Strawberry Lemonade

(Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c. sugar

4 c. water

2 c. fresh strawberries, hulled

1 Tbsp. finely shredded lemon peel

1 c. lemon juice (4-5 lemons)

Directions:

In a small saucepan, combine 1 c. sugar and 1 c. water; cook and stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.  Set aside to cool.

In a blender combine the remaining 3 c. water, 1/2 c. sugar and strawberries; process until smooth.  Transfer to a 2 quart pitcher; add cooled syrup, lemon peel and lemon juice.  Stir to combine.  Fill pitcher with crushed ice.  If you are making it ahead, do not add ice until ready to serve.  Cover and chill up to 8 hours.