watermelon smoothie

This new neighborhood of ours is a gem. In the time it takes to brew a pot of espresso, I can walk down to the beach. Stepping out of our front door and just footsteps away there is a butcher, a bread bakery, a supermarket, a dollar shop, a stand with fresh fish and my trusty greengrocer. Even Manu’s barber is right here on the street as well. He signals on our buzzer twice to tell Manu that he can come down for his bi-weekly cut because no one’s around. Now that’s service!
Speaking of service, I feel like I’m “in” now with the family that owns the fruit and vegetable shop because they finally gave me a discount. That’s how you know in Italy. The matriarch of the family winked and threw some free carrots in my bag before I left last week. YES. Then yesterday as I picked up our usual basket for the week of apples, bananas, lettuce, strawberries, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, the woman said, “Bella, want to try this watermelon? I know it’s not “time” for it, but trust me, it’s delicious. Do you trust me?” Of course I did, she gave me free carrots. She got out a huge knife and sliced a pound out of the gigantic melon with ease. She wrapped it up and said, “Let me know tomorrow how it is.”
Well, she was right. This watermelon is killer juicy and sweet. Manu and I devoured it in a day and there was just enough left this morning to make something. I decided to smoothify it with some of our fresh mint - it’s still alive and even prospering, you guys! I had it post-workout and it was so refreshing and fast.

Watermelon Smoothie
(serves 1) 2 cups watermelon (remove all seeds) a few sprigs fresh mint plain yogurt, about a tablespoon (more if you prefer) a squeeze of lime juice Combine all ingredients in blender and blend away! Add an ice cube if you like it cold. Serve immediately.

Have a great week, everyone. I’ve got to run downstairs and tell my fruit lady that she was right about the watermelon. Ciao!