Nowadays there is only one song keeps playing in my head and it is none other than “Too darn hot!” by beloved Ella. It’s hot everywhere and we are desperately travelling from one room to another just for the sake of a little air flow coming from an open window. Wherever we go it’s just too hot, living room is hot, bedroom is hot, kitchen is “oh my god it cannot be that hot”. Even writing these lines down makes me sweat. The humidity’s more than 90 percent making you feel like your hands are sticky as if you ate honey by your fingers.
Taking these extraordinary conditions into account no one should expect me to get in the kitchen and prepare anything hot, right? Our oven which is used to work almost every day seems like a secret passage to hell and its cover shall not be opened under any circumstances.
When wandering among different rooms at home does not pay off, our second option is to pass to the balcony which might offer some wind for a quick relief. I love spending time here among colorful flowers, fresh herbs and candles.
You can also create your very own small garden even you live in an apartment. It is a matter of deciding on your priorities. I hate the case when people are using their balconies as a storage area where they keep all the useless stuff that they could not throw away. Don’t you think we deserve an airy and peaceful space more than our cleaning supplies and plastic buckets do?
With a little effort you are able to build up a small heaven full of peace and tranquility. All you need is a few shelves to raise your garden on the wall, nice flowerpots, woven baskets, candles, seeds of your favorite herbs and flowers (you should also consider weather, light, and wind conditions in your balcony while choosing the appropriate plants, there are lots of books and sources on the web to gain such sort of information).
If you already have such a place of your own to escape on a hot summer day, this summer fizz will make your day even cooler with a twist of Cointreau and a few pieces of peach and plum.
Preparing this fizz will take just five minutes so you do not have to spend too much time in the kitchen and sweat again. Just make sure you have some accompany to prepare drinks for the second round cause it’s too darn hot!
Ingredients (makes 1 serving)
- 50 ml (1,70 fl. oz.) Cointreau
- 40 ml (1,35 fl. oz.) sparkling mineral water
- 15 ml (0,5 fl. oz.) cranberry syrup
- 15 ml (0,5 fl. oz.) lime juice
- A nectarine and a plum
Instructions
| 1. | Thinly slice a plum and a nectarin. Place a few slices of each in a champagne flute. |
| 2. | Add Cointreau, cranberry syrup, lime juice in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. |
| 3. | Strain the mixture into the glass and fill the rest with ice cold sparkling mineral water. Serve immediately. |
#1 by Prerna@IndianSimmer - August 11th, 2010 at 19:09
Wow, what a pretty place for you to escape & what gorgeous photographs! I’m still drooling
I have a tiny little getaway spot for myself as well in my house and I totally agree that its all worth the effort!.
Keep up the good work!
#2 by Ozhan - August 12th, 2010 at 13:16
Thanks a lot for your kind words:) I love your blog and authentic recipes too, they look so delicious
#3 by Serap - August 13th, 2010 at 08:59
I loved the tomatoes on the vine. I really can’t believe they are real. In my “one room” apt. i try to grow thymes. I hope it’s gonna work. It’s too early for me to try growing tomatoes. But they are in my list:)
#4 by Ozhan - August 13th, 2010 at 19:09
Serap, thyme is an easy growing and vigorous plant, sure you’ll be enjoying it soon.
#5 by Can - August 15th, 2010 at 20:58
And I keep listening Slow Hot Wind from beloved Sarah. That has a cool drink within.
Some days / It’s too warm to fight / A slow hot wind / There in the shade / Like a cool drink waiting / She sat with slow fire in her eyes/ Just waiting
Can
#6 by Ozhan - August 16th, 2010 at 10:20
Wooow, lyrics of this song is just to the point
Thanks for sharing Can.