cheaper than air conditioning!

On Friday, I was buzzing around and feeling very accomplished and happy with myself, getting all sorts of errands and housecleaning done.  And suddenly it hit me – I’m so stinking hot! Even though I had my A/C on (ugh!) and it was set to 75 degrees, which is ridiculous, I know! It was 96 degrees outside and that’s what it felt like inside the house to me.  What to do? I’d been drinking water all day, in fact, I was counting and I’d already drank five 16-ounces glasses.  I needed something more.  I don’t drink soda or coffee (iced or otherwise) and I was already up to my eyeballs in iced tea, which I drank like a horse the day before, as the temps were rising. Finally, it dawned on me, that I’d make myself an agua fresca.  Agua frescas are popular fruit beverages in Central America and the Caribbean. Depending on the natural sweetness of the fruit, sugar or simple syrup may be added as a sweetener.  I wasn’t looking for anything sweet, just something more refreshing and satisfying than water. Trust me, this hit the spot, I plan on making agua frescas with ripe summer fruits all summer long.

Agua Fresca de Melón

2 cups (about 1/2) diced very ripe and sweet cantaloupe
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1 handful fresh mint leaves
1 cup ice cubes
Ice cold water

Place the cantaloupe, cumin, and mint leaves in a blender. Purée until smooth.  Add the ice cubes and blend again to crush the ice.  Divide between two tall glasses and top off with ice-cold water. Serve immediately.

Makes 2