Summer Seasons 2024 - Edition Six

It's June and summer will be here before we know it! We've gathered local day-trip suggestions, a list of summer concerts you won't want to miss and much more. Whether you're busy planning a graduation party, searching for the perfect Father's Day gift or planning a family getaway, we hope you find time to flip through these pages and enjoy our Summer Issue. Looking to advertise? Seasons® Magazine is published ten times a year in print and online. Contact us for more information today.

Neighborhood News: Jefferson’s Ferry Foundation Welcomes

Supporters and Residents

Everyspring for nearly 20 years, Jefferson’s Ferry residents, donors, and vendors have joined Jefferson’s Ferry management, staff and board members to support the Jefferson’s Ferry Foundation at its annual gala fundraiser. This year was no exception. The party, held at Flowerfield in St. James, celebrated the vibrant community, active lifestyle, and peace of mind that can be found in abundance at Jefferson’s Ferry.

All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Foundation’s Resident Assistance Fund, which was established in 2006 to provide financial assistance to Jefferson’s Ferry residents who outlive their

project a hair shy of completion--the new Memory Support Neighborhood is due to open in the coming weeks -- the gala honored the two architectural and design firms critical to the project, KDA Architects and Merlino Design Partnership (MDP). Principal architect and KDA Partner David Fowles and principal designer and MDP President Bruce Hurowitz were on hand to accept their honors.

“The outpouring of generosity in support of the Jefferson’s Ferry Foundation and the Resident Assistance Fund is deeply gratifying and demonstrative of the strong community bond we enjoy here at Jefferson’s Ferry,” said President and CEO Bob Caulfield. “We have neighbors helping neighbors through the Resident Assistant Fund and in so many other less tangible but no less important ways. It’s one of the many reasons Jefferson’s Ferry is such a singular community.”

About Jefferson’s Ferry www.jeffersonsferry.org

and its state-of-the-art Rehabilitation Therapy Center. A new Memory Support Neighborhood will provide a high quality of life and care for people diagnosed and living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Common areas in Assisted Living and the Health Care Center will be renovated.

Jefferson’s Ferry offers exceptional living and amenities, including indoor pool, computer center, library, recreational areas, gardens, and gazebos. A mix of cultural excursions, civic activities, and a community of residents who help shape Jefferson’s Ferry’s future ensures a spirited and engaged lifestyle.

assets or experience a shortfall through no fault of their own.

Over the years, the Resident Assistance Fund has played a role in upholding the Life Plan Community Promise of peace of mind and health care for Jefferson’s Ferry residents by subsidizing the monthly fees of residents in need.

This year, the gala gave a nod to New York City nightlife with “A New York State of Mind” theme. Party-goers enjoyed live music by the Jazz Loft, dancing, New York-style hor d’oeuvres, casino-style gaming and hand-rolled cigars.

With Jefferson’s Ferry’s “Journey Towards Renewal” renovation and expansion

Jefferson’s Ferry is a not-forprofit Life Plan Community for active adults aged 62 and above, with Independent Living cottages and apartments, assisted living apartments, and a quality health care center all on one site. A multi-million-dollar expansion and renovation project, “The Journey Toward Renewal,” is part of a larger strategic initiative launched in 2018 to create a lifeenriching environment for all new and current residents at every stage of their life. Journey to Renewal has added 60 one- and twobedroom independent living apartments, provided six distinct dining venues, an expanded Healthy Living Center, Fitness Center,

The Vincent Bove Health Center at Jefferson’s Ferry enjoys a 5-star rating from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and was named a “Best Of” nursing home by U.S. News & World Report. Jefferson’s Ferry has repeatedly earned the industrywide Community Choice Award for resident satisfaction and engagement and has been recognized with the Pinnacle Quality Insight’s Customer Experience Award for five years running. FitchRatings has assigned Jefferson’s Ferry a BBB bond rating. Jefferson’s Ferry has consistently been voted Best Retirement Community, Best Nursing Home and Best Assisted Living on Long Island by The Long Island Press and has been recognized for Excellence by the Hauppauge Industrial Association’s Business Achievement Awards program.

For more information visit www.jeffersonsferry.org

Ann Lifelong Artist, Educator

Jefferson’s Ferry Resident spends time in our Creative

Enjoy Summer On Long Island

From its pristine white sand beaches to award-winning vineyards, Long Island is truly an unforgettable destination for many. However, for us it’s home! Whether or not you’ve already planned to head on a summer vacation elsewhere, consider taking some time away from the hustle and bustle of work to enjoy all our island has to offer with your loved ones this season. Read on for a variety of local day-trip ideas!

