Recipe of the Day - Southern Style Sweet Tea

With Spring weather finally here I am inspired to add ice to all my favourite beverages again. Here is a sample recipe from our Southern Fare Cookbook. This is how they make iced tea in the South and it is fabulous! This coming May 12th is our Public Southern/Cajun Class here at TKD and there are spaces still available. To sign up just head to the Schedule and Fees Tab and Register through PayPal.

Ingredients:
3 family-sized black tea bags (or 12 individual tea bags), like Lipton or Tetley
4 cups water, plus more to fill the pitcher
1 cup sugar
Mint or lemon slices, optional to serve

Instructions:

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat.

2. Steep the tea for 5 minutes. Dunk the tea bags a few times in the water to fully hydrate, then leave submerged with the strings hanging over the side of the pot. After 5 minutes, remove the bags and discard.

3. Add the sugar to the tea. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour the tea base into the pitcher. If using multiple pitchers, divide the tea evenly between them.

4. Top off the pitchers with water. Add another 3 quarts of water to make a gallon of sweet tea.

5. Refrigerate until very cold. Chill for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight. Serve over ice. Add a sprig of mint or a slice of lemon, if desired! The sweet tea will keep refrigerated for about a week.