on Emeril. That was a kind act that should be highlighted.

Kathy Walker said...

This sounds so refreshing! We have watermelon and I can't think of a better way to finish it up!

Michelle "Picklewart" said...

This is so simple yet so fresh and cool for summer. LOVE IT! We're growing our own watermelons, so this was perfect for me to give a try.
And I love that you shared the story of Emeril and his merciful action.
THANKS!

Unknown said...

Please pour me a glass!

Julie M. said...

Mmmm. Mary, this sounds absolutely delightful. I just finished cutting up a watermelon so I have all the ingredients I need to put it together.

That was a lovely story about Emeril. I didn't watch last season, but I've really been into the current one.

PeggyR said...

Yum sounds wonderful especially since our heat is coming back.

Ana Powell said...

Watermelon and lime, what a great and refreshing combination ♥

Unknown said...

The juice looks so refreshing and idvine.....loved the read about Emeril....have a nice day...

scrambledhenfruit said...

I love watermelon- I wonder how the yellow seedless ones would work with this recipe? I have one sitting in front of me right now, and I may find out later today! Thanks for sharing :)

penny aka jeroxie said...

great story! And i will have to remember to make watermelon ice cubes. in summer

Claudia said...

Emeril's a mensch! Who knew? Love the story - was not a huge fan although he is credited for putting Food Network on the map! Farm to Fork definitely interests me. And I am so boring - I bring home watermelon and eat it. I once put it in a salad with feta - but mainly - I just eat it. Now drinking it is splendid!

pam said...

I've been seeing lots of recipes from this book, sounds like one I need, especially since he is nicer then I thought he was!

Lana said...

Mary, I loved the story about Emeril. I did not watch season 1m but it says something about the man!
As for watermelon limeade, it is a winner. Watermelons are everywhere now, and I love to buy them. This is another way to use them. Sounds wonderfully refreshing.
Greetings from California!

Julie said...

Great story! I've been wanting to check out this cookbook. The limeade looks so refreshing for a hot summer day.

Sushma Mallya said...

Lovely combo, looks so refreshing..

fiberdoodles said...

Happy Pink Saturday!

Alexandra said...

This is one I'll have to take to work, and see what the boss thinks. We take a slushy like crushed ice version , non alcoholic, limeade to summer events. I'm going to try this and see what she thinks.

Thank you!

Melinda said...

Sound refreshing on the hot summer days we all seem to be having.

Happy Sunday.

Melinda

cocoa and coconut said...

What an exciting recipe :)

Chats the Comfy Cook said...

This is a refreshing drink, just what we need, in the hot weather.

I don't like eating watermelon but in a drink, I would love it.

Patti said...

This sounds positively delicious...and very refreshing. I will definitely be trying this.

Also, thanks for popping by my blog the other day. You mentioned that I should write movie reviews for a living. Interesting that you said that....my daughter and I have often thought of writing a classic movie guide. She actually writes reviews for an online movie review site. So, there is definitely some of that movie reviewer mindset in us.

Blessings,
Patti

Elisa said...

i like emeril! and "then you add a BAAAM!!" hehe/
he is funny and now to know he is kind as well, thanks for sharing that story Mary.

Eat. Laugh. Run. said...

This combination sounds not only delicious but looks so pretty too!

The Fajdich Times said...

Love your story.....as I always do! This drink sounds wonderful. Love, love, love watermelon!!!! Can't wait to try:)

LindyLouMac said...

We have just finished eating an 8kg Watermelon! I must definitely remember this recipe for another time then.

Thankyou so much for your recent visit to my blog and for your comments.

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