an ode to a friendship | orange lychee sorbet

"Thank you for being a friend...", she sang playfully, referring to the Golden Girls theme song.  My friend Kelly was teasing me, as I clutched my purse, seemingly holding it like a weapon to defend myself from the camera.  Kelly was interviewing me for a TV segment and I was feeling vulnerable.  So I hugged tightly on my purse, only to be called out by my friend.  Kelly told me to relax and be myself, and to get rid of my weapon - so I put my purse down.

No matter what age we are, we always need a friend.  Although Kelly sang the Golden Girls tune in jest, it gave me the message of the show - that women always fare better with their girlfriends by their side.  And oh how I appreciate Kelly's friendship.  She has motivated me in a variety of ways, from getting me to work out even when I don't feel like it, to sparking a fire in me to go after what I want most with my career.  Kelly is a successful anchorwoman on TV.  So she has inspired me to strive and do my best.  Just as what a girlfriend should do.

I took that inspiration in my kitchen and I made an orange lychee sorbet.  The sorbet help us cool down over this scorching holiday weekend and even more. It evoke the new friendship; like a ray of sunshine that lifted my spirit, Kelly made me hopeful and excited as I walk down this unfamiliar road...

 Thank you Kelly, I am glad you are my friend... girlfriend!

Orange Lychee Sorbet (adapted from My Recipes)

Ingredients:
1 1/2 c orange juice (about 2 oranges you could opt to include the pulp)
1 cup water
1/2 c sugar
2 tbsp zest
1/2 can lychee (drained from the can)

Direction:
Combine water, sugar and orange zest in a saucepan.  Let it simmer for 5 minutes or until the sugar is dissolved.  Set aside.  Let it cool.

Using a food processor or blender process the lychee into bits (you could process until smooth but I prefer bits) Set aside.

When the sugar mixture has cooled down, mix all the ingredients together. Freeze until slightly firm.   Pour it back to the food processor and  pulse it until smooth.  Transfer to a freezer safe container and freeze for about 2 hours before serving.

The orange lychee sorbet is so refreshing and healthy too and not to mention, it's super easy to make at home... come on don't be scared to try, you'll be surprised how simple it is to make... and this is step one to win a friend.