With each solstice comes a change of season. Winter solstice promises the end of short days as dark gives way to light. Because the sun is nearing its zenith, summer solstice is a celebration of brightness. Paradoxically that is when it begins to wain. Enjoy the Earth’s longest days with Kathleen’s favorite summer beverage– Rhubarb Lemonade Spritzer– five calories per serving.
6 cups water, 6 cups coarsely chopped rhubarb, juice of one lemon or lime with zest, sparkling water, and 6 sweeter packets.
In a saucepan, bring water to boil. Add rhubarb. Return to boil, and then simmer for five minutes. Add zest and stir gently. Strain into a bowl, allowing pulp to drain for ten minutes without pressing. Pour liquid into a pitcher, adding lemon juice and sweeter packets to taste. Refrigerate in advance of serving. To serve, mix one portion of “syrup” with an equal portion of sparkling water.
Chatting with Kathleen Rowland 
Neighbors, come back tomorrow for my summertime soup recipe, Minted Green Pea and Buttermilk soup.
Kathleen, there’s something wholesome and wonderful about all things rhubarb.
Becky, many of our grandmothers had rhubarb patches.
On the subject of grandmothers, mine made the best strawberry-rhubarb cobbler.
Cobbler needs ice cream, and Heidi won’t let that into the house. Sounds good, though, Wade.
One serving of any cobbler with 1/4 cup ice cream is about 400 calories. No way can my cute butt “afford” that.