The MotherHOOD: Making Iced Tea SMACK! DAB! in the middle of winter!!

Friday, March 14, 2014

Making Iced Tea SMACK! DAB! in the middle of winter!!

I am soooooooooooooooooo

OVER this winter!!!

... And that says a lot, because I love winter, the snow looks like diamonds, the air is crisp and clean PLUS~ I know freezing temps will KILL BUGS & SPIDERS!!!

Well at least keep them from getting to a mutant-steroid size like you guys or y'all get down south!!

Nonetheless, I am in the mood for REAL Iced Tea, I have been "fudging" it with instant Peach Iced Tea packets, but they are only an imitation not worthy of the freshly made counterpart!!

Here is what I found to be the truth when making FRESH homemade Iced Tea...

Don't use tap water--Ick! It won't taste as good, as the taste will be affected by the chlorine in the water!
Do use a "scant" {about 1/4teaspoon} baking soda...I know sounds like a typo... but seriously makes the difference in the clarity of the tea, have you ever see a homemade tea that looks cloudy? Baking Soda is the trick!
Make sure the tea is FRESHLY made!! Baking soda can clarify the tea and a MAJOR PLUS- baking soda also gives a certain smoothness to the tea. Think of the best smooth tasting Iced Tea it was smooth, refreshing, and satisfying... Well, baking soda will help you get there-just don't add too much... Ask me how I know? {Grimmace!}
B/c tea can harbor bacteria consume tea within 24 hours...
Don't squeeze the tea bags after steeping- it will cause a bitterness to the tea.
Steep for the proper amount of time or tea will be bitter and have an acrid aftertaste.

Recipe:

8-12 small Tea bags of choice (I LOVE Luzianne Brand for making Iced Tea I use 10 bags:-)
1 Gallon of Filtered, Fresh Water
1-2 C Sugar
16 Frozen Peach slices
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
1 Lemon zested then quartered

Directions:

Bring 4 Cups of Fresh, Filtered Water to boil, over medium heat. Remove from heat, and add desired amount of Luzianne Tea bags (If using Family sized iced tea bags use 1-2 depending on taste) Allow to steep for 10 minutes
Meanwhile, add frozen peach slices to large pan/skillet STRAIGHT FROM THE BAG
Zest Lemon and squeeze over a sieve into the peaches
Add 1-2 C of sugar to the pan of peaches and turn heat to medium.
Stir and cook until peaches get soft and mushy, and sugar is dissolved. Add about a cup of water if needed.
Mash with a potato masher until the peaches are like baby food consistency.
Once tea has steeped remove tea bags (DO NOT squeeze bags)
Allow to Tea & Peaches to cool completely