Recipe: Cherry Slush (blender or food processor, make ahead)

CHERRY SLUSH

2 cups cherry juice blend (or 2 cups water)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups frozen unsweetened tart cherries
1 (6 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed, undiluted
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 (2 liter) bottle lemon-lime carbonated beverage, chilled

In a medium saucepan, combine cherry juice blend and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves and mixture boils. Reduce heat; simmer 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

In electric blender or food processor container, combine cherries, orange juice concentrate and lemon juice. Blend 1 minute, or until cherries are pureed.

In a 6-cup freezer container, combine cherry mixture and sugar mixture; mix well. Cover tightly; freeze 5 hours or overnight.

Remove cherry mixture from freezer 30 minutes before serving. Put 1/4 cup slush in each glass; add 1/2 cup carbonated beverage to each glass. Serve immediately. Freeze remaining slush for later use.

Makes 16 servings (3/4 cup each)
Source: Cherry Marketing Institute