Grilled Lemon Lemonade

9 lemons

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon granulated or cane sugar

1 quart water

Simple Syrup

1 cup water

1 cup granulated or cane sugar

Instructions: Rinse the lemons clean and pat them dry. To release extra juice, roll them on a hard surface.

Cut the lemons crosswise, and remove all visible seeds (don’t dig too deeply into them). Brush the cut sides of the lemon with olive oil, then drizzle with sugar. Allow to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Prepare grill for medium-high heat (350-400 degrees). Put the lemons on the grill cut-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes with lid open. Lemons will take on good char marks. Remove lemons from grill and place in a medium-size bowl. Allow to cool.

While lemons are cooling, mix together the ingredients for the simple syrup and cook in a small saucepan pan over medium heat. Heat and stir until sugar is dissolved and liquid is clear. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

In a large bowl, juice the lemons with a citrus press. Add simple syrup, 1 quart of water and stir.

Place a kitchen sieve or strainer over container that will hold the lemonade, and pour mixture through, catching stray pulp. If mixture is too tart, add sugar as needed and stir.

Chill lemonade and serve with ice.

Note: It is also an option to smoke the lemons. Follow instructions, but place lemons cut-side up on the grill. Smoke lemons at 250 degrees for 1 hour.

Makes 4 servings