Strawberry Iced Tea

Happy Independence Day to all my Indian readers :)

It's another month for the Secret Recipe Club, which now has it's own site, and a TON of new members, so many so, that posting has been divided into 3 different days. I feel like I've only been posting for the SRC, but it's been a crazy time for me, with joining and quitting a job, my brother getting married, and my preparing for something big in life [not food related], that I'm hoping will happen. Things are almost back to normal now, so I hope to be posting more regularly.

Anyway, this month I was assigned the blog Heavenly Treats and Treasures, which also had a ton of great options for me. I've been very lucky with the assignments, I must say. I loved her Mini Red Velvet Cupcakes, I really wanted to make those, but it didn't work out. With the sudden heat wave here, I was in no mood to turn on the oven, and I wanted something cool. Her Sweet Blackberry Tea seemed perfect. I love Iced Teas, had some frozen strawberries I needed to use up, and it'd be perfect for the weather.

And.. this is the first time I've ever made anything this easy. I was surprised when I was done and sipping the drink within 10 minutes of looking at the recipe. I really need to make more drinks, I always thought they'd be more involved. All you have to do is make a simple syrup [1:1 ratio of sugar and water], infuse with whatever flavor you want, and add to prepared tea! I know this might be fundamental to all of you, but I'm quite fascinated by the ease of it all.



Strawberry Iced Tea
Adapted from Heavenly Treats and Treasures

2 quarts prepared tea, green or black [I used green]
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
10 oz frozen fruit of your choice.

Instructions -

1. Allow the prepared tea to cool.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine together the sugar, water, and frozen fruit. I roughly chopped the fruit before adding, because I don't like pieces in my drink. Most will get mashed anyway with the heat and stirring.
3. Cook on high until sugar dissolves, and the mixture thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Don't thicken it to a paste, it won't mix into the tea well. Allow to cool slightly
4. In a nice, tall glass, pour out the prepared tea about halfway to the top. Add about 1/4 cup of the strawberry syrup [adjust according to taste], stir,and add some crushed ice on top. Garnish with a fresh strawberry, some mint leaves, and serve.