CHEF JEFF — ONE BYTE AT A TIME: Kiwi Mint Lemonade

A lot of people eat fruit plain, but did you know most of it is good in drinks, too?

Kiwi Mint Lemonade

1 cup water

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup packed fresh mint leaves

3 kiwifruit

2 to 3 lemons

Sparkling water, to taste

In a medium saucepan, heat water with sugar over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved. Simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mint leaves. Let stand 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, peel kiwifruit and cut into chunks. Puree in a food processor. Place puree in a pitcher. Strain cooled syrup into pitcher, pressing on mint, then discard leaves. Refrigerate until cold. Squeeze juice from 2 lemons. Stir into kiwifruit mixture. Taste, squeeze in juice from third lemon for a tarter drink.

Divide equally among 4 glasses. Top with sparkling water. Serve garnished with a slice of kiwifruit.

Yield: Serves 4.

Grab more food tidbits at the Chef Jeff blog at GrandForksHerald.com.

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