Watermelon Lavender Smoothie

A Watermelon Lavender Smoothie may sound a bit strange, but this odd combination is light, floral and delicious.

The key to cooking with Lavender is to start with small amounts. If you add too much, your lovely dish will taste like potpourri. I’ve been working to incorporate lavender into more recipes and this smoothie was a perfect choice. The watermelon is fresh and sweet, and the vanilla yogurt blends well with the floral taste of the lavender.

A wonderful benefit of experimenting with herbs, is the transformation they bring to your food. Something you may have eaten 100 times, suddenly takes on a completely new taste. Try adding a pinch of lavender to your salads, breads or desserts.

Enjoy!


Watermelon Lavender Smoothie
by Laura Friendly
start to finish: 10 minutes
makes: two cups

• 2 cups watermelon, rind removed, cut into 1 inch cubes
• ½ cup dairy-free vanilla yogurt (I used soy yogurt)
• ¼ cup unsweetened dairy-free milk (I used almond milk)
• ⅛ tsp food grade dried lavender, finely ground

In a blender, combine watermelon, yogurt, dairy-free milk and lavender. Blend until smooth.

Serve immediately.


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Watermelon Cucumber Cooler

Do you like watermelon? I love it. There is nothing better than a fresh slice of this delicious fruit, especially on a hot summer day. And what might be even better? A Watermelon Cucumber Cooler! This is a wonderful combination of watermelon, cucumber, mint, lime and vodka (optional of course). The watermelon and cucumber are clean and fresh, but it’s the mint that adds the special touch to this drink.

Cool and delicious, the perfect cocktail for any 80º F day.


Watermelon Cucumber Cooler
by Laura Friendly
start to finish: 15 minutes
serves: 2 (makes about 2 cups)

• 4 cups seedless watermelon, rind removed, cubed
• ½ cup seedless cucumber, skin removed, cubed
• 1 cup ice
• 2 tbsp agave nectar
• juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
• 2 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 2 shots of vodka, optional

In a blender combine watermelon, cucumber and ice. Cover and blend until nearly smooth. Add in agave, lime juice and mint, blend well.

Strain mixture through a fine-mesh into a small bowl or pitcher, pressing out juice. Discard solids.

Stir in vodka, if desired, and serve immediately over ice. Garnish with fresh mint.

Find more Laura Friendly at HelloGiggles!

Watermelon and Bacon Salad

I love to read. Anything and everything. Because of this, I finally decided the time had come to get a few girls together to start a book-club. :) Our first gathering was this past Sunday at my apartment, and as any good host, food and beverages must be a part of the event.

One of the dishes I decided to make was a Watermelon and Bacon Salad. I know the combination may sound a little strange, but have no fear, it is amazing! This is one of those salty-sweet combinations that create the perfect bite, especially when the weather is nearing 90 degrees. Easy to make, simple and delicious. I hope you enjoy!

Serves 4 to 6
start to finish: 25 minutes

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp gluten-free balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp agave nectar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 scallion, minced
3 to 5 springs parsley, stems removed and minced
salt & pepper to taste
6 to 8 cups watermelon, cut into 1 inch chunks
7 stripes gluten-free bacon, diced
¼ cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
½ cup goat feta cheese, optional (you can also sub shredded non-dairy cheese)

In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, vinegar, agave, olive oil, onion, parsley and salt & pepper. Set aside.

Fry bacon in a nonstick saute pan for about 8 minutes, until crisp. Remove to a plate covered in paper towel and allow to cool. Once cool finely dice bacon. note: to make this dish faster you can also use precooked bacon

In a second nonstick saute pan, put the pine nuts in it (without oil) and turn the heat to medium. Shake the pan every 30 seconds and toss the pine nuts. When they are fragrant and lightly browned, turn the heat off and remove the pine nuts to a plate and allow to cool.

Place the watermelon into a large serving bowl and pour the liquid mixture over it, tossing lightly. Top with toasted pine nuts, bacon and feta cheese. Serve immediately.