It is hot outside.

I mean HOT people.  It's over 100 degrees already which just means that Arizona summer is well on it's way.  Time to buck up and get ready for sweating profusely, guzzling large amounts of water and other delicious drinks and staying inside.  Well......or outside if it's near misters, and I don't mean men, I mean mist thingamabobs.  You know what I mean.

I've been growing veggies and herbs, actually it's my second year doing it and I'm amazed at how well I'm keeping everything alive, if you knew me you would understand that it's a huge thing.  I am not known as the Thumb of Death for nothing.



But, I've managed to get quite an abundance of fresh spearmint and peppermint and I've been trying to use them in many different ways.

One of my favorites, is in Iced tea.  So simple to make and it's refreshing and delicious on a hot day.  Right now I have a batch seeping, it will be ready in about an hour and then all that is left is to add some more water and a few ice cubes and enjoy.

Here's how I make mine:

Iced Mint Tea

4 cups of water
1 cup of sugar
1/3 cup lemon juice (I use fresh lemons)
4 tea bags
About a cup of loosely packed mint leaves (I use a mix of spearmint and peppermint)
4 cups of cold water

 

You can do it on the stove, but I make mine in the microwave just to be quicker.



Using my Pampered Chef mixing bowl, I add the first 4 cups of water, pop it in the microwave for about 6 minutes or until boiling hot. Remove, and add in the cup of sugar. Stir it up until the sugar is dissolved.

Then add the tea bags, lemon juice and mint leaves.



Pop the lid on and let it sit for an hour.

Remove the tea bags from the water and discard. Strain the tea mixture into a 2 Quart pitcher. Stir in the 4 cups of cold water, then cover and refrigerate for another hour or so.

Pour into mason jars and add in a few ice cubes and a small leaf of peppermint, if you wish :) Enjoy!!!