When life gives you lemons, I say do the happy dance. Because to me, it’s the sassiest, sunniest, food in your kitchen.  Being dealt the attributes of acid and sour, lemons have the pluck to proudly rise above. These yellow orbs know that they bring balance to life. For instance, how would you know that sugar was sweet, unless you had tasted its sour opposite? Lemons bring us to an important level of awareness… that just cannot be denied.

Let’s face it, making lemonade is for amateurs. If life gives me lemons, I say find some white port and tonic and invite the lemons to join in. I say add thyme and garlic and make lemon butter for your salmon; or find a raw oyster and give it a squeeze. Zest that lemon and add it to your pasta or your salad dressing. You can even throw some lemons in your chicken noodle soup! Perhaps you should make some luscious lemon curd and smear it on your crumpets, (with pinky’s out if you please). Or how about if you save the day and preserve those lemons in oil or salt? Here is a huge tip- so please use your yellow highlighter… If I think a dish is missing something, if it is too sweet, too spicy or too bland, a dose of lemon juice or zest is just exactly what it needs.   Our fabulous Chef’s at Salty’s are inspired by yellow this summer. They are slipping a little lemon into all kinds of lovely dishes like our Salmon BLTA, (you must try this zig zag of flavors) or that lovely fresh oyster I was telling you about.

If your day begins with lemons on your doorstep, the first thing you should do is make a hot cup of lemon water. Yes, even before your cup of Joe or your spot of tea. It will surely improve your mood, perk up both your metabolic and immune systems and give your attitude a kick. Lemons are a bounty of citric acid, vitamin C and polyphenols (short for antioxidants that protect you from “free radicals”, bad guys that produce things like heart disease and cancer).  Lemon-water can be a wonderful healthy addition to every day. Don’t just squeeze it, add whole slices with the rind as well. It will also help your body build collagen for mending what we wear out. It also helps to prevent colds, and that is a season we would all surely like to skip.  If you would like to learn more, “Hello Yellow” cooking tips, check out our fabulous Chef Jeremy’s pithy ideas right here.  If life gives you lemons, I leave you with this bit of poetic inspiration…

The Optimist

“Life handed him a lemon,
As Life sometimes will do.
His friends looked on in pity,
Assuming he was through.
They came upon him later,
Reclining in the shade
In calm contentment, drinking
A glass of lemonade.”

From the Rotarian

Have a great end to your summer and be sure to come celebrate at our Salty’s waterfront decks…  with a side of lemon of course.