Watermelon Lemonade is the best of summer! I’ve bumped up the sweet-tart flavor with a bit of chili pepper. It’s up to you if you want to keep it zero-proof or not.
This issue of Good and Good for You Living shares
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News about the revised and updated paperback version of Bon Appetit, Y’all! OMG!!
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Best Life Living Tip is the chili pepper strategy with NA.
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The Self-Care Technique of the week is hydration!
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Ideas and Inspo from Chinese American culinary expert Grace Young.
Read on for more — and your fave new summer recipe for Watermelon Lemonade!
Bon Appetit, Y’all
Check out the new cover for Bon Appetit, Y’all: Three Generations of Southern Cooking! This book was the first cookbook ever to be listed on the Georgia Humanities List of All Books Georgians Should Read. I am proud and humbled.
I’ve revised, updated, and added new recipes – including recipes for both vegan and gluten-free biscuits –nearly 20 new photographs, and a heartfelt introduction that addresses my health journey, weight loss, and how I balance indulgent classic Southern dishes with more healthy foods.
I’ve also touched nearly every recipe in the book, lightening many up with less fat and oil. (Big exceptions are the country classics like Fried Chicken, Fried Fatback, and Fried Catfish!)In addition, each chapter contains a selection of new commentary in the form of “Fresh Takes,” which includes serving suggestions, how to transform to gluten-free, how to lighten up, and swaps for time-saving store-bought prepared ingredients instead of chopping everything from scratch.
It’s more like how I eat and cook now in my home kitchen – a Mediterranean diet with a Southern accent.
So, yes — even if you have the 1st one, I know you will enjoy this new version, too!
Please pre-order from Amazon or UGA Press. And, if you’d like to host me for a signing, collaborate for an event, or sell Bon Appetit, Y’all in your store please contact assistant@VirginiaWillis.com
Best Life Living Tip
This week’s Best Life Living Tip is to embrace healthy partying this summer. Lean into what’s good and good for you. We do not need alcohol all the time at all the parties — we just don’t!
I find it’s more fun to be NA when I’ve got something exciting going on in my glass.
Want to know how to mimic the heat of alcohol with alcohol? Chili pepper!! Chili peppers can be used in non-alcoholic drinks to add a kick and replicate the burn of alcohol. Chili peppers contain capsaicin, a chemical compound that activates pain receptors in the mouth, which can trigger the release of endorphins!
I add a little chili pepper for some underlying fire. It gives it a little heat that mimics the light heat from alcohol – without the alcohol!
And, if you do want to imbibe, how about one Watermelon Lemonade with an add-in like vodka or rum, and the next one without?
You can do it!
Self Care Technique
HYDRATION! Watermelon is 92% water, making it great for hydration. It’s especially important during the hot summer months when watermelon is deliciously in season.
You can hydrate with water-rich fruits and vegetables. Try “eating your water” with watermelon, cucumbers, cantaloupe, lettuce, tomato, cabbage, celery, spinach, and summer squash.
Make hydration fun! You will LOVE these frozen watermelon ice cubes. Try them with this Watermelon Lemonade, your favorite fruity beverage, or plain seltzer. Sprinkle with fresh blueberries and serve them ever so slightly defrosted for a refreshing festive dessert.
The Mayo Clinic calls watermelon a “disease fighter” stating, “Watermelon has more lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable. Lycopene is an antioxidant linked to decreased risk of cancer, heart disease, and age-related eye disorders.”
Watermelon Lemonade for the win!
Ideas and Inspiration
Grace Young (aka @stirfryguru on IG) is an award-winning cookbook author, culinary historian and Chinatown activist. Named the “poet laureate of the wok” by food historian Betty Fussell, Grace has devoted her career to preserving the traditional iron wok and demystifying the ancient cooking utensil for use in contemporary kitchens.
Since Covid and the decimation of Chinatowns across the US, Grace has evolved from a quiet, scholarly, food writer to an activist and a voice to help all of us #SupportChinatowns.
She documents the stories and the impact COVID-19, xenophobia, and decreased tourism and foot traffic has had on the Manhattan Chinatown community. Grace has brought attention to the community’s collective experiences of hardship, misfortune, perseverance, and fortitude.
She is a full-on #SHERO and I have the highest respect for her and her work. Make sure to give her a follow on IG and check out her website GraceYoung.com
Point it Out
Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy. Please let me know what you think! WW points for this per serving is roughly 2 points per serving. Love it!
Bon Appetit, Y’all
xo VA
Watermelon Lemonade
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed Watermelon
- 1/2 cup Simple syrup to taste (1/2 cup sugar + 1/2 cup water)
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 3 cups water or to taste
- 1/2 Red jalapeno seeded, to taste
Instructions
- Place everything in a blender. Puree. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Good and Good for You with Virginia Willis is a lifestyle brand that shares health and wellness content through digital channels, events, and print media. For more information visit virginiawillis.com
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