OK kids, it's summer in suburbia. Everyone is pulling out their coolers, pitchers, & posterboard for front yard lemonade stands. I strongly support each and every one of you. I will gladly come and pay my $0.50 for a cup of your powdered crystal light drink. But please, please, PLEASE could one of you step it up a bit and squeeze me some lemons? I would gladly pay $3, $4, or even $5 (depending on the size of the cup) for a cup of real, fresh-squeezed lemonade. Sugar my rim and I'll go to $7. A sprig of fresh mint and/or a slice of lemon as a garnish would also make my day!

I am hereby issuing a challenge to the children of Elmhurst and the surrounding areas. If you set up a lemonade stand and offer fresh-squeezed lemonade, I will give you a crisp $20 bill for my cup of lemonade. If anyone who reads my blog witnesses such heroic efforts, let me know ASAP so that I can reward the young gourmands with their hard-earned cash.

Kids, here's a hint: have your parents take you to Costco and buy a few of their large bags of lemons. Good for the profit margin. Juice and strain out all those seeds. Have your parents help you make some simple syrup by simmering 1 part sugar with 1 part water until all the sugar is dissolved. If you want a more specific recipe, just ask me. Add a splash of cranberry juice if you want pink lemonade. It's not so hard, and let's be honest, your labor is free.