Homemade Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 3 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup lemon peel strips (about 6 lemons)
• 3 cups lemon juice (approximately 14 lemons)
• 1 liter bottle of club soda, chilled

Directions:

1. Over medium heat, in a large saucepan - heat sugar and water until sugar is completely dissolved. Stir frequently.
2. Gradually stir in lemon strips. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove saucepan from heat and cool liquid.
5. Add lemon juice, cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
6. Remove lemon strips and combine chilled liquid mixture with chilled club soda.

Hint: Slowly stir lemon mixture into club soda, or it will bubble over quickly. If you don't mind pulp in your lemonade - freshly squeezed lemons are best. (My kids have texture issues and won't drink "fuzzy" drinks.) Add some frozen strawberries for a little extra pop - or - my favorite, maraschino cherries. Enjoy!!