The Best Smith Family Blog

Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade

3 1/2 cups water
1/2 pound rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
3/4 cup sugar
2 3-inch strips of lemon zest removed with a vegetable peeler, plus additional for garnish
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups sliced strawberries
1 cup fresh lemon juice

In a saucepan stir together the water, the rhubarb, the sugar, two strips of the zest, and the vanilla. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Simmer, covered, for 8 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of the strawberries and boil the mixture, covered, for 2 minutes. Let the mixture cool and strain it through a coarse sieve over a pitcher, pressing hard on the solids. Stir in the remaining 1 cup strawberries and the lemon juice. Chill and serve. Garnish with lemon zest if desired.