Blackberry Lemonade

 This morning,I went to my local farmer's market and found what I have been waiting for all summer.....blackberries.One of my favorite summertime drinks is blackberry lemonade,so I went home and made some....here is the recipe.Stringing blackberries on a straw makes a nice presentation for guests!

Ingredients:
1 c. fresh blackberries
4 c. water
1 c. sugar
1 c. FRESH lemon juice(5-6 lemons,skins peeled and saved)
ice

   Place 2 c. of water and 1 c. of sugar in a small saucepan.Heat over low heat until the sugar is dissolved...this is a simple syrup. Remove from heat and place the reserved lemon peels in the mixture.Set aside.The mixture will take on a bright yellow hue while cooling.Yes,I know what it looks like...no jokes!

    In a blender,blend the blackberries and 1 c. of water.Strain into a pitcher using a fine sieve(to remove all of the seeds and pulp),and add an additional cup of water.Pour the lemon peel/simple syrup mixture into the pitcher,again using a strainer.Finally,add the cup of lemon juice and ice.

   Stir the mixture well,and serve with mint sprigs and blackberries if desired.Enjoy!

 ***You may use raspberries or strawberries instead of blackberries in this recipe if desired.

***Always use the juice from fresh lemons.never the stuff in the little bottle or plastic lemon.