Mint Tea

When I was perusing the green houses this spring contemplating which herbs to plant in the garden, I happened upon mint. Immediately I thought about spending time in my grandmother's kitchen, making a cup of tea from mint that grew in her garden. I decided to buy some mint and plant it in hopes that I would be able to brew one cup of tea and sit and think of my grandmother. Little did I realize that the mint would grow so well or that there was such a shortage of recipes needing mint - and by mint, I don't mean just a sprinkle here or there - I mean, copious amounts of mint. So, I checked out the web and came up with my own way for making mint tea, thanks to tidbits of information here and there. If you want to make your own tea, the steps are rather simple (and I am sorry that I have not illustrated these steps with photos!).

1. Get some mint and lots of it if you intend to make a lot of tea.
2. Wash the mint.
3. Fill a pot about 2/3 full with the clean mint - leaves, stems and all.
4. Fill the pot with water.
5. Put the pot on the stove element, turn on the element and let the water come to a boil.
6. Simmer for 1/2 hour? (I don't usually check how long but long enough to get some good flavor)
7. Remove sticks, leaves and stems with a slotted spoon. Don't be too picky as you will strain it later.
8. Add sugar to taste. For me it is about 1 - 1 1/2 cups for 12 liters of tea.
9. Return to boil and boil for about 2 minutes.
10. Strain tea and enjoy.
11. Chill for a very refreshing cold mint tea.

This is a beverage that makes me feel very "pioneerish" - you know, picking greens and boiling them to make something that tastes good. It just feels right. And tastes so much better than Nestea! Plus, everytime I enjoy this cold treat, I am reminded of my grandmother!