Relaxation and Spring Break

Everybody has been much awaiting a break ever since the last one ended. The idea of spring break coming and that this quarter has come to an end gives me, and hopefully you too, chills. School, while necessary, is very stressful and a lot of work. Spring break is all about the vacation, eating unhealthy food, sleeping in too late, and forgetting that school even exists.

Spring break usually takes place during Easter or around the Easter season; that means that spring break is not only a time to kick-back and relax, but also a time to spend with family and friends.

In spirit for spring break, especially in Arizona, I thought it would be great to find some fun, easy, and refreshing recipes for drinks that you can try at home during this relaxing break off school. I also made sure to add some other snacks or other foods that I love making at home that I find perfectly simple.

Mint Watermelon Smoothie:

Ingredients:
¼ watermelon
1 cup ice
¼ cup milk of choice
1 mint leaf (or ½ teaspoon mint extract)
1 teaspoon honey

Directions:
1. Cut the watermelon into cubes. You only need about 8 medium-large pieces.
2. Put watermelon, milk, ice, mint and honey into the blender.3. Blend until smooth, pour into a cup and enjoy!

Pico De Gallo:

Ingredients:
¼ large red onion
2 medium tomatoes
¾ jalapeño pepper1 lime

Directions:
1. Dice the red onion into small pieces
2. Core and seed the tomatoes then dice them into small pieces.
3. Core and seed the jalapeño. If you want extra spiciness, keep the seeds to add to the mix later.
4. Place all diced ingredients into a large bowl, add lime juice.
5. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
6. Add salt to taste.

Sparkling Blue Lemonade:

Ingredients:
2/3 cups of white sugar
2/3 cups of water
1 and 1/2 cups of fresh blueberries
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (~4-5 whole large lemons)
2 cups ice cubes
3 cups sparkling water or club soda (or sparkling lemon lime water)

Directions:
1. Combine the sugar, water, blueberries, and lemon zest in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat and then simmer for 5-10 minutes or until the sugar is melted and blueberries are starting to burst.
3. Remove from the heat and pass through a fine sieve. Let this blueberry syrup completely cool.
4. Meanwhile, juice the lemons to get 1 cup lemon juice.
5. In a large pitcher, add the blueberry syrup, lemon juice, and ice. Stir together.
6. Stir in the sparkling water or club soda RIGHT before enjoying (don’t add sparkling water/club soda to anything you plan on having leftover)
7. Enjoy immediately.