When Life Gives You Lemons...

Sometimes life can throw unexpected things in your path. The more cynical amongst us call this co-incidence but I like to think of it as gifts from the universe. Sometimes these serendipitous moments are really important, such as if you have an accident and there just happens to be a doctor at hand. Or, just as you are worrying about money, you could find a £20 tucked up at the back of your bag that you had forgotten all about.

My gift however was slightly less exciting...On opening my Ocado shop I found an un-requested bag of 10 lemons. What was I to do with such a find? Was it a sign that I should embark on a marathon G&T drinking session until all the lemons slices were used up?

As lovely as all those G&Ts sounded I thought that it might not be such a good idea, as when you have a son who frequently wakes at 5.30 am hangovers are definitely not the way forward. So I decided that when life gives you lemons the only thing you can possibly do is to make homemade lemonade!

I found a great recipe for a delicious homemade lemonade thanks to Cath Kidston (who else?). Its actually really easy and great fun to do with kids - little hands love squeezing those messy lemons (although make sure they don't have any cuts on their hands or the juice could sting!).

You will need:

4 large lemons

100g caster sugar

300ml water

Then simply squeeze the lemon juice out and add it to the water and the sugar in a saucepan. Stir over a low heat on the hob until all the sugar is melted in and then leave to cool in the fridge.

Make your lemonade to your taste with still or sparkling water - if you are feeling particularly like a domestic goddess you could serve it in a jug with lemon slices with mint sprigs in. If doing this don't forget to toss your hair in a "Nigella" style and remember to look smouldering!