Market day August 8th

Fried Fries Friday fest presents:

Cucumber Agua Fresca  

Yield: Serves 2

Ingredients

2 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons water

1 3/4 cups peeled English cucumber slices (about 1 medium cucumber)

1/4 cup water

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 large limes)

1 1/2 cups crushed ice

2 cups lime-flavored sparkling water, chilled

English cucumber ribbons (optional)

Preparation

1. Combine sugar and 3 tablespoons water in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 2 minutes or until mixture boils, stirring every 1 minute. Cool.

2. Place cucumber slices and 1/4 cup water in a blender; process until smooth. Strain mixture through a cheesecloth-lined sieve into a bowl to measure 1 cup liquid; discard solids. Combine cucumber liquid and sugar syrup in a small pitcher. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or until thoroughly chilled; stir in lime juice.

3. Place 3/4 cup crushed ice in each of 2 glasses. Pour 1/2 cup cucumber mixture into each glass. Add 1 cup sparkling water to each glass. Garnish with cucumber ribbons, if desired.