The Recipe Spot
Hey Kids: It’s The First Day Of Summer!
Better rest up, because if you don’t live in the Polar Regions found at earth’s northern and southern extremes, Friday is both the longest day, with the shortest night of the year in the northern hemisphere.
According to the ‘Old Farmer’s Almanac’ the official start of summer, also known as the Summer Solstice, is Friday, June 21st at 1:04 a.m. EST, when the sun reaches its farthest point north of the equator.
Since almost the beginning of time, the calendar played an important part in natural astronomical alignments.
Sparking ancient celebrations, the Summer Solstice has been celebrated and recognized in many cultures for centuries through food offerings, sacrifices, prayers, rituals and festivals.
As a major celestial event, the ancient Egyptians built the Great Pyramids so that the sun, when viewed from the Sphinx, sets exactly between the two Pyramids on the summer solstice.
Awed by the sun’s power, some cultures celebrated the Summer Solstice by lighting bonfires, thinking it would increase the sun’s energy.
More modern versions marking the long-awaited official first day of summer are typically associated with the end of the school year where school kids of all ages celebrate by singing Alice Cooper’s 1972 hit, ‘School’s Out.’
Ushering in the warmest season of the year, summer is a time of growth and nurture, leading the way to the fall harvest season.
As the dog days of summer are almost upon us, what better way to start summer with this beat-the-heat recipe for Cool Lemon Mousse that finishes up a summer meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Cool and Easy Lemon Mousse
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1/3 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp. lemon extract
4 or 5 drops yellow food coloring (optional to intensify the color)
Beat together all ingredients until mixture starts to mound softly. Spoon into dessert dishes and serve. Garnish with grated lemon peel.
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