frozen strawberry lemonade

Although you can use fresh strawberries, the best slushee effect is achieved by blending frozen strawberries with crushed ice. If you use frozen strawberries, let them thaw a tiny bit before blending so that they are easier to crush in your blender. Also, it's best to use precrushed ice; if using ice cubes, choose the smallest ones to avoid harming the blades of your blender. The length of time you blend the drink will determine its thickness. More blending time equals more liquid. Less time gives you a drink you can eat with a spoon!

ingredients

2 cups frozen (or fresh) strawberries (about 24 strawberries)

1/2 cup crushed ice (or smallest cubes possible)

1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh or bottled)

3 packets of sugar substitute or 2 Tablespoons of sugar (or to taste)

3/4 cup water

Optional

1/4 lemon, sliced, for garnish

1 Tablespoon of ginger, fresh or dried (finely chopped)

A few mint leaves

directions

step 1 Allow frozen strawberries to thaw slightly.

step 2 Before placing ice cubes in blender, crush large chunks by sealing securely inside a Ziploc® Brand   Storage Bag and rolling over the bag firmly with a rolling pin.

step 3 Combine lemon juice, strawberries, sugar substitute or sugar, crushed ice and water in blender jar. If blades get stuck, add more water.

step 4 Blend on high with lid tightly secured until smooth and thick.

step 5 Pour into glasses and serve immediately. Garnish with a slice of lemon, if desired.