Explore The Gold Coast

Our Gold Coast is home to mansions and castles and has served as the backdrop for countless Hollywood productions. Many of these mansions are open for tours and allow guests to stay overnight, and there is plenty more to see and do nearby.

Suggested Stops: Cafe In The Woods at Old Westbury Gardens, Oheka Castle & Planting Fields Arboretum

Forget Your Problems On Fire Island

Fire Island is the famed car-free beach haven. The 32-mile-long barrier island is only about a mile wide and features 17 communities. It's best known for its serene beaches, but it really does boast a large amount of attractions.

Suggested Stops: Davis Park, Kismet Beach, Hideaway Restaurant

Unwind On The North Fork

The North Fork is home to vast farmlands, over 60 wineries, charming towns and much more. Whether you’re looking for a quiet and romantic retreat or a spot the whole family will enjoy, look no further!

Suggested Stops: Sound View, Sang Lee Farms, Lenz Winery

Fall In Love With The Hamptons & Montauk

The Hamptons exude luxury and Montauk is a haven of fishing and surfing, but both destinations are unforgettable. Whether you’re looking to stroll down a picturesque Main Street, enjoy the beauty of nature or experience gourmet dining, you should head to the South Fork.

Suggested Stops: Topping Rose House, Coopers Beach, Southampton Village

A Summertime Staple

Peachesare a summertime staple. This sweet fruit is at home in desserts, salads, on top of cereals, and all on its own. Peaches are native to northwest China, and they are believed to have been domesticated and cultivated since 2000 B.C. Later, they were widely grown in the region known as Persia, which is now called Iran. As a result, the scientific name for the peach species is Prunus persica. China continues to be the world’s largest peach producer, followed by Spain, Italy, Greece, and the United States. In the United States, even though Georgia is known as “The Peach State,” it is not the country’s biggest producer of peaches. Georgia is beat out by California and South Carolina. New Jersey also produces its fair share of peaches. Nectarines and peaches are similar fruits. In fact, nectarines are a type of peach. Peaches have a dominant allele for the fuzzy skin, while nectarines have a recessive allele for that fuzz. In regard to flavor, peaches and nectarines are very similar. According to the College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, nectarines also have considerably more potassium and twice as much vitamin A as peaches.

Did You Know?

July4th is a day when Americans celebrate their independence, but it's also a day to commemorate two men who played vital roles in procuring that independence. Both John Adams, the second President of the United States, and his successor Thomas Jefferson passed away on July 4, 1826. The two men had an interesting relationship that became increasingly complex as the nation they helped to found developed. According to History.com, Adams and Jefferson were confidantes in the 1780s, but as time wore on, each man developed a different view of what the United States government should be, creating a rift in their relationship that was only widened by the 1800 presidential election. The men ran against each other in that election, which is still considered one of the more contentious elections in American history. Jefferson ultimately claimed victory, a result so unnerving to Adams that he left Washington, D.C. prior to Jefferson's inauguration. The two men would ultimately reconcile, exchanging more than 150 letters before dying within hours of one another on Independence Day in 1826.

Neighborhood News: LICM Unveils New Community Mural

The Long Island Children's Museum (LICM) unveiled a brand-new 1,100-sq-ft public art piece that will serve as the fresh new "face" of the Museum for current and future generations of Long Islanders. Created by artist Viktoriya Basina along with Long Island children during a series of "paint parties" at the Museum over the course of three months, the collaborative process included community conversations with visitors to capture images and themes that reflect the Museum, its audience and Long Island. Feedback was shared during design review workshops before finally the process of painting the panels that make up the mural took place. The installation itself took five days.

Museum president Erika S. Floreska said, "We asked people to share their thoughts on what community means to them and that's what we wanted the mural to convey. We're incredibly happy with the results of this collaborative community effort."

The unveiling event was attended by local officials including Congressman Anthony D'Esposito (4th CD) along with NYS Assemblyman Edward P. Ra; Nassau County Legislator Thomas McKevitt, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Michael Reinhart, Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums.

The public art piece is part of LICM's Community Voices Take Shape grant supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional support from Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation.

