Two Fridays left until school begins. Know what I feel guilty about? That I have been so sick the last couple of weeks with this bronchitis/chest crud that poor Julia has spent a chunk of her summer staring open-mouthed in front of reruns of SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS and occasionally rushing in to see if I’ve survived my latest coughing/choking episode.

You know what I’d do about it if I could? Have a cocktail. But I can’t.  Know who can? YOU!  So would you? And would you think of me while you’re doing it?

Here’s a little something fun called a CHERRY SMASH. Easy breezy lime squeezy. ENJOY!

1 cup pitted fresh or frozen (thawed) cherries
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, plus 4 sprigs for garnish
8 teaspoons sugar
6 ounces (3/4 cup) dark rum
1/4 cup lime juice
3 cups cherry-flavored seltzer

Divide cherries, mint leaves and sugar among 4 glasses. Mash everything together with the back of a wooden spoon. Stir in rum and lime juice. Fill glasses with ice and top with seltzer. Garnish with mint sprigs.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 161 calories; 0 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 16 g carbohydrate; 1 g protein; 1 g fiber; 2 mg sodium; 131 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (15% daily value).
1 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 1 fruit

Enjoy the last couple of weeks of summer. And remember…don’t feel guilt (or drink) and drive!