Last week was filled with baseball games, road travel, family time, cookouts and the renewal of friendships. Our family struck out for Platte County last week and then shifted gears into Northeast Missouri to visit my parents. We kept the van in constant motion as we visited friends, attended gatherings and a Royals baseball game. My only wish was that it could have been longer! There are always so many friends and family that I would like to call upon, but there’s just never enough time.
When I got to my friend, LaRee’s house Sunday afternoon she had a tub full of the summer slush drink I’m sharing this week. It was so refreshing I of course thought of my readers and how I would share this delicious beverage. I also have a second beverage that I thought everyone would find very amusing. It’s a recipe for ‘switchel’ which they used years ago. Farmers and ranch hands would drink the mixture to keep their body from losing electrolytes and such during extreme heat.
I’ve heard of this recipe for years, but the first time I had ever seen it was this week. (Thank you Monica!) I’m sure many of our Amish & Mennonite friends probably use a mixture like this quite frequently. The mixture is good for anytime you’re involved with strenuous activities and heat.
Everywhere we turn all the talk is about school starting up and getting all those supplies for the new school year. On the home-front I’m trying to get foods in the freezer for next winter and a bit more canning accomplished. This week I’m making a few pints of my homemade spaghetti sauce for the pantry. Next week it’s going to be salsa. I have this feeling after all the ‘odd’ weather our country has experienced groceries will be going up again! Thus the reason for my preparations for the winter months.
I’d best get busy setting both of these recipes. I have this feeling everyone reading the column will be able to use one or both of these beverages. Enjoy your week, embrace the sunshine. Simply yours, The Covered Dish. www.thecovereddish.com
Summer Slush
12 ounces frozen limeade
12 ounces frozen orange juice
1 (46 ounces) can pineapple juice
1 quart ginger ale
2 cups whiskey
2 cups vodka
Lemon-lime Soda Pop
Combine everything except the Lemon lime soda in a large plastic tub with a snap on lid. Place in the freezer. Because of the alcohol this will reach a slushy stage. Scoop out into chosen glass sizes filling about 1/2 to 2/3rds full. Fill the rest of the way to the top with the lemon lime soda and stir. Embellish with limes, orange, mint and/or pineapple chunks on a skewer. This is so very refreshing.
Recipe originated with LaRee Campbell, Shawnee, Kansas.
Switchel or ‘Haymaker’s Punch’
1 gallon of water
2 cups raw or dark brown sugar
1 cup molasses
1 cup cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ginger
Mix all ingredients together and drink to hydrate and energize. Also known as a very good ‘health tonic.’
