cooking up a STORM

One week ago today we were waking up to a flood in the basement. Maybe 6 or so inches of water and all our stuff "floating." While Hurricane Irene went tearing up the East coast I had a storm in my own kitchen cooking and baking.
I tried a few brand new recipes and everything was delicious. It made it bearable to be trapped inside of the house.

Here was my cooking list:

• Fresh Peach Lemonade!
• Pasta Primavera
• Lemon Meringue Pie (with Swiss Meringue!!)
• Bananas Foster Chex Mix
• Hot Ham & Cheese roll
• Beef Pot Pie
• Rhubarb muffins with lemon zest

Many of these things were made with fresh produce and it was a great way to wrap up the flavors of summer. Especially that fresh peach lemonade. You only need 2 fresh peaches and a fresh lemon on hand and you have a delicious drink that tastes like summer.

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 cups water, divided
• 2 medium peaches, chopped
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 medium lemon, sliced

How-To:

• In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups water, peaches and sugar to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until peaches are tender. Remove from the heat. Cool. Strain, discarding peach skins.
• In a large pitcher, combine the peach mixture, lemon juice and remaining water. Add lemon slices. Serve cold or over ice.