Cucumbers are so cool and refreshing that they make a fantastic hot-weather thirst quencher. Pair with some tangy lime — peel and all — and prepare to chill. Remember that whenever you use the peel of a citrus fruit like lime, lemon, or orange, you should scrub it really well first.
kitchen gear
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Cutting board
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Sharp knife (adult needed)
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Vegetable peeler
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Measuring spoons
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Medium-sized metal or plastic bowl
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Wooden spoon or potato masher
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Mesh strainer Measuring cup
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Pitcher
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4 glasses
Ingredients
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 lime
- 2 tablespoon honey or real maple syrup
- pinch salt
- 4 cup cold water
- ice cubes
Instructions
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Set aside 4 of the cucumber slices, and put the rest of the slices into the bowl.
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Scrub the lime and cut it into quarters from end to end (lengthwise). Put each quarter on the cutting board, flat side down. Cut one quarter into 4 pieces and set aside. Cut each of the remaining quarters into thin slices and add them to the bowl of cucumber slices.
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Add the honey or maple syrup and a pinch of salt to the cucumber and lime slices and use the wooden spoon or potato masher to mash them really well until the lime gives up its juice, the cucumber is completely smashed, and the honey or maple syrup is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Add the water and stir well.
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Set the strainer over the pitcher and pour the limeade mixture through it. Use the wooden spoon to mash the mixture against the mesh of the strainer to release as much liquid as possible. Serve right away with ice, garnished with the reserved cucumber and lime slices.
Notes
For an even colder treat, stir in an extra tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, then pour the mixture into ice pop molds and freeze it!
