Sip & Savor

by Farmer, James T., III

• ISBN13: 9781423624844
• ISBN10: 142362484X
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2012-03-01
• Publisher: Gibbs Smith

Summary

Delectable libations perfect for parties or for relaxing at home. Fruity drinks and creamy milkshakes combine with teas infused with garden herbs for ideas for your next tête à tête. A few special cake and breads recipes, plus stories and history capture the traditional experience of entertaining on the porch.

Excerpts

Farmer's Tea

Makes about 2 pitchers

8 to 10 cups water, divided

4 tea bags of your choice

1 tea bag Earl Grey

1 1/2 cups sugar

Lime wedge for garnish

Bring 6-7 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add 4 bags of Lipton (or whatever brand you prefer) and 1 bag of Earl Grey and remove from heat. Let the tea bags steep for about 5 minutes near the warm eye of the stove.

In a separate saucepan, add 1 1/2 cups of sugar to about 2-3 cups of water (I use a 1: 2 ratio) over medium-low heat; stir until sugar is dissolved and the water becomes a somewhat clear syrup. If you let the sugar water continueto boil, you'll have the makings for candy and not tea!

Combine the steeped tea and simple syrup in a large pitcher, or split between two half-gallon pitchers. If you're using a glass pitcher, be sure to have a metal knife or spoon to pour the tea over so the hot liquid doesn't bust the glass.Fill the pot with the tea bags in it one more time with water and add that water to the pitcher; you can add a bit more water to suite your taste. Stir with a long knife or spoon. Serve over ice and with wedges of lime. Remember, teacontinues to steep or "get stronger" as it sits, so it's weakest when first made).

Summer Herb Peach Tea

I love tea. I love summertime. I love peaches. Mix them all together and I'm simply thrilled! This is an easy and elegant drink that looks great in crystal goblets or Mason jars, and it pairs well with many meals or can simply be served as a starter beverage. This drink is one that changes as summer progresses. My herb availability waxes and wanes and different peach varieties come into season. For a twist, you can use white peaches. Regardless, one thing does not change, and that is how divine this drink is!

Makes about 7 cups

3 bags chamomile tea

6 cups water

1 handful herb leaves (equal parts rosemary, basil, lemon thyme, mint, lavender or some of your favorites)

2 peaches cut into wedges;

reserve some for garnish

Peach nectar, honey, or simple

syrup, optional

Bring water to a boil and add the tea bags and herbs. Allow to steep for 5 minutes. Pour the tea and herbs through a fine mesh strainer into your serving or storage container. Add peach wedges and allow them to infuse the tea whileit is warm.

If you care to sweeten, use peach nectar, honey, or simple syrup. This tea is naturally flavorful, so sweetening this concoction simply gilds the lily. Garnish with peach wedges and mint.