Let's Do Lunch Community

hi tori..i wonder if you've tried making this lemonade with stevia?......niki

There is a version of Splenda that you use for baking, and it's measure is cup for cup. If you would rather have a more sour lemonade, you can use less Splenda by all means! Just sweeten it to your personal taste. (The 1 cup that I used is for the whole pitcher, by the way. )

No, I don't use Stevia because I don't like the black licorice taste to it. Icky. I can taste even the smallest amount of black licorice, (or anise), and it makes me gag.  So most of my recipes use Splenda as a sweetener when needed. lol If I am mistaking Stevia for another sweetener that has that licorice taste to it, please let me know. (I've tried so many over the years! lol)

hi tori....i used to buy green tea extract that was sweetened with stevia and i didn't notice any licorice taste.....but,i love licorice......i'm going to buy some stevia and try it..now,in this hot weather,fresh lemonade or limeade would be great........thanks..niki 

Hey Niki! I hope you enjoy the lemonades! I did look up Stevia, and it has licorice root in it ... that's why I don't use it. I don't mind red licorice, but black licorice has never been something I have taken to. Even taking Nyquil, (with that famous black licorice taste!) makes me gag.  I have to hold my nose, and then drink a ton of water afterwards. Still makes me shudder.

I'm not keen on using Splenda, too artificial for me.

But I agree with Mary, stevia doesn't have to taste liquoricey. It's important not to use too much of it -- a tiny speck goes a long way. I think it's wonderful stuff -- pity that it's illegal to sell it in the UK and Europe -- some crazy law -- but as a tiny bit goes such a long way it's light to post and easy to get from the US.

Rhea

marysimmons wrote:There isn't licorice in stevia.  Stevia is a tiny little plant with very sweet leaves. 

Really? Wow! I guess the article I read was way off base! I need to find an ingredient database so it will make looking things up easier. 

I'll send you my address, and thanks! Maybe it was just the brand I used or something.

i like to carry crystal light lemonade powder with me when i eat away from home because it keeps me from drinking anything but plain water flavored a tablespoon of the
lemonade powder.  have been doing that for years and have even inspired friends to use it club meetings, restaurants and even
weddings!  wylers is also good.

welcome to let's do lunch and to our boards 
   that's my favorite thing to drink...crystal light lemonade...i alternate that with herbal or green tea at home and seltzer when i'm out................i try not to drink too much of it because of the artificial sweetener......actually that was why i had asked tori about making lemonade with stevia....a twist of lemon or lime is good with seltzer or spring water bypassing the need for sweetener..............
   it's so wonderful to see you guys new to this wonderful program of eating......niki

I have also noticed the licorice taste in Stevia at times.  So, you aren't alone in that.  Many people seem to report the same.

Carbon

Tori wrote:There is a version of Splenda that you use for baking, and it's measure is cup for cup. If you would rather have a more sour lemonade, you can use less Splenda by all means! Just sweeten it to your personal taste. (The 1 cup that I used is for the whole pitcher, by the way. )

No, I don't use Stevia because I don't like the black licorice taste to it. Icky. I can taste even the smallest amount of black licorice, (or anise), and it makes me gag.  So most of my recipes use Splenda as a sweetener when needed. lol If I am mistaking Stevia for another sweetener that has that licorice taste to it, please let me know. (I've tried so many over the years! lol)