Sunday, October 2, 2011

Brazilian Lemonade

We didn't try this in Brazil, but when I tried it at the neighbor's cooking class it was obviously Brazilian. In Brazil, they call limes lemons, and use sweetened condensed milk in so many things. True Brazilian sweetened condensed milk is slightly different, not quite as sweet and thick as ours. This can not be made very far in advance as it spoils quickly, thus you wouldn't want to use it for a party, but your family will ask for it frequently, once they have tried it.

1 cup sugar
6 cups cold water
4 juicy limes (smooth, thin skinned limes are juiciest and least bitter)
5-7 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
Crushed ice

Mix cold water and sugar until sugar dissolved. let chill until ready to use. (this part can be made in advance).
Wash limes really well with soap. You will need to get the wax and pesticides off they skins as you using the whole lime. Cut the ends off, then cut into eighths.. Place half the limes in the blender and half the sugar water. Pulse 5 times (or more if necessary) to release the flavors. Place a strainer over the pitcher you are serving out of and pour mixture through the strainer. With a spoon press out the rest of liquid. Repeat with remaining limes and sugar water. Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk and serve over lots of ice. Serving cold is important.

Pina Colada Salad

Once a month, our neighbor offers a cooking class. Not only is she an excellent cook, but the evening is quit entertaining. It's always fun to go, not to mention tasty. Sometimes she has a recipe that just has to be shared and this is one of them. The combination may seem strange, try it you will be surprised, and it looks so pretty.

1 cup cashews (salted or raw, try it bot ways)
2 cups dried cranberries (I have used cherry flavored craisins, just make them fresh)
1 cup diced celery
2 cups diced FRESH pineapple (canned may be used but it won't be quite as good)

Pina Colada Dressing:
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup pina colada drink mix (usually found in the liqueur aisle)
1 1/2 cup sour cream (or be healthy and use plain yogurt)

Mix the cashews, cranberries, celery and pineapple together. Whisk the sugar, pina colada drink mix and sour cream together and pour over the salad. Mix well. Serve immediately or store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

If serving immediately you could also try chopped apples in it.