My Vegan Journey: Day 17

We are supposed to have hot, humid 90 degree weather for the weekend. That is killer here in East Tennessee. Here are a couple of recipes to help beat the heat and keep your cool.

Juice Up Your Water

You know the advice: Drink eight glasses of water each day to stay healthy. But getting that water can be a drag. And flavored bottled waters often contain extra calories, salt, and artificial sweeteners. So why not make your own fruit-flavored water. You can make a pitcher of refreshing citrus water and keep it in the fridge for up to five days.

Makes 16 cups

16 cups (1 gallon) water

2 large lemons, sliced

1 large orange, sliced

Combine water with fruit slices in a large pitcher, chill 1-2 hours.

Strain out fruit after 2 hours. (I have also been known to put a few sprigs of mint in my water~very refreshing)

Tomato-Cucumber Salad

Stir together 1 seedless cucumber, sliced; 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced; and 2 cups small, vine-ripened tomatoes, cut into quarters. Add 1/4 cup olive oil-and-vinegar dressing, 1/2 tsp. lemon zest, 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss to coat.

Makes 4 servings.

TIP: Grape or cherry tomatoes, halved, may be substituted. Newman's Own Oil and Vinegar Salad Dressing is a great choice!