Maine Memories

I lived just outside of Portland ME. for a brief 18 months when I was in my early 20's. I loved living there. There was always something to do, I made some great friends, and I wish I could have stayed. I would move back there in a "NY minute" if I could. My husband said we could if I'd be willing to have a 4th child. I think that's a pretty good deal.

There is a pizza place right on the water off of Commercial St. called Flatbread Co. It's a very small chain that focuses on natural/organic ingredients. I could roll myself home after eating a meal there. One of my favorite things they had there was a maple lemonade. Instead of using a simple syrup to sweeten the lemonade they replaced it with maple syrup. It's genius. There are several reasons why I like this lemonade:

1. It doesn't use refined sugars.
2. Maple syrup contains manganese.
3. I don't have to dirty a pot to make simple syrup.
4. It's ready when I want a glass of lemonade.
5. It allows me to make a single glass of lemonade instead of a whole pitcher.

After the first time I had their lemonade I ran home and remade it. It's the only way I will make lemonade anymore. The maple syrup compliments the lemon flavor perfectly. Here's the recipe so you can try it too:

Maple Lemonade

(Makes one 12 oz. glass)

Ingredients:

• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 Tbs. of maple syrup
• Water

Directions:

1. Put the juice of the lemon and the maple syrup in the bottom of a 12 oz. glass.
2. Fill glass with cold water and stir to combine.

Take it outside on a hot summer day and enjoy! We had some at a picnic this past Sunday.