Photo courtesy of Russell Lippai

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Helpful Tips To Keep Your Grill Clean

Millions of people across the globe have a passion for grilling. Cooking over an open flame imparts a unique flavor to a variety of foods, and that profile can be augmented with marinades, wood chips and a host of other tweaks that help to create a delicious finished product.

Though many people grill throughout the year, this particular method of cooking is most popular in summer, when welcoming temperatures compel cooks to prepare meals outdoors. As grilling season kicks into high gear, grillmasters can embrace these strategies to ensure their grills remain clean.

· Oil the grates before

cooking. A light coating of oil brushed onto the grill grates prior to cooking can reduce the likelihood that food sticks to the grill while it's being cooked. Food stuck to a grill can be difficult to remove, but the oil can reduce the likelihood that ground beef from burgers or chicken breasts will stick to the cooking surface.

· Use the right tools. Steel grill brushes are popular, but these cleaning tools can be unsafe. Steel brush bristles can break off during vigorous cleaning sessions, and they may get stuck on the grill during the cleaning process. If stuck on the grill, steel bristles can easily attach to food. The cooking experts at Epicurious note that steel brush bristles can cause throat and/

or abdominal issues if consumed. Alternatives to steel bristle grill brushes are widely available, but grillmasters should know that some, including nylon brushes, should not be applied to a grill until its grates have cooled off.

· Clean after each use.

Once food is cooked, cooks' minds immediately shift to eating. But cleaning a grill immediately after each use can make it easier to remove all the debris that can gather as foods cook. Fat, grease, melted cheese, marinades, and other substances can accumulate on the grill over time. Though grillmasters can eat before cleaning their grills, keep the fire going until after eating (vents can be slightly closed to reduce the heat somewhat), then scrape food and other debris off the grill. Grates that are still warm are easier to clean, but use heatproof grilling gloves when cleaning warm or hot grates to reduce burn risk.

· Clean all components. Grease traps, ash pans and the interior of the grill, including its sides and the inside of lids, can be periodically cleaned to reduce grease buildup and the risk of exposure to germs.

Fun Ways To Celebrate The Summer Solstice

Summer is a great time to enjoy recreational activities that take advantage of the great outdoors. This year summer arrives on June 20 with the summer solstice, which features the most hours of daylight of any day for the entire year. Celebrants who want to usher in another summer of fun in the sun can embrace these ideas for commemorating the start of summer.

• Watch the sunrise. Get up

this year, so the solstice provides the perfect excuse to take a four-day weekend and celebrate the official arrival of summer.

• Light a campfire. Traditional Mid-summer’s Eve/summer solstice celebrations featured bonfires. Hold on to the tradition by gathering people around a campfire or backyard firepit. S’mores make the perfect complement to a campfire scene.

• Grab some ice cream. Cool off on the summer solstice by visiting a nearby ice cream shop and indulge in a sundae or triple-decker cone.

• Go on a nature hike. Enjoy the great outdoors with a relaxing hike through a park or nature trail.

• Participate in a beach

clean-up. Make a beach trip even more enjoyable by signing up for a cleanup to clear the sand of litter. Organize an impromptu beach clean-up session either solo or with some like-minded friends.

• Pick fresh fruit. Many berries come into season in the summer. Head to a nearby pick-your-own farm and grab fresh fruit to enjoy right away or utilize your pickings in recipes.

• Plant a flower garden. Clean up garden beds or go to the nursery and grab some colorful annuals to spruce up areas around the yard.

The summer solstice is an opportunity to celebrate the arrival of summer and all the fun that comes with it.

early and watch the sun come up on the longest day of the year. Then be sure to catch the sunset to enjoy every minute of daylight.

• Host a cookout. Memorial Day, Canada Day and Independence Day get most of the barbecue glory this time of year. But there’s nothing that says the first day of summer shouldn’t be a reason to gather friends and family for a cookout. June 20 falls on a Thursday

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SCHEDULE

JULY 18 - 27

S) SHORT F) FEATURE

PLEASE NOTE: Shorts play first at screening times. Running times are in parentheses. Later movie start times are approximate as Q&A sessions may delay the start of the following films.

