Amina Grace Garden Harvesting

We had a great time harvesting vegetables with the after program last week at Misericordia, Heart of Mercy. As part of this program, the residents participate in the care of the vegetables both inside the greenhouse and in the outside garden beds within the Amina Grace Garden. Once harvested the vegetables are used in healthy recipes that the residents prepare in their homes.

Over 100 lbs of zucchini has been harvested and provided to the Misericordia’s Hearts & Flour Bakery for use in the popular zucchini bread. Wow!

 Here is a great summer receipe they make in their homes using the basil.

Watermelon Basil Agua Fresca:

Serves 2 –easy to make for up to 10 people

4 cups watermelon, cubed
¼ cup sugar
15 basil leaves
½ cup room temp water
1 lime, juices

Place watermelon, sugar and 2 to 3 ice cubes in a blender. Puree until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth and discard pulp.

In a glass pitcher: combine water, lime juice and basil leaves. Muddle the basil against the sides of the pitcher with a spoon. Pour the watermelon into the pitcher, stir and serve over ice. Garnish with lime and basil.

Enjoy this refreshing, summer drink!