Infused Water IV - Cucumber and Cilantro

If you let the drink sit over night the flavors enhance and the crushed coriander seeds will give off their full power. Ice always takes away lots of the flavor, if you can do without you will adapt your taste to the warmer water pretty soon. I couldn't resist for the sake of food styling. it just looks so delicious don't you think? 

Let me know what infused water you liked best and how it inspired you in the past 4 recipes. Share your recipe and I will put it in pictures on the blog! 

See the other recipes here: Pineapple, Watermelon and Thai Basil, and Lemongrass and Lemon Balm.

Keep drinking plenty of water !

Infused Water III - Watermelon and Thai Basil

The days here in Vienna were really hot over the weekend, 33°C and no breeze, and the only way to survive seemed to be in the shade with lots of water to keep us happy. Having friends over for a swim if you are fortunate to have a pool is the best of fun. Julian did that and everyone was having a great time. 
Watermelon is the essence of summer for me. There is something about it that brings fun memories, just to look at this giant cannonball with stripes makes you think of childhood days. 
I prepared a jug of water with a long and perfect stick of melon and a sprig of basil. I can imagine, that mint works well as usual with fruit but I thought why not give this one a different look. 

Don't worry if your watermelon has too many seeds, they sink to the bottom and won't bother you. I just happen to have a really big and oval watermelon and used the centre for my infused water.I love the ones with the dark seed much better, they seem to have way more taste. plus what is a fruit without seeds? Genetically manipulated. The farmer is forced to buy new seeds each year because the ones he grows will not provide for the next year's crop.

Here to seedful fruits ! Cheers !

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Infused Water II - Pineapple

So simple and so delicious! A floating slice of pineapple and the summer feelings are near. Add some lemon juice and mint leaves. These ingredients cool the body and help to get through a hot summer day without sweating too much.
When I offered this drink to new friend who happened to come by this morning, he offered in return he would be my hand model and pour the drink while I shoot the photo. Great new friend!

 Thanks, this is refreshing!

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Infused Water I - Lemongrass and Lemon Balm

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It has been really hot today and the first thing that comes to mind is that summer is right here and as the temperatures are climbing we must drink more as usual. The best way to stay healthy and hydrated is to drink between meal times and plenty of water is the best. Ignore the sodas and the sugary drinks, sometimes those tasty waters hide a ton of sugar in them and the calorie intake along with the unwanted hunger attacks after 20 minutes are unreal. 

Not so with these waters made by you, tasty and really pretty, your hydration plan gets an upgrade, your mood swings to green and you will get inspired to come up with your own creative ideas on how to prep your jug of water.

I must add that we are fortunate here in Vienna with the best quality tap water of the planet for a city with almost 2 million inhabitants. More than 150 years ago smart engineers built a water pipeline from the mountains into Vienna with fresh water. This system is so amazing that no matter how high our buildings are we need no pressure pumps. We open our tabs and the water runs freely. We shower with it and we even use the water to flush our toilettes. Sounds insane for everyone else - yes, we are so blessed with fresh water!

Crack a stalk of lemon grass and wash a sprig of lemon balm that's all you need and a little time outside the fridge. After 2 hours your water is infused and ready to be enjoyed.

All ideas work as well with sparkling water, but I prefer the natural water for this by far. It brings out the taste so beautifully ! Enjoy and feel your beauty inside out.

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I have been told by friends that one cannot drink too much water and so they keep a bottle with them everywhere they go but that is not true. Essential minerals can be washed out by excessive drinking as well and that can weaken a body. The rule with almost everything in life is moderation. 2 liters of water are perfect for your body and will keep you hydrated well unless yo spend your days in a dessert under a scorching sun. Your body counts fruit, vegetables and soups as liquid as well.

Red Beet Detox

Done partying ...

Hi everyone, how did you survive the festive season?
This year I left my tree way too long in the house and it was completely dry in the end. Never again! By then a Christmas tree should rank as a weapon with a million shrapnels you can find everywhere. It is a nightmare.

But the best part, once we have it outside the house is that no one is able to bring it away to the dump. Still too heavy to carry it I came up with an idea that is now my favorite tradition. I tie it with a rope to the  back of the car and pull it up the road behind me, slowly but steadily. I get a lot of surprised looks and smiles from neighbors ! Believe me ! Kids love it too!

How do you get rid of your tree?

And in a way my body feels the same after Christmas and the overload on sugar and alcohol. How convenient it would be to just tie all the bad stuff to a car and pull it to the dump. I decided to feed myself now with fresh healthy drinks lots of water and less of comfort food. This is a recipe that will lift your mood, just by the color.

Juice

5 fresh red beets
1/4 of a celeriac
1 lemon
3 cm fresh ginger
 

Blend with the flesh of a 1/4 of a honey dew melon until smooth. Add water if you like.

Good bye Christmas tree, Christmas sins and Christmas tree needles.

Cheers to Detox!