Sun Teas - or - Tea Without Having To Boil The Water

The Sun Tea popularity began in the '60's and '70's.  What's interesting though is that no heat is actually required to make tea.  If you put teabags in water, whether they're in the sun on your porch, on your countertop, or in the refrigerator, Tea Will Happen!  However, in the summer, there's a certain earthy charm to this idea.  Here are some ideas for making Sun Tea.

Start with filtered water, a glass pitcher, or one that cleans easily, preferably with a 'plunger.'  This makes it easy to mix (stir) the tea before you pour it every time.  Chose which tea you'd like to make for the next day or two.  If using bagged tea, two bags should be enough for a big - approximately half gallon - pitcher like this, unless you prefer it stronger.  If using bulk tea or dried spices and herbs, find a tea ball, spoon or other type of tea-infuser you like best.  So many are available and you can grow your own too.

I have a Lemon Thyme plant in my back yard.  This fall I'll trim it, wash the sprigs, dry then dehydrate the stems and leaves.  I'll use the crumbled leaves and stems for tea this winter.  I also like Sweet Fern tea.  Since it grows all over this area, all I need to do is take a short walk to gather a big bunch of this interesting herb.  Be creative!

Herbs and spices that are your favorites can also be used.  Some coarsely chopped ginger, twisted orange peels - to release the citrus oils, clove, cinnamon sticks can be combined to produce a nice spicy, citrus tea.


Wash the citrus well before using the peels.  Include as much of each ingredient as you like, then when the flavor is the way you right, strain it into another pitcher or large bowl then strain again back into the pitcher.  If using regular herbs, however, fill the small infusers as full as possible.  For a bigger tea ball, fill only about half full unless the tea you're using is very mild.

Plunge the tea every hour or two if you're in a hurry.

Otherwise, left alone, it will turn into tea within 2-6 hours.  Now is a good time to add sweetener.  I pour a little pure Maple syrup into the pitcher to sweeten mine.  When ready, serve chilled or heat a little for a nice cup of your very own hot tea blend.  Happy Tea Time! . . . Lin  

Life Can Be Toxic - Detox Whenever Possible

We live in an age that often demands we sleep fast, wake even faster and hit-the-ground-running.  To aid in this we often down half a pot of coffee, strong tea or otherwise break - what was hopefully - a restful sleep cycle, in an unnatural way.  Our bodies adapt to this, but not well.  Once in a while it's good to change that up a bit.

I posted this, as Hot Lemon Water a while ago, but want to bring it to the forefront again as a reminder.  By starting the day this way, it can cleanse the mind, body and create some healing.  Lemon, water and cayenne together make an amazing detoxifier.  It takes a little getting used to, but if you get start the day this way a few times a week, take a shower, read, etc. and relax for an hour - before your usual dive into the coffee pot, you'll notice a difference right away.  Your body will thank you.

Several health-and-wellness professionals I know recommend this in one form of another, this is my version that makes enough for a couple days:

<1 qt. filtered water - bring to a low simmer
1        lemon - juiced
1/2 T  real Maple syrup
a small shake of Cayenne Pepper 

Put last 3 ingredients in a quart jar, add hot water, stir and drink. Start your day this way and you'll be amazed at how good you feel. It's a great whole-body cleanser to get rid of toxins created by bad eating, poor sleep and life stress.  It works well as an appetite suppressant and is great for detoxifying the kidneys and liver (which also makes it a good 'morning-after' drink). . .Lin

Hot Lemon Water

Several 'alternative' health and wellness professionals have recommended this in one form or another. My version is:

1 big mug of VERY hot filtered water
juice of 1/2 a large lemon
drizzle of real maple syrup
cayenne pepper (as much as you can handle —
                             start with a good sprinkle in the mug and increase as desired)

Stir and drink. Start your day this way and you'll be amazed at how great you feel. It's a great whole-body cleanser and works well as an appetite suppresant. It's good for detoxifying the kidneys and liver which makes it a good 'morning-after' drink. . .Lin

Coffee Anyone?

I read or heard recently that if coffee were just discovered now, the FDA would classify it as a 'controlled substance!'  It's a drug-of-choice for many of us.

Flavored coffee has never been a favorite of mine. It usually seems too strong or artificial and masks the taste of the coffee itself. I've discovered, however, that I can make my own.

Cinnamon for instance, 2 cinnamon sticks in the pot works well. As does a generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top of the coffee grounds before brewing. This morning I added 1t vanilla to the empty pot and a little over 1/2t cinnamon to the coffee grounds for Cinnamon-Vanilla Columbian coffee.

I recently bought a little jar of powdered Cocoa Chile Blend spice, so Mexican Chocolate will be my next pot.

If you're a fan of holiday flavors, you could experiment with a couple crushed red and white Starlite Mints in the pot before brewing. Have fun with it. . .Lin