Hello Autumn!

Who doesn't love Fall?

The weather is cooling down, kids are back in school, spice tea instead of ice tea, boots instead of flip flops and bring out the Fall colored quilt and your favorite cardigan! 

I love this time of year. Especially with weekend Harvest Festivals and an excuse to bake my favourite: Pumpkin Bread!

I get my seasonal fix every Autumn and head out to NY to visit family. It's become a cherished time of year that I look forward to as Summer comes to an end. Living on the west coast in Southern California where it's green most of the year, not that I don't appreciate that but there's nothing like sipping a spice tea as you walk on 'crunchy' leaves thru Central Park.

If you travel up the Hudson River area you are sure to discover some amazing little towns, about 1 hour north of NYC.

Rhinebeck, NY

Sleepy Hollow, New York

Sleepy Hollow, New York

 New York City in Autumn

Central Park, NYC

Westchester County, NY

 Rhinebeck, NY

Huson River vista.

Cucumber Mint Lemonade

 

 If you want to be cool as a cucumber over the last summer holiday weekend try this refreshing spin to the ol' glass of lemonade!

I love to sip on this while sitting on my chaise lounge in my garden or serve it up to friends for an impromptu get together.

Although the drink looks like the color of Lake Mead don't let this 'opaque' drink fool you. It's great taste always calls for seconds. And yes, you can add Vodka!

Cucumber Mint Lemonade

Ingredients:

1 can frozen lemonade

1 liter of sparkling water or regular water

 1 large cucumber - cut into chunks

2 cups mint leaves

Juice and pulp from 1/2 lemon

Prepare frozen lemonade in your favorite pitcher. Puree the cucumber with skin on, and mint in food processor until there are no big chunks of cucumber left. Stir in the juice and pulp from the lemon, and then add this mixture to your lemonade. Shake up and serve over ice.

Cheers!