If there could be a beverage to define a life, sweet tea would be mine. We didn't move to Texas until I was 13, but every time we'd cross the Kentucky border en route to Florida, my Mom would make a beeline for any fast food chain so she could order a sweet tea. If you're in the southern states, you know how much of a staple it is. There are some BBQ restaurants where its served in jugs like water. There is something so refined about a good glass of sweet tea, and its really the biggest shame that people in Indiana don't appreciate it as much. I can only say, with great relief, that McAlister's Delis exist here as well, so I've been able to get my fix in a pinch these past five years. I say this with great sadness: I cannot stomach the thought of sweet tea in the winter. It's like a slap in the face when I'm shivering inside of my own house because the relentless negative temperatures are seeping through the brick and mortar, to remember the way a Ball jar collects sweaty beads of … [Read more...]
10 Ways Iced Tea Can Rock Your Kitchen
Living in the south, iced tea is a staple, and sweet iced tea, well, you basically have it running through your veins! Even though I believe that iced tea is fabulous as a drink, and needs no improvement, I want to share with you the many ways that iced tea can be used in cooking and ultimately rock your kitchen! First, some tips to help you make the perfect brew of iced tea: (Note: feel free to use your favorite store bought brand if you are not into making it homemade!) * Use large tea bags or loose tea leaves to allow the flavors to be released * Use clean filtered water * Use boiling water (212 F) for black, herbal or oolong teas * Use cooler water (170 F - 180 F) for green, white or lighter oolong teas * To cool down tea quicker, add ice cubes, but make a stronger brew * Don't over steep or under steep tea. For black teas, steep for about 3 - 5 minutes and for green/lighter teas steep for 2 - 3 minutes *Sweeten to taste while tea is still warm using … [Read more...]
Reader Comments