I've been reading and drinking sangria ;)

Having a small child means reading mostly baby and toddler books, at least to me. But don't think I feel sorry about it. In fact, I had the unique chance to revisit my own childhood when my nights were guarded by knights on white horses and when dragons spread their wings upon my pillow. I am walking again the dusty roads of imagination joined by creatures never seen, yet existing and sharing my dreams. I wanted to tell you about two of our most favorite books written by immortal Astrid Lindgren. We've been reading them with my baby for months and months and we never cease to be amazed by the music of these stories and by their hushed, intimate atmosphere and beauty.


And because we are such dreamers at home, I also wanted to give you a summer gift and wish you a magical, enchanted summer. Here is my highly original and personal sangria recipe :)))))) :

*Photo courtesy of www.recipetips.com

Ingredients


Apple juice, for ice cubes
1 1/4 cups (10 fl. oz) water
1 small bunch fresh mint
1/2 cup (3 1/2 oz) sugar
3 cinnamon sticks
6 cups (26 fl. oz) dry white wine
2 medium peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced
2 pieces watermellon cut into cubes
2 small lemons, sliced crosswise
Mint leaves to garnish 

Preparation
To make the apple juice ice cubes, pour the apple juice into two ice trays and freeze until the sangría is ready to serve. Combine the water, mint leaves, sugar, and cinnamon in a small saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for several minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Once the mixture has cooled to room temperature, remove and discard the mint and cinnamon sticks.
Transfer the remaining mixture to a large serving bowl. Add the wine, peaches, watermellon cubes, and the lemon slices to the serving bowl. Mix well, and refrigerate overnight. Immediately before serving, add the apple juice ice cubes. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

 

*Photo courtesy of www.whatsonxiamen.com

And because we are such dancers with my little son, we wanted to invite you to our hot summer party as well. :))) If you feel like dancing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2E-M9Kes_U&feature=PlayList&p=CD2788085BF40C23&playnext_from=PL&playnext=28
If you feel like... loving... dreaming... a bit, just a tiny bit hurting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnEmE8qanG8&feature=PlayList&p=CD2788085BF40C23&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1
 
Let it be summer, folks! And David Bisbal. LOL