Today I'm beginning a new series of posts called, "Things My Mama Taught Me."I wouldn't really call myself a domestic diva, but I am a good Southern cook, who routinely OD's on information. I love all things about hearth and home, I am always on a quest for finding the most efficient way of doing the most mundane thing.
Thus, this series. I've got a lot of odds and ends of info rattling about my head, and I figured some of you might find them helpful and/or interesting.
In this regular series, you will find tips, tricks, recipes, favorite resources, and the like.
For our first installment, I'm going to tell you how to make delicious and perfectly brewed iced tea.
When I was in college and living with three roommates in a two-bedroom apartment, I was the tea maker. My roommates--Southern girls though they were--had no clue how to make iced tea. They thought tea came in a brown powder form in a can.
Sacrilege, I tell you. Absolute sacrilege.
Since then, I've been perfecting my iced tea skills, and we always have a gallon in the fridge. I can't go more than a few hours without a cold glass of tea.
Iced Teamakes one gallon
In a small saucepan, boil about 3 cups of water. I never measure; just fill up the saucepan.
When the water boils, add 3 family size tea bags. I actually use decaf tea now and have never been able to make any distinction in flavor.
Cover the pot with a lid and allow to steep. I think it should steep at least 10-15 minutes, but 30-45 minutes will give you a deeper flavor.
Next comes the controversial part: sugar. I am not a big fan of super-sweet tea. When it is super-sweet, the flavor of the tea is obliterated by the syrupy flavor. If I want syrup, I'll drink Coke. So, I typically only add about 1/2 cup sugar to the warm liquid and stir to dissolve. (Obviously, add more sugar to adjust to your taste.)
Pour the tea mixture into a one gallon jug. Fill the jug with cold water.
In my ideal world, my iced tea is served over a glass FULL of ice and with fresh-squeezed lemon.
Absolutely, positively perfect refreshment. Ahhhh.
Some good fast iced tea options when you're out:
- Sonic Route 66 iced tea, half sweet and half unsweet with extra lemon
- McDonald's large tea, half sweet and half unsweet with extra lemon
What about you? What's your favorite iced beverage? What's your favorite hot beverage? Do you have any tips for making the perfect glass or cup of whatever?
photo: dreamstime.com