THURS 7/18

OPENING NIGHT

7:00 pm

S) Chauncey (11) F) The Blond Boy from the Casbah (126) OPENING PARTY

FRI 7/19

7:00 pm

S) Iron Lung (12) F) The Queen of My Dreams (97)

9:30 pm

S) Detox (9)

F) Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person (90)

SAT 7/20

7:00 pm

S) The Hope Chest Has a Secret Drawer (15)

F) The Strangers' Case (103)

9:30 pm

S) Two Cents & A Footlong (11) F) Take a Chance on Me (104)

SUN 7/21

7:00 pm

S) The Grievance (8) F) SPECIAL SNEAK PREVIEW (116)

9:30 pm

S) Revived (16) F) Month to Month (88)

MON 7/22

7:00 pm

S) Where We Belong (15) F) Marguerite's Theorem (112)

9:30 pm

S) In the Night (13) F) Excursion (93)

TUES 7/23

7:00 pm

S) Split Ends (14) F) Free Money (104)

9:30 pm

S) Where Do Ants Sleep at Night (20) F) A Fantastic Relationship (87)

WED 7/24

7:00 pm

S) exuvia (12) F) Mediha (90)

9:30 pm

S) [subtext] (11) F) Running on Sand (104)

THURS 7/25

7:00 pm

S) Mimesis (20) F) Mastergame (91)

9:30 pm

S) Bible Camp (13) F) Daughter of the Sun (108)

7:00 pm

S) The Overlook (19) F) After the Fire (98) 9:30 pm

S) On the paths awakened (13) F) A Real Job (102)

CLOSING NIGHT

7:00 pm

S) If (26) F) One Million Minutes (124) 9:30 pm Closing Night Awards CLOSING PARTY

RELAX & UNWIND AT THESE SUMMER CONCERTS

Curated by Natalie Raccuglia

As the temperature rises, so does the excitement for this summer’s concert lineup. From iconic venues to scenic outdoor stages, music lovers can look forward to an array of performances this season. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a fun way to spend a summer evening, these are concerts you won’t want to miss!

JUNE 25

Who: Justin Timberlake The Forget Tomorrow Tour

Where: Madison Square Garden When: 8PM www.msg.com

JULY 3

Who: Maroon 5 & Maren Morris

Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

When: 7:30PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

JULY 9

Who: Dave Mathews Band

Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

When: 7:30PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

JULY 17 & 19

Who: Foo Fighters

Where: Citi Field

When: 5:30PM www.mlb.com/mets

JULY 21

Who: blink-182

Where: Citi Field

When: 7PM www.mlb.com/mets

JULY 31

Who: Elevation Worship

Where: Central Park, Rumsey Playfield When: 7:30PM www.elevationworship.com

JULY 27

Who: Train, REO Speedwagon & Yacht Rock Revue Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater When: 7PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

AUGUST 2

Who: Imagine Dragons Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater When: 7PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

AUGUST 3

Who: Missy Elliott - Out Of This World Experience Where: UBS Arena When: 7PM www.ubsarena.com

AUGUST 9

Who: Jennifer Lopez: This Is Me... Now The Tour Where: UBS Arena When: 8PM www.ubsarena.com

AUGUST 10

Who: Dan And Shay, Jake Owen & Dylan Marlowe Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater When: 7PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

AUGUST 27

Who: Avril Lavigne, Simple Plan & Girlfriends Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater When: 7PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

SEPTEMBER 12

Who: Pitbull

Where: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater When: 8PM www.jonesbeachtheater.com

Great Grilling Gifts For Dad

Grillingis a convenient way to impart flavor on various foods and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine along the way. Many people work hard to hone their grilling skills, including many of the individuals on Father’s Day shopping lists. Grilling is an opportunity for dads to flex their culinary muscles and deliver plenty of flamelicked foods. Various organizations that specialize in grilling have found that men are twice as likely to grill compared to women. Therefore, gifts that cater to dads’ grilling gusto can be ideal this Father’s Day.

• BBQ grill tools: Every

grillmaster needs a quality set of tools to do the job. Ultimate grilling kits often come complete with spatula, fork, tongs, heatresistant gloves, skewers, and additional grilling gear.

• Digital food thermometer: Cooking food to the correct internal temperature is vital for safety and flavor. Various food thermometers are on the market, but ones that can remain in the food and then send temperatures back to an app via Bluetooth can keep grillers apprised of the cooking progress minute-by-minute.

• Engraved cutting board: Laser-engraved cutting boards can be customized with special messages or monograms so that Dad will feel extra-special serving up his grilled feast.

• Premium wood chunks: Foods can be enhanced with extra flavor when grillmasters utilize wood during cooking. Put together a gift package with woods like hickory, apple and maple.

