I’m in denial that summer is nearing an end. I’ve been here before and I know myself enough to know that it happens in a moment. One moment its tomatoes and the next it’s apples, warm drinks and pumpkin everything. But that moment hasn’t happened yet so I’m still planning on repeated pitchers of this peppermint lemonade.

This was our lemonade of choice this summer. It’s what we sold at the stand and has been the perfect drink to chase away the heat. I love the lingering cold feeling that peppermint leaves on the tongue especially on a particularly hot day, of which we’ve had many. And I’m hoping for several more.

Although I’ve yet to try it, I imagine a splash of vodka or gin would go quite nicely here as well. Cheers to a bit more summer!

Peppermint Tea Lemonade

Originally the idea here was to create a Peppermint Arnold Palmer of sorts but it ended up being more like a flavored lemonade. You can add more water to the tea base if you'd like to go with my original plan but this is how I made it again and again. Also, I leave the tea bags in until the pitcher runs dry. By the last glass the peppermint flavor is intense and incredibly refreshing. Feel free to add in more tea bags from the get-go if you like it real minty.

1 cup hot water

1 cup sugar

3 peppermint tea bags

1 cup fresh lemon juice

2 cups cold water

fresh mint leaves (optional)

Stir together the hot water and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Add the peppermint tea bags and let steep for at least 10 minutes.

In a large pitcher combine the peppermint syrup (I keep the tea bags in) with the lemon juice and water. Taste and adjust to your liking.

Serve over ice with fresh mint if you have it.

I know a lot of people who are sickened by Valentine’s day. They shrug it off as an attempt for the candy and card industry to make a few bucks. But for me, any excuse to eat chocolate and tell someone you love how much you love them and then to hear it in return (hopefully) is reason enough for me to enjoy this holiday.

Whether you love or hate V-day I know for a fact you will love to sip some chocolate. This sinfully rich dessert is heaven in a cup and can be made in under ten minutes. What’s not to love?

Drinking Chocolate
six servings – if you are willing to share
8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped in 1/2 inch pieces – The best quality you can afford. My personal favorite is Valrhona Guanaja 70%, available from Trader Joe’s.
1 cup whole milk
1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 tsp fleur de sel (regular salt is fine in a pinch )
1/4 tsp cinnamon

1 cup heavy whipping cream for serving

Place chocolate in a medium bowl.
Bring milk, cream and salt to a slow boil. Watch this closely as it can scald and boil over very quickly. Add the milk and cream to the chocolate. Let sit for 1-2 minutes. Add the cinnamon. Whisk the chocolate mixture until completely combined. The resulting liquid should be smooth, creamy and about the thickness of full fat cream. If for some reason the mixture doesn’t come together through it into a blender or food process and blend until completely smooth.

Serve with lightly whipped cream.

In all my years of consuming all things sweet this dessert continues to be number one on my list. This sophisticated dessert can be thrown together in minutes and makes a perfect treat for this time of the year. You can also add to it to make it your own. One of my personal favorite additions is cayenne and cinnamon, giving this chocolate treat a spicy kick the way it was intended to be consumed. I would also encourage you to try peppermint, vanilla and coffee.

(I’m in love with my new Terra Keramik Teapot.)