Monday, August 2, 2010

Agua de Sandia (Watermelon Water)

lavender aqua de sandia

So a couple of weeks ago I got the most exciting package in the mail. I knew who it was from right away and was looking forward to it, but I never expected all the sweetness that would be inside. See I won a cookbook called 'The Local Flavor of Lavender' from Bonnie over at Sweet Life, which came with a tin of the most floral and wonderful smelling culinary lavender you can imagine. But Bonnie also stuffed the package full of all kinds of Texas goodies that I didn't expect.


Upon opening the package, I was quickly tossed to the side by my own Texan, Cauldron Boy, who ravaged the package by pulling out each and every item practically opening them all for me. He quickly inspected each treat, tea, or spice while telling me what he wanted me to make with it. Well, I'll be sure to tend to all of Cauldron Boy's stuff later...
















For now, I made my Bonnie's favorite: Agua de Sandia or Watermelon Water. This one is infused with lavender, as I got the idea from 'The Local Flavor of Lavender'. I modified the recipe a bit to my own taste, and it turned out to be refreshing and wonderful. Cauldron Boy was also no less than pleased with this concoction.




















You can also try Bonnie's more authentic version here!

Agua de Sandia-Serves 3-4
3-3 1/4 Cups of Seedless, Ripe Watermelon*
About 1 1/2 Cups of Icy Cold Water
1/4 Tsp. Culinary Lavender
1 Tbsp. Agave Syrup
*This recipe only works well with a sweet melon!

Place watermelon in a blender with the lavender and agave syrup. Add half of the water and blend. Add more water till you reach your desired consistency. Place in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes before stirring and serving very cold. Enjoy!
*I used almost the exact measurements above for the pictured drink and it was delicious and refreshing!



















Next will be the Lavender Potatoes! Oh, and please enter my contest below, Dearies, if you are interested and haven't done so already...
p.s.-Bonnie, I tried to take super cool photos like yours. I don't know if I got the lighting right-it's close though, no (smile)?

48 comments:

  1. Hi Stella,
    Ooooooooh,so pretty! I think the combination of watermelon and lavender must be heavenly. And I love the sticker. Just kills me! ;) xoxo

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  2. Wow! Talk about an exciting package! I hope you were allowed the pleasure of opening a few things yourself. :D

    This sounds perfect and refreshing!

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  3. that sounds oh so good!! I don't have lavender but I do have agave! Stella do you know I'm from Texas?

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  4. This sounds SO good!! Can't wait for our summer to try it out!

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  5. Hmm...this is so refreshing. Nice to have a glass now. :)

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  6. Hey Stella! This drink would've been oh so perfect today while I was frying on the park bench while watching my kiddies enjoy the park. I can imagine how refreshing this would be, especially after sitting the the freezer for 5-10 minutes. I love the beautiful colour as well. Watermelon is one of my favorite things to eat during the summertime. This is such a great, simple and quick recipe! My kiddies would definitely enjoy this one!

    By the way, I stopped by again yesterday to try and look for the follow button still did not find it. I know, I know, I must be blind. So I'm just going to stop bothering you and stop being such an annoyance now. Congrats on winning the cookbook and all that wonderful stuff. I know you will make some delicious eats with your prize. Hope you have fun brewing up some yumm yumms.

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  7. I love the photos - the red watermelon and ribbon and the wooden table go really well together. And don't get me started on lavender, it's the most fabulous thing. I love using it in (girly) cookies, which most boys want to avoid (more for me, teehee!). The delicious watermelon drink is something I'll file away for when the weather's a bit warmer over here :)

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  8. This is very intriguing! I would love to taste it! I think lavender is so pretty. :)

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  9. Oohh what a lucky girl, I made something with lavender today, isn't it wonderful! Watermelon agua fresca what a beautiful and refreshing drink, the pictures are striking, of course I love the color pink and the frothy top of the drink is just too good looking for words;-)

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  10. Congratulations, this post is an absolute winner.
    Awesome drink and the colours are breathtaking.
    Really lovely photos.
    Awesome parcel you got, plenty of goodies ♥

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  11. What refreshing drink with a posh lavender touch.
    It's like summer (watermelon) in a field of flowers.
    Funny, I was makin a watermelon thing too. And I haven't had watermelon for 13 months. Must be the weather. Lookin' forward to what you'd do to the potatoes.

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  12. Awesome! I will be making this later today. I happened to get the same package from sweet Bonnie and just used my lavender in a blueberry pie...it was unreal! May post about it!

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  13. Oh, the photos do look beautiful - I love the color of the watermelon water! You're so lucky to get a box full of lavender, and I can't wait to hear about the lavender potatoes!

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  14. Watermelon water? I thought that could only exist in Kool Aid form. Truly magical Stella!

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  15. So exciting to open a package and find surprises! And your Watermelon Water is just beautiful. What an amazing color.

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  16. Stella, the lavender infused watermelon water looks very refreshing and delightful!

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  17. I've been guzzling watermelon juice this summer. But I really like the addition of lavender. Since I've got a huge patch of it in my garden I think this will be on the menu shortly.

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  18. Congrats on the Cookbook Stella! That's so sweet of Bonnie to add Texas stuff for you too.

