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Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Homesteading: Summer Treats

Summer has officially arrived! Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, our weather vacillates between our usual temperate climate and times of blazing hot heat! As part of our "homesteading in the city" theme this year, we're making summer treats to enjoy during those heat spells, using our modern gadgets. First, we’ll make lemonade in the Instant Pot, and then blueberry sorbet in the ice cream maker. 


Refreshing summer treats


Lemonade is one of the quintessential drinks of summer. It is tart, sweet, cold, and refreshing. As a youth, my family traveled from rainy Alaska to sunny Southern California every two years to visit our extended family. During long, hot afternoons, Grandma Char served tall glasses of ice-cold lemonade, poured from her glass pitcher. 



I’m using the Instant Pot Lemonade recipe from the “Make Me Some Sugar” blog, by Kelsey. The recipe produces two cups of concentrate, and is ready to mix now (or freeze for later).


Ingredients for making lemonade concentrate

Ready to mix up a batch of lemonade

Sorbet is delicious and refreshing any time the temperature heats up. This time we're making blueberry sorbet, using fresh blueberries and the Blueberry Sorbet recipe from the Ultimate Ice Cream Book, by Bruce Weinstein. I've been working my way through its collection of recipes for years, and have never been disappointed. First make a simple syrup, then combine the syrup, blueberries, and lime juice in a blender. Freeze the mixture in an ice cream machine. It could not be easier.


Ingredients for blueberry sorbet

Ready to eat, or transfer to the freezer

Find a shady spot in the yard and serve your summer treats. Enjoy!


Grandma Char's pitcher still serves up ice cold lemonade


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