Limeade Means Summer!

So every summer I find myself craving citrus and nothing will do except for a tall cold glass of limeade.  Sometimes there are a few lemons in there.  I usually just squeeze the juice out of whatever is lying around the house, whether lemons, limes or grapefruit, and make a light citrus drink. 

I also have another confession.  I'm addicted to raspberries, yes, raspberries.  I'm perhaps more addicted to raspberries than I am to ketchup.  Just last week the grocery store had a sale on raspberries, 10 for $10, and I wanted more than ten so I convinced my extremely awesome and accommodating significant other ;) to also buy another ten.  So twenty 6 ounce containers lasted us approximately 5 days....no I'm not joking.  I'm even considering going to pick up more so some might actually get frozen.  I even bought another five packages since they were on sale again today.  But how can you say no to those raspberries? I can't...

Which brings me to limeade and summer things...again.

Limeade, all natural hair lightener, ice cold water= necessities of summer!

Limeade/ Lemonade
Juice of 3-4 lemons or limes (don't be afraid to mix them up!)
2-3 cups of cold filtered water (depending on how strong you want it)
Agave to taste

1. Mix everything in a large glass or small pitcher making sure to stir really well to incorporate the agave fully. 
2. Lay out in the sun, or shade, and enjoy while your neighbors look on with envy. 

All Natural Hair Lightener
Juice from one lemon
2 T. Honey
1 C. Water
1 T. Olive oil

1. Mix everthing thoroughly in a sealed container.  Shake well before each use.
2.  Its helpful to put some of this in a spray bottle for application.  Dampen hair, let it dry in the sun, re- apply every 4 hours.
3. Store mixture in the fridge.  It will stay good in there for approximately one week.  It may take several days for you to notice a difference in the color of your hair but from my experience natural blondes have the best results.  Enjoy!

Chilled Cantaloupe Soup

Each and every summer time just gets away from me.  I know its been unforgivably long since my last post and for that I am truly sorry.  It must have been terrible going without awesome vegan food. :P

Things have gotten pleasantly busy over the last month.  Fortunately I have had some spare time to cook delicious vegan things which I will attempt to share with you as often as possible as we reach towards the end of summer.  I made this soup during a particularly hot week and it was incredibly refreshing.   This can be served in a traditional bowl, or in shot glasses as "shooters" which is a good appetizer.  I personally just like how easy it is and how people seemed to be impressed and curious about it at the same time. 

Chilled Cantaloupe Soup:
2 small cantaloupes, peeled, cut in chunks
1 t. dried tarragon flakes
Juice of two large limes
1/3 C Fresh cilantro, packed
2 small shallots
1 t salt, or to taste

1. Sweat the shallots making sure to not let them brown at all.
2. Add all ingredients in a blender and blend until very smooth.
3. Refrigerate a few hours to overnight to allow the flavors to mingle. Taste and adjust spices/lime to your liking. Serve chilled.

Notes: DO NOT use onion in place of the shallots, the soup comes out tasting like vomit Also feel free to be generous with the lime and cilantro. Enjoy!

 Here is the photo I promised of the banana ice cream! Mine is topped with chocolate chips and blueberries but there are many many toppings that are delicious!