UNBELIEVABLY WE ARE MORE THAN HALFWAY THRU THE YEAR!

August is the 8^th month of the year in our calendar and is named after the Roman emperor Augustus. Leo and Virgo are the zodiac signs. It is also National Sandwich Month as it was invented in 1762 by the Earl of Sandwich, hence the name. Summer is the season when the sun shines the brightest and that attributes to fruits and vegetables being so plentiful and among farmers is known as “harvest month”. It is the loooooongest of the summer months. 

Here in Georgia we don’t need a calendar to tell us it is August because it is hot, humid and rainy; not steady rain but everyday there is a thunderous downpour that floods the roads and adds to the humidity and temperament of drivers as they try to get home. An unfortunate occurrence here in Georgia, in August, and one I just can’t seem to ever comprehend is that school starts in August when the weather is the most unbearable and ACs are running at optimum speed. I grew up where school started in more civilized weather after Labor Day. Everybody complains but nothing is ever changed. That’s my yearly lament and I’m sticking to it! I gave up on “If at first you don’t succeed……, after our children graduated!!

IT’S THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

Several years ago when we were in Italy, sitting on a little outdoor terrace overlooking incredible verdant hills and valleys, we escaped the heat with a  delicious drink that refreshed and calmed our tired feet and bodies. 

We have since been able to closely remake this drink at home.  Howeverthe key  to the success is that we always have a bottle or two of homemade Limoncello  in our freezer, skillfully made and compliments of my cousin, Andrea, in Italy and our thoughtful nephew Victor in Florida.

Indulge yourself, whip up this glass of deliciousness and think of rolling hills and green pastures as you sip.

LIMONATA

Fill a tall glass or a shaker part way with ice.

Add 2 ½ – 3 oz. Vodka.  If you have citrus flavored Vodka, all the better.

Add a generous splash of Limoncello and then add your desired amount of sour mix.  Shake well and pour into a high-ball glass. Serve with a thin slice of lemon or a lemon peel.

TO MAKE THE SOUR MIX:

1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Water
2 Cups fresh lemon juice – strained
½  – 1 Cup Lime juice – strained

Combine the water and sugar in a small pot and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.  Lower the heat to a light simmer and add the strained citrus juices.

Let simmer for a few seconds while stirring to incorporate all.  Remove from the heat and let cool before pouring into a jar to keep until needed in the refrigerator.

BUON MANGIATA!