Reconnecting by Paul Lindemuth July 7, 2021 by Kristen Cudden Leave a Comment When John Donne wrote that “no man is an island,” he recognized that our lives do not happen in a vacuum. Human connections are vital. After months of isolation and social distancing, socialization appears to be roaring back to life! Masks are coming off, family and friends are beginning to gather together again, and so many are trying to make up for lost time with special events that were cancelled or postponed. It’s really great to actually see a smile, and to reach out to capture a hug. If you’re still looking for ways to step out of your comfort zone, consider a few fun ways to reconnect with family and friends: Pack a picnic and enjoy it in the park; prepare a couple extra servings of tonight’s dinner and walk it over to your neighbor; or mix up a batch of summer cocktails and share with your friends on the patio. Everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to reconnecting, so take the re-entry process however feels best to you. Share a meal, raise a glass, and enjoy seeing those smiles again! And speaking of raising a glass, why not try a Watermelon/Cucumber Gin and Tonic? It’s the perfect summer cocktail. Watermelon/Cucumber Gin and Tonic 2021-07-13 20:34:22 Serves 6 Print Ingredients 8 cups cubed seedless watermelon 4 ounces fresh lime juice 1 cup gin 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber 1 tablespoon agave nectar 1/2 cup mint leaves 1 cup of tonic water 1 thinly sliced cucumber lime slices thinly sliced watermelon wedges Instructions Place the watermelon and 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber in the jar of a blender. Process until smooth and there are no lumps. Strain the watermelon/cucumber juice through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher. Discard the solids. Add the gin, lime juice, agave nectar and mint. Stir to combine. Pour the mixture into 6 ice-filled cocktail glasses. Top off each cocktail with tonic water. Garnish with the cucumber, lime slices and watermelon wedges. Marcel's Culinary Experience https://www.marcelsculinaryexperience.com/