THE HARD PART IS LAYING THE BOCCE COURT:

Homemade Limoncello (Recipe from Shelly Culver, 07/22/2008, Contra Costa Times)

2 pounds lemons

1 quart clear grain alcohol such as vodka

6 cups purified water

2½ cups granulated sugar

1. With a very fine grater, zest the lemons. Put zest and vodka in a tightly sealed jar or bottle large enough to accommodate at least a quart of liquid.

2. Place container in a cool, dark and dry place for at least 3 to 5 days. Shake the jar at least twice a day. Zest will turn white when flavoring is done. Strain the zest from the liquid through a fine sieve; discard the zest and set aside the flavored vodka.

3. Place 6 cups water in a saucepan over low heat and add sugar. Heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and syrup is clear.

4. Cool syrup to room temperature and mix with lemon vodka. Strain the sweetened lemon vodka through several changes of coffee filters and store in tightly sealed bottles in the refrigerator. Chill and enjoy.