Hi World,
I’m so passionate about this wonderful state we call Louisiana. I don’t think most people realize just how much we have to offer.
A few days ago I told you I was going to cover festivals and wrote about two of them. Even though most of them are here in Southern Louisiana, today I am covering a few in the north part of the state (which is known as ‘Sportsman’s Paradise’.
The first festival I want to cover will be of interest to all of you history buffs. It is the ‘Battle of Pleasant Hill Re-enactment’ festival. Even though it has already passed for this year, it may be fun to plan for 2015. It is held in April. The first day of the event is school day. Educators can bring their classes to get a firsthand look at history. The students will learn how they loaded a 19th century rifle and how Napoleonic tactics worked. They have demonstrations of Artillery, Cavalry, Infantry and Civil War medicine. A treat for everyone (sorry folks, this day is for students and homeschoolers only). These events take place on Friday. Saturday is a day for the whole family to enjoy. They will re-enact battles, as well as other activities. There will be vendors selling food and more. My husband and I plan to attend next year. While I’m not a history lover, these types of events make everything come alive to me.
The next festival is the Watermelon festival (held this year July 25-26 in Farmerville). This festival was started in 1963 by the Jaycees. The festivities include a tennis tournament, bicycle and tricycle races, arm wrestling, watermelon eating and seed spitting contests, a festival parade, food vendors and more. This will be a fun day for everyone! And, the watermelon is sooo good!!
The last festival I’m covering today is the Red River Revel Art festival held in Shreveport on the Red River. This festival draws 180,000+ people and has been hailed as one of the best in Louisiana and ranked in the top 75 in North America. It lasts 8 days and is packed with art, performing arts, lots of food vendors and artists selling their creations. It is in October (this year it will be held October 4-11).
Enjoy the recipe we have added for you. You’ll find a high quality Louisiana made Vodka right here on our website that is perfect for the recipe below. CLICK HERE for a direct link.
Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
5 cups watermelon, seeds removed
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/4 cups vodka
2 ounces melon liqueur, optional
8 lemon twists, for garnish
Directions
Bring the sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan and cook until the sugar has completely dissolved. Let cool.
In a food processor, puree the watermelon flesh. Add a little of the sugar syrup to sweeten, to taste. Pour the pureed watermelon into 2 empty ice cube trays and freeze for at least 4 hours.
In a blender combine the frozen watermelon cubes, more simple syrup, to taste, lemon juice and vodka, melon liqueur and blend until smooth. Pour into 8 frozen martini glasses and garnish with a lemon twist.
Recipe from foodnetwork.com
Happy tasting until next time! Stay tuned.
