MAKE-AHEAD LEMONADE BASE & FRUIT VARIATIONS

For sugar syrup, in a medium saucepan heat and stir water and sugar over medium heat till sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and cool about 20 minutes.

Add lemon peel and lemon juice to the sugar syrup. Pour into a covered jar and chill. Store lemonade base in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use to make the Lemon Sherbet Float, the Strawberry lemonade slush or the Tropical Lemon Iced Tea. Makes about 5 cups of lemonade base.

LEMON SHERBET FLOAT (Sippable sherbet with a sweet and tangy lemon taste--): For each serving, place 1 or 2 small scoops lemon sherbet in a tall glass. Pour ½ cup carbonated water over the sherbet. Sprinkle with fresh raspberries or blueberries, if desired. Serve immediately. (187 calories)

STRAWBERRY-LEMONADE SLUSH (Two summer-fresh tastes in one--): For each serving, in a blender container combine ½ cup fresh or frozen unsweetened strawberries, 1/3 cup Make-Ahead Lemonade Base, and 1 tablespoon sugar.

Blend till smooth. With blender running, add about 1 cup ice cubes, one at a time, through opening in lid till strawberry mixture becomes slushy. Pour into a tall glass. Garnish slush with a fresh strawberry half, if desired. Serve immediately. (198 calories)

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