• Smoker: Expand Dad’s outdoor setup by buying him a smoker. Smokers enable low-and-slow cooking and are ideal for making briskets, pork roasts and ribs. Some smokers come as combination models that have a grill on one side and a smoker box on the other.

• Meat grinder: Whether it’s a free-standing appliance or an attachment for a stand mixer, a meat grinder enables a person to make his own custom blends of ground meats to use in burgers or sausages. This allows full control over the quality of the meat cuts used.

• Personalized grill mat: This type of mat will add a personal touch to the grilling area. These mats look good, and many are made with anti-slip backing to ensure they stay in place. Standing on the mat can be more comfortable than standing on concrete or pavers.

Shrimp Dish

Tailor-Made

For Warm Evenings

Lighterfare is more popular when the weather warms up, as many people don’t want to feel weighed down by their diet. Fish is a popular summertime meal for many reasons, not the least of which is that fish tends to be light but still flavorful. In addition, many meals featuring fish can be whipped up rather quickly. Such is the case with the following recipe for “Grilled Garlic Shrimp With a Fresh Heirloom Tomato Sauce” from Laurey Masterton’s “The Fresh Honey Cookbook” (Storey Publishing). Fresh and simple, this meal can be enjoyed as a change of pace at summer barbecues or simply as a light weeknight meal with the family.

Grilled Garlic Shrimp

With A Fresh Heirloom Tomato Sauce

Serves 6

For the marinated shrimp

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 garlic cloves, minced

36 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

12 6-inch wooden skewers

For the tomato sauce

3 pounds assorted large heirloom tomatoes

1 small sweet onion, minced

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon honey, preferably sourwood honey

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips (chiffonade is the formal name for this cut), plus more for garnish

Sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. To marinate the shrimp, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar and garlic in a large bowl. Stir to combine. Add the shrimp and allow to sit, covered, for 1 hour. Stir occasionally.

2. Prepare a medium fire in a charcoal or gas grill. Soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.

3. To make the tomato sauce, bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Place one or two tomatoes at a time into the boiling water. Watch them and, as you see the skin split, remove with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl of cool water. At this point, it will be very easy to slip off the skins.

4. Cut the peeled tomatoes into a small dice. Put the cut tomatoes into a large bowl. Add the onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and honey. Stir gently to combine.

5. Skewer the shrimp, 3 per skewer. Grill the skewered shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until they are pink. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and a couple grinds of fresh pepper.

6. Just before serving, add the basil leaves to the tomato sauce. Taste and add more salt if necessary.

7. Ladle the tomato sauce onto a serving platter and arrange the skewers on top of the sauce. Garnish with more basil leaves and enjoy!

Neighborhood News: Ceremonial

Groundbreaking Event

Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro (RMHC NYM) held a ceremonial groundbreaking event for its new house, to be built on the Stony Brook Medicine campus yesterday, to provide a safe, secure, and comfortable environment for families

of children who are receiving medical care at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. Construction is set to begin later this year with completion scheduled for 2026.

This will be the first Ronald McDonald House located in Suffolk County, and only the second on Long Island. The other Ronald McDonald House is in New Hyde Park in Nassau County, located adjacent to Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

The 3-story, 60,000 sq. ft. building will include 30 private bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms for families, a media center, outdoor playground, interactive playrooms, a community kitchen providing free meals made by volunteers and fully stocked pantries, a fitness center, meditation room and laundry facilities.

“We’ve been planning this for 10 years and now we’re finally able to provide for families in Suffolk County the way they need,” said Matt Campo, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro. “All of our programs provide a place for families to rest and recharge so they can focus on the health and well-being of their child.”

"This facility will stand as a beacon of hope, compassion and support for families facing their toughest challenges," said William A. Wertheim, MD, MBA, Interim Executive Vice President for Stony Brook Medicine."Our partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities highlights the strength of collaboration, and I am delighted to be joining our resources and expertise to meet the diverse needs of our community."

How Beautiful Underwater

Gift Ideas For High School Graduates

The class of 2024 soon will be donning their caps and gowns and receiving their diplomas. After commencement ceremonies, graduation parties will soon follow. For party guests, that means finding the right gifts

for grads. Some high school graduates will continue their studies at colleges and universities. Others may pursue careers in various trades. Still, some graduates may be ready to enter the

workforce right away. No matter the direction, these gifts can treat graduates to something special.