    I love lavender! Lavender and watermelon will for sure make me happy and it would smells incredibly good! Looking forward to the lavender potatoes!

    PS: I won't miss your post no more since I've subscribed it :D

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  19. Congratulation Stella. Those Agua de Sandia looks so refreshing. Perfect to beat summer heat.

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  20. Stellina...bathe me in watermelon anytime...I'm crazy for this fruit ;)...however, I'm unfortunately not a fan of lavender.
    I have to say...your photos capture your recipe amazingly well.

    So...your cauldron boy can't keep his hands to himself hmmm...isn't that a good thing...oh, right...you're talking about the package LOL

    I think Bonnie was extremely sweet to pack those extra goodies for you...that means you must have done something right ;o)

    Have a fabulous week,
    Claudia

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  21. That looks impossibly refreshing. Gorgeous. And I just bought some edible lavender over the weekend, so I'm looking forward to seeing what else you come up with!!

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  22. Oh, my word, Stella! This is the pur-tiest thing I have ever seen! You have inspired me to try this recipe!!

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  23. Nothing but great things can happen when you combine 2 great minds Stella - with your creativity and Bonnie's incredible lavender the results speak for themselves and is nothing short of dazzling :)

    Ciao, Devaki @ weavethousandflavors

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  24. I want to drink the screen. How absolutely refreshing. How absolutely lucky you are to win such a great prize. Looks fantastic! I love the essence of lavender in sweets :)

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  25. What a fun package! Your watermelon water looks so refreshing,wish I could eat melons, but they make me itchy:(

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  26. Wow...., can't wait for summer, even though we're still in winter down here & our drink of choice would be more a nice hot chocolate :)

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  27. So refreshing and must be therapeutically aromatic too with the infusion of lavender.

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  28. I have yet to try anything like this, what gorgeous refreshing color in this drink wow!

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  29. I too was so enamored with Bonnie's package! So much love went into it.

    This watermelon water is the perfect tribute!

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  30. Now I was expecting a juicer to be involved, but I love that you just blended the watermelon. Easy! I have to try that.

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  31. So THIS is the magic potion you use to beat the heat in St. Pete! GREG

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  32. Sounds delicious, and perfect for summer! What an awesome package :) I love when what you're expecting turns out to be more!

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  33. Great package to get in the mail! I can see the excitement from here! Love that watermelon drink! could use one right now!

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  34. This sounds yummy and really makes me want to try baking with lavender!

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  35. I never thought to add lavender to watermelon, I'm intrigued with the flavors. This looks like a wonderfully refreshing drink with a unique twist.

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  36. LOVE the combination of watermelon and lavender! Isn't Bonnie a sweetheart?! Love everything in the package and that sticker on it is making me so jealous!!

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  37. I just won a cookbook from Sweet Life too! What a sweetie. I love this watermelon drink! So refreshing with the hit of lavender making it extra special. Thanks for your sweet comments - love your site too!

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  38. Hi Stella,

    Your Agua de Sandia looks beautiful and delicious. What a unique idea of adding the Lavender, I bet it tasted great. Lovely photos and I think your signature red ribbon is perfect.

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  39. Oh Stella your super sweet, I love the pics and your signature ribbon almost makes me wonder why don't add little touches to my pics, agua de sandia with lavender, oh what a spectacular mix, I thought of adding lavender to my agua de melon last week, but second guessed myself-how I regret it, but aguas flow every day here in Edinburg with this heat, so I am sure I will enjoy this soon, Oh my I love the pic of the box...too cute, and I am glad cauldrn boy was happy with the tasty treats from texas. wha a great post, I was super suprised when I clicked on you blog I read the entire post to all my family. They loved it, HUGS from Aransas Pass , Texas , take care and my familia sends their love!!

    bonnie
    sweetlife

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  40. I've never tried culinary lavender, but now I think I must, because your watermelon water looks so refreshing and drinkable. And I'm looking forward to the lavender potatoes!

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  41. Hey Stella, congrats on your win! This ombination of watermelon and lavender sounds great...really refreshing!

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  42. That drink must be very refreshing and delicious! Perfect for the hot summer days!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  43. Stella!
    I was so happy for you - and so jealous - when you won the lavender contest! It is fun to see this recipe. I do have lavender - so can try it!!!! When I get home. I am surprised hubby loved it. I hope Vanja does, too. I cannot wait to see the rest of your lavender concoctions!!!
    I apologize for not keeping up with my readings. We left for Paris mid July and are currently in Belgrade. We'll be home sometime next week - and I cannot wait to be home. I love to get away, but going home is just as exciting. And this time, In have had so many fascinating culinary experiences, that I cannot wait to practice in my kitchen at home!
    :)
    Valerie

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  44. I love blended watermelon! The lavender sounds really gourmet. I tried some homemade honey-lavender ice cream recently that was wicked delicious... maybe something to try with your new stash? :)

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  45. This is beautiful Stella. I love watermelon agua fresca..but never tried it with lavender. Im definatley going to make this.

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  46. I love the photos!
    Your agua de Sandia delicious.
    Hugs

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Please do comment, Dearies!