I have loved lemons since I was a child. They had a different meaning to me back then than they do now. When I was young, my family would always get together at my aunt’s house. My cousins and I would head straight to the backyard and pick lemons straight from the tree. We then picked our teams, and we would pretend we were soldiers. Yes, the lemons were used for grenades.

These days, I have better, less wasteful, uses for lemons. Lemons could be used in drinks, main dishes, side dishes, desserts, and just about anything. Not only do lemons bring flavor to foods, they could also be used outside of the kitchen for DIY beauty and cleaning products. Lemons bring many health benefits to our bodies such as:

• Get rid of oily skin

• Help with acne

• Whiten teeth

• Cleanse your bowels

• Great for your liver

• Powerful antibacterial properties

• Contains anti-cancer compounds

The list could go on! I enjoy the tangy burst of flavor in just about anything. If you’ve been to my house you know that I typically have a carafe filled with water, lemon, and some mint leaves.   The following are some of my favorite recipes.  Show us what you made!  #IDfoodchallenge

Lemon Spaghetti

via Giada De Laurentiis

One of my favorite dishes is lemon spaghetti. It is my quick, go to dish on those long busy days. It’s full of flavor and budget friendly. To make a complete meal, toss a quick salad together with a garlic and herb dressing, and a squeeze of lemon. Voila! Your dinner is served in just a few minutes.

Tip: I use whole wheat spaghetti and the zest of two lemons in this recipe.

Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon

via Martha Stewart

This recipe makes a delicious addition to the Lemon Spaghetti recipe above.

Tip:  I use coconut oil in place of the butter.

Get Well Honey Tea

Val’s Family Recipe

I serve this to my family when they are feeling ill. Works like a charm!

Ingredients

• 1 sliced lemon

• 1 sliced orange

• 1 TBS honey

• 3 cups water

Directions

Place lemon and orange wedges into saucepan full of water (squeeze juice out first). Boil the ingredients. Pour hot water into mug. Spoon in honey. Enjoy!

Basil Lemonade

Inspired by Vitamix

Ingredients

• 3 cups water

• 1 ½ lemons, peeled and halved. (I only peel 1 lemon)

• ¼ cup sweetener of your choice, I use agave

• ½ cup fresh basil

• 1 cup ice cubes

Directions

Place all ingredients into a blender in the order listed and blend. Enjoy!