It has been hot in New Mexico, and I mean Hades hot! 😀
The temperatures have been hitting the low 100’s and that is unusual for New Mexico this time of year. The heat is getting to me and I have found myself being lazy in the kitchen, and with the laundry, and with the, oh you get my point. Just give me a pool floaty and some sunscreen please.
Hot days like these are made for the swimming pool and eating cool foods and beverages. I live on fresh fruit and salads in the summertime, and I drink a lot of water. Sometimes though, I want a little zip to my water. Lemons and Limes are often what I use for a little something different but I just discovered how to make “Aguas Frescas” at home.
Aguas Frescas, or “fresh waters” are water infused with fruits, flowers, grains or seeds. In Mexico, street vendors line the markets with barrel-shaped jars filled with these refreshing beverages. If you have ever heard of Horchata, that is an agua fresca made with rice and cinnamon.
I found the following recipe in the Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications, Ultimate Mexican edition, which is on newstands until July 13th. This is the same magazine where I found the Churros recipe. There are A LOT of naturally gluten-free recipes in this magazine and those that are not, are easily adaptable, like the churros! I am in the process of making the recipe for Pulled Pork Enchiladas (p. 25) and the only substitution I am making is corn tortillas for the flour tortillas.
Strawberry Agua Fresca
6 cups fresh Strawberries, hulled and halved (I did not hull mine)
4 cups of Cold Water
1/4 cup fresh squeezed Lime Juice
1/4 cup Honey (I used 1/8 cup, or 2 Tbs. of Local Honey and 1/8 cup of Stevia Extract In The Raw)
Ice Cubes
Whole Fresh Strawberries
Honey (optional)
- In a blender (I used my Vitamix), combine half of the halved strawberries and half of the cold water. Cover and blend well.
- Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher or large glass jar. Discard Solids.
- Repeat with remaining strawberries and remaining water.
- Stir in lime juice and the 1/4 cup honey. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
- Serve in ice-filled glasses, garnish with fresh strawberries.
- If desired, sweeten to taste with additional honey.
Makes 6 servings.
The Strawberry Agua Fresca is delicious and refreshing. Perfect for a hot summer’s day. I bet these would make great popsicles too! 😀
And welcome to my blog!
Whether you're here looking for advice on how to go gluten free (with delicious kid-approved recipes of course!), or to read some of the latest medical research on celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity...or even to read about one woman's rise from the depths of gluten-free despair to a place of downright enthusiasm, it makes no matter. The point is, you are here now so let's have some fun!
YUM! I think I have that magazine. All the recipes sound familiar. I might try the aqua tomorrow with watermelon.
I am suppose to be on a corn free diet too, I had some nachos today and it was a mistake. I might have to forgo mexican all together. I don't really mean that, I will come up with some kind of cracker/chip.
Glad you have a pool! I was sweating just reading about the heat.
Timely Heidi! Most prep-packaged Graham Crackers have butter in them which I also cannot tolerate, so I've been looking for a good recipe. I'm going to have a go at this one, subbing coconut oil for the butter. Bg Mexican food fans here. Please share if the enchilada's turn out 🙂
Of course you had to say you used your VITAMIX! You tease 🙂
Can't wait to see these upcoming posts! Lauren from Celiac Teen also made gf graham crackers. They look pretty easy and yummy too! I will have to check out Elizabeth's. I wish I was your neighbour!
It's been crazy hot, huh? Can I come over and have some fresh water? Either as a beverage or a pool? haha! Actually it was nice to wake up to cooler weather this morning, although it is already windy.
If you ever want to meet at Five Guys for lunch…let me know, my office isn't far away – or to the Jason's on Paseo.
BTW, what are Scooby Snacks? Are you putting funny stuff in those?
Renee: I will email you about meeting up for lunch, sounds fun!
Scooby Snacks are bone shaped graham crackers (gluten), here's a pic: http://www.amazon.com/Scooby-Doo-Graham-Cracker-C…
Sam used to like them pre-celiac and I have a cute cupcake idea to use them for, but will have to make my own!
I only have a baby pool in my back yard (although my neighbor just put in an in-ground pool! Hmmm….) My parent's have a pool, so I load up my minivan with GF food and go campout in theirs, LOL! 😀
Oh, that drink looks fantastic! I'm so glad it's not really Fresca. 😉
Scooby snacks … I just like saying that. LOL
Shirley
Oh, wow, I could sure use one of those drinks right now!! It is really stinkin' hot here in NC – 89, but with the humidity, feels like 103. Crazy!! It has never been this hot when we are here on vacation. The water even feels like bathwater, which is odd for this time of year. I remember the past few years being wrapped up in a towel because it was chilly after getting out of the cold water.
Oh, thanks for sharing my Examiner link, too! 🙂
Kim
That drink looks and sounds so delicious and refreshing. I can't wait to try it.
That looks very refreshing!!
Oooh you guys are getting a Five Guys?? So good, I loved it when I tried it over Christmas. The only gluten containing item is the buns 🙂
Jenny: yep, a Five Guys just opened up in ABQ.! As soon as my cold goes away and I get my sense of taste back, I am so there! 🙂
just found you and I love it!
Heidi, have you ever made water kefir? I am dying to experiment with making some but have not found any of the Water Kefir grains yet.
Hi Michelle,
Cultures for Health sent me some Water Kefir Grains to review on my blog, I just haven't gotten around to it yet….think I will start that project tomorrow! http://www.culturesforhealth.com/water-kefir-grai…
Okay, okay, okay. Heidi says go buy some dern limes and make cupcakes and aqua fresca chasers. I'm on it. I swear! well… erm, can you give me a ride?
Will it be just as good without the lemon? I am allergic to citrus too. Its so hard to find fruit drinks or smoothies. I can have strawberries, melons, cherries and grapes.
Nicole,
Oh yes, they just as good without the citrus! 😀
I can't believe how hot it is in New Mexico! This Agua Frescas looks so refreshing, I wish I had one now – bookmarking this recipe for when it gets hot around here!