Berries with Limoncello & Mint

My flowers are finally blooming!

I've been spending a lot of time outside, tidying up the flower beds.

Mr. Clyde likes to join me.  

Our typical scenario:  me, on my knees, pulling weeds.  Clyde, stretched out in front of me, so I have to reach over him to pull the weeds.  I get up and move to a different spot, he moves with me.

I try not to make eye contact with him, because as soon as I do he flips onto his back, wagging his tail, asking for a belly rub.  How can I resist this big, fluffy teddy-bear face?

I recently invited a bunch of friends over for a dinner party.  My menu?

Artichoke Dip

Caprese Skewers

Stuffed Mushrooms

Asparagus wrapped with prosciutto & mozzarella

I also made scalloped potatoes, and grilled filets mignon.   Actually, Mr. Terrific did the grilling.  Partly because he likes working the grill, but mostly because I think he's terrified that I'm going to overcook the meat.  He's really good at paying attention and making sure that the steaks are perfect.

And I made this rum punch, which I'm going to feature in a future blog post.  I promise!

For now, I'm going to give you the recipe for the berries that my friend, Danielle, brought to my party.  I thought they were just a lovely bowl of berries.......until I tried them.  

Me: "Wow, what else is in here?"

Danielle: "A little bit of lemon juice, mint, Limoncello........."

Me: "What?! Give me the recipe!!"

Here it is!!

Today's Playlist

• "No One Knows"......Queens of the Stone Age
• "California Sun"......The Ramones
• "On My Way"........Billy Boy On Poison
• "1983".....Neon Trees
• "Buddy Holly".....Weezer
• "Come Out And Play"....The Offspring

Berries with Limoncello and Mint

• 6 to 8 cups fresh berries (any combo you like!)
• juice and zest from 1/2 lemon
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons Limoncello

white vinegar, to wash the berries with

Gather your ingredients.

This is how I wash my berries:

Fill a large bowl with cold water.  Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the water.  

If you're using strawberries, remove the hulls from the strawberries.

Put all of the berries into the bowl with the water/vinegar.  Gently stir and swish the berries around, then allow the berries to soak for up to 20 minutes.  The vinegar will help to clean your fruit and it will also kill any bacteria.

While the berries are soaking, prep your remaining ingredients.

Zest and juice one half of a lemon.

Add the zest and juice to a small bowl.

Add the Limoncello.

Stir in the sugar.

Chop the mint leaves.

Drain the berries in a colander.  Give a quick rinse of water to rinse off any remaining taste of vinegar.

Place the berries in a bowl.  Add the Limoncello mixture.

Very gently stir in the mint.  Allow the berries to sit for at least 20 minutes, so that the flavors can blend.

Enjoy!