It's black raspberry season here in New England and what a treat! My favorites are black raspberries. You can find them growing in the woods or along meadow edges and they have an incredible subtle flavor. I'm always looking for new ways to enjoy them. I brought some raspberries home and the dinosaurs practically ambushed me at the door. There was much tail-thumping and contented roars as I set down a bowl of multi-color raspberries on the counter. I couldn't help but smile as they debated what to do with them.
"Wow... RASPBERRIES! What are we going to do with these amazing berries? We could put them in crepes or eat them with ice cream. Or yogurt. Or with whipped cream on top of shortcake. Or we could make jam. I love black raspberry jam. Or we could save them for oatmeal. OOooh, or smash them up and spread them on toast with our tails!"
"Or we could just eat them."
"I got it!!! We could make Agua Fresca!"
"I don't even know what that is, but it sounds like a lot of work. I think Rex has the right idea."
"No, look. It's easy. We've got a lime. I'll cut it in half."
"Now Rex, you do the juicing."
"That's it!"
"Time to add the berries."
"That's right! A little bit of all the raspberries. We have so many... red, black and yellow ones."
"And a little bit of something sweet. Maple syrup should do."
"Steady on the pouring, Rex. Not too much. Just a tablespoon or so."
"And let's add some water.... nice and easy."
"Okay. We're ready to blend."
"Everyone in position? Good. Push the button, Rex!"
VvvvrrrrooooOOOMMMM!
"Wow. Would you look at that color?"
"See, that wasn't so hard."
"Wow."
"And how tasty it is!"
Aquas Frescas
Half a lime, juiced
Large handful of berries or some other fruit
1-2 tbsp. maple syrup
2-4 cups water
Blend ingredients. Add more fruit for a thicker, more smoothie-like drink, more lime for added tartness, or more water for something light. Serve over ice on a hot summer day. And don't let the dinosaurs drink it all!