Streaming TV device

While it's certainly possible to watch favorite shows or films on mobile devices, viewing is that much clearer on televisions. Rather than graduates having to invest in cable television wherever they go, streaming devices like AppleTV or Roku are portable, which means they can be used at home, in a dorm room or on vacation.

Secured credit card

Individuals typically are eligible to apply for credit cards once they reach age 18, which is the age most students are when they graduate high school. Credit cards are one method of establishing solid credit, so it can be beneficial for a teen to have one. But it can be

challenging for individuals with no credit histories to get approval. A secured card, according to CapitalOne, is a credit card that requires money deposited with the credit card issuer in order to open the account. This security deposit is held by the issuer as long as the account is open. Often the security deposit is the same as the credit limit. Gift-givers can help establish secured cards for grads by providing the funds for the security deposits.

Framed memorabilia

Whether a graduate was a star athlete or a premier member of the marching band, gift-givers can provide special memories of time spent in school. Frame ticket stubs, sports jerseys, show programs, or other memorabilia that commemorates a graduate's glory days at their alma mater.

A Cold Beverage Ideal For The Season

Summer is a season synonymous with relaxation. Sitting poolside or relaxing on a patio with a cold beverage is a great way to escape the daily grind and make the most of a warm evening, and the following recipe for “Summer Cantaloupe” from Andrew Schloss’ “Homemade Liqueurs and Infused Spirits” (Storey Publishing) is tailor-made for summer nights.

Summer Cantaloupe

Makes about 1 quart

1 fifth (31/4 cups) 80-100 proof vodka

4 cups cantaloupe chunks

1 cup Simple Syrup (see below)

Finely grated zest of 2 lemons

Directions:

1. Muddle the vodka, cantaloupe and lemon zest with a wooden spoon in a half-gallon jar. Stir to moisten everything.

2. Seal the jar and put it in a cool, dark cabinet until the liquid smells and tastes strongly of melon, four to seven days.

3. Strain the mixture with a mesh strainer into a clean quart jar. Do not push on the solids to extract more liquid.

4. Stir in the Simple Syrup.

5. Seal and store in a cool, dark cabinet. Use within one year.

Simple Syrup

Makes 3 cups

2 1/4 cups water

21/4 cups granulated cane sugar

Directions:

Mix the water and sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar is all moistened. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir to make sure the sugar is completely dissolved, then remove from the heat and let cool. Refrigerate for up to three months.

Tips For Picking And Cutting Watermelon

Watermelon

is a summertime staple. Each summer, stores and farm stands have an abundance of watermelons on display, and many people feel no picnic or barbecue is complete without watermelon.

Watermelon is a refreshing option on hot days. It’s ideal sliced and served, or can be included in fruit salads, smoothies, or even “spiked” cocktails. The key to a tasty watermelon is knowing how to pick one that is ripe while serving watermelon comes down to understanding some easycutting strategies.

• Choose a watermelon that has a firm, symmetrical shape. Avoid melons with bumps, dents, or cuts.

• Watermelons should be relatively heavy. They’re 92 percent water, and that juiciness should be reflected in a substantial weight for the melon’s size.

• Watermelon.org advises looking for a creamy yellow spot on the underside of the watermelon. This is called the “ground spot.” It indicates where the melon sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. Once cut from the vine, a watermelon has about three to four weeks to be consumed.

• All parts of the watermelon are edible, including the seeds and rind. The rind can be pickled or cut up to use in stir-fry dishes.

When bringing watermelon to an event, it is a courtesy to bring it already sliced or cut up. This ensures the host or hostess does not have to tackle what can sometimes be a chore. Here are three techniques to cut a watermelon easily:

Cubes

1. Cut both ends off of the watermelon.

2. Stand the watermelon on one sliced end. Use the knife to slice down and cut off the rind.

3. After removing the rind from all sides of the melon, cut into discs about 1⁄2-inch in thickness.

4. Then cut those discs into cubes.

Slices

1. Cut the watermelon in half lengthwise.

2. Take one cut half and place it cut-side down.

3. Cut the watermelon into slices.

4. Repeat for the other cut half.

Strips

1. Cut the watermelon as you would with the slices. Rather than leaving it in large slices, turn the watermelon and cut the same size slices in the opposite direction. This creates strips that are easy for kids to grab and maneuver.

2. Repeat with the other half of the watermelon in the same manner.