#SmoothieNumbers 4: Cucumber and Lemon Balm

Cucumber Lemon Balm Smoothie/Juice
Cucumber Lemon Balm Smoothie/Juice

Cucumber and Lemon Balm is number four of the Smoothie Numbers series. They’re quick postings listing the ingredients for making refreshing, healthy drinks in a blender.

Cucumber and Lemon Balm Smoothie/Juice

Ingredients: 3 to 4 Kirby cucumbers, peeled and seeds removed, cut into chunks, and frozen; 1 to 2 cups Lychee juice; 1/2 to 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves; and 1/2 to 1 tsp. honey.

Gazpacho with Shrimp Cucumber Salad

Gazpacho with Shrimp and Cucumber Salad
Gazpacho with Shrimp and Cucumber Salad

Casey Angelova of the food blog, Eating, Gardening & Living in Bulgaria, is sponsoring another cultural cuisine event. This time it’s honoring Portugal on their National Day. The Portuguese call it “Dia de Portugal.” It’s also a day honoring their national hero, Luís de Camões, for he’s the author of an epic poem, Os Lusíadas, that tells the history of Portuguese exploration.

A few centuries ago, Portugal had vast empires in Africa and Latin America. With a foundation of Mediterranean flavors, it’s a cuisine with a global influence. Tomatoes, chocolate, vanilla and chilies from the “New World” are now important ingredients in many cultures, including Portugal. Read more