Pimm's Cup No. 1 $21.49 (Not TJ's) ****

It was a hot, humid, dark and stormy afternoon; the first miserably humid summer-like day of the season and we were happy to see a cold front rolling in.  JPH suggested that I mix a Pims #1 Lemonade for myself and join them on the upper terrace to watch the storm clouds. We watched the wind spin leaves around us, the birds run for cover and the tree limbs dance.  I started humming the witch's theme from the Wizard of Oz and looked at the sky expecting to see "Surrender Dorothy".  But no, what I did see through the window to the kitchen:  three lobster tails and some fresh tomatoes on the counter waiting to be transformed into dinner!

Pimms is a gin based fruit cup/liqueur that was first produced in England in 1823. It is bright, refreshing, and perfect for a hot summer day, poured over ice, add a slice of lemon & a sprig of mint, then top it off with a sparkling lemon/lime soda - we had a french clear lemonaid, but some people use sprite.  In England, I have also had it with cucumber, which is classically refreshing, with just the right "buzz" and crunch on a hot afternoon. Here is a link to some historical recipes.

When we came inside to start cooking dinner,
we saw that the storm
had made a statement through the open window.
Pages of the cookbook being turned by the wind.
A classic summer thunderstorm is a powerful and amazing thing,
when viewed from the dry warmth of a well loved kitchen.

photo by MEH