Hello July! I can’t believe how fast Summer is going by and how hot it is in Northern California.

I am testing new popsicle recipes for my next book which is all about Summer Greek food! Did I just spill the beans on Kouzounas Kitchen??!! So the exciting news is I actually have around 100 recipes + I am testing and working with a few chefs who are helping me immensely. The second book will hopefully be ready by end of this year if not by early January. I am reaching out to YOU to ask for your help on recipes.

Those who have my first cookbook Back To My Roots what did you think? Did you like the mix of my family stories in Greece along with the recipes?  Any recipes you would love to see in the second book?? Please comment below as I would love to hear your feedback!

**Featured photo: By my friend Greg Baser in Poros, Greece. 

Writing and publishing a cookbook is not as easy as it may seem. It is actually quite challenging because you want an audience who will enjoy your book, and the recipes should be simple enough for anyone to make them. I notice most cookbooks these days lack “food photos” and an easy method to make recipes. I am no expert on books but I am a professional chef. I have studied maybe in the past 3 years over 100 Greek cookbooks and my most favorite of all time is “CULINARIA GREECE.” I am so happy my parents found that gem in Greece, and if you get your hands on this book you will be delighted you did. The food photos, the stories, and recipes are put together so well.  ( This is not a sponsored post for Culinaria Greece, but just my personal favorite Greek cookbook.) By the way, this cookbook I mention here is the biggest book I have ever seen! Bravo to the author Marianthi Milona for the beautiful work!

Popsicle time guys!! Watermelon and lemon are such a match made in heaven. This recipe is simple to make and super delicious especially on a hot Summer day.

**Btw this is the perfect 4th of July treat.

Watermelon Mint & Lemon Popsicles Recipe

Make sure you use the “right” size popsicle molds. In this case, I made mini popsicles but I was super proud of the colors! 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of seedless watermelon cubes
• 1/4 cup of organic sugar
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint
• 7 tablespoons of organic sugar
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1 orange reserve the juice
• 1  cup of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
• 1 pinch of turmeric powder
• Popsicle Molds
• Popsicle sticks

Method:

1. Prepare the watermelon layer. Combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring the liquid to a boil and stir just until the sugar dissolves. Add chopped mint, and remove from heat. Set aside and once cooled strain liquid through a sieve.
2. Place watermelon cubes into a blender and blend until smooth. Strain watermelon juice through a sieve and add to the mint syrup.
3. Prepare molds~  Pour about 3 tablespoons of the watermelon mixture into each mold. Freeze the molds approximately 2 hours or until molds are set. Once set place a wooden stick into each mold and return to freezer for about an hour or until frozen.
4. Prepare the lemon layer by adding the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and add the lemon juice, orange juice, turmeric, and lemon zest. Cool the mixture down and chill for an hour.
5. Remove the watermelon molds from the freezer and pour about 3 tablespoons of lemon mixture over molds. Freeze for about 3 hours or until frozen.

**These are so good and simple to make!! Do make sure you use large popsicle molds. I made the mistake to use mini molds, and it didn’t work as well as I would have liked.

Kali Orexi!