STRAWBERRY - MINT LEMONADE

Ingredients:
Strawberries- 4 cups (hulled)
Lemon juice - 1 cup
Mint sprigs - 5 cups (lightly packed)
Sugar - 1 1/4 cups
Water - 4 cups

Method:

• In a 3-4 quart pan, combine 2 cups of water, one cup of sugar and mint sprigs.
• Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Pour through a fine strainer into a blender; press to extract liquid. discard mint.
• Thinly slice about one cup of the strawberries and set aside.
• Add half the remaining strawberries to a blender and whirl until smooth; pour into a wide mouth 2 1/2 to 3 quart pitcher or bowl.
• In blender, whirl lemon juice and remaining whole strawberries until smoothly purees; add to pitcher.
• Stir in sliced strawberries and remaining 2 cups of water.
• Sweeten to taste with more sugar, if desired; stir until sugar is dissolved.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 8 hours.
• Before serving, stir well.