..I've noticed lately that I have become quite the fan of clichés, dad jokes and puns. I don't quite know why this is. Am I changing from a lady into a father with each passing year? It would seem so. These puns it appears, also have knock on effects into my cooking habits. As I've mentioned a few times on my twitter, I make most of what I eat from scratch, beverages, snacks you name it. Life, has been filled with lemons of late - and in cooking I've been trying recipes that actual utilize lemons in unique combinations and ways. My gastro life as a pun no less. 
<strong>
Lemon-Lime Basil Shortbread Cookies from Bon Appetit.</strong>

These soft, crumbly biscuits { or cookies as our American cousins say }, are delish. I was quite dubious of the inclusion of 'basil' at first, but paired with the lemon it is less herbaceous and more fragrant. A wonderful balance - I highly recommend you try this recipe now. 

<strong>
Lemon Basil Italian Ice by <a href="http://dicosmos.com/">DiCosmo</a></strong>

Another Lemon-Basil pairing, this time in the form of an Italian Ice. I stumbled upon DiCosmo when visiting <a href="http://rockawaytaco.com/">Rockaway Taco</a> { they share a lot on Rockaway Beach Blvd } and boy was I in for a treat. Exciting and creatively flavoured Italian Ice's made fresh on premises each day. The basil was quite pronounced in this ice - but the lemon tart enough to remind you it was a sweet treat. The overall effect was very refreshing both from the ice and from the freshness of the basil.  
<strong>
Loomi Tea</strong>

A friend gifted me some '<a href="http://mideastfood.about.com/od/middleeasternspicesherbs/a/black_lemons.htm">Loomi</a>' which are Middle Eastern dried lemons. They come in black or white { I used white } and are hard and odourless when inspected. To make Loomi tea, I pour 6 cups of hot, not boiling, water over 6 Loomis and steep while covered for about an hour. Then I add 1/2 cup of simple syrup and stir. Cover again and leave to steep for 3 more hours at room temperature. I then remove the Loomi, and refrigerate the tea. Serve with lots of ice and a sprig of rosemary. 
The taste is somewhat earthy, not tart - not your typical lemon beverage at all; it's a great starter for mixed drinks experiment and be creative! 