Hibiscus Green Tea Soda

By Jen, on May 28th, 2012%

From the recipe archives, first posted September 2010. Updated with a new photo. -Jen

Soda can be a hard habit to break. If you’re looking for a tasty alternative try making your own tea soda. It’s easy to make, and can be customized to your tastes. Simply brew double strength tea (I like the combination of green tea with a fruity herbal tea like hibiscus) and serve with plenty of ice and some sparkling water. Here’s a simple hibiscus green tea soda recipe to get you started.

Hibiscus Green Tea Soda
1 green tea bag
1 hibiscus herbal tea bag
1 cup water, heated just to boiling
1 to 2 teaspoons honey, agave nectar or desired sweetener (optional)
Ice cubes
Sparkling water, seltzer or club soda, chilled

In a heatproof container, steep green and herbal tea bags in heated water for 4 minutes. Remove and discard tea bags. Add honey or desired sweetener to tea; stir to dissolve. Chill tea mixture for at least 1 hour. To serve, fill 2 glasses with ice. Divide tea mixture between glasses. Top with sparkling water.

Makes 2 servings

Tip: The best part of making your own tea soda is that you can control the sweetness. If you enjoy drinking unsweetened iced tea, don’t add any sweetener. For a flavor boost add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice.

Recipe Link:
Cherry Lemonade

Product Links:
Sodastream Fountain Jet Soda Maker Starter Kit

Get Vitamix 5200 Blender with Free Shipping Code

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Cold Press Coffee: MIY (make-it-yourself)

By Jen, on September 4th, 2011%

From the recipe archives, first posted August 2010. Updated with new photos and a recipe for vegan Vietnamese iced coffee. -Jen

Once you discover how easy it is to make cold press coffee, you’ll always make-it-yourself. All it takes is 2 ingredients…and some patience.

Here are a few secrets for making cold brewed coffee:

  • Start with fresh whole coffee beans. A medium or dark roast is best for cold brewing.
  • Grind the coffee beans into medium-fine grounds.
  • Brew in the refrigerator at least 24 hours.
  • Double filter the coffee. Use a French press as the first filter, and a cone coffee filter system (such as a Melitta) as the second filter.

Cold Press Coffee
Ingredients:
1/2 cup medium or dark roast whole coffee beans
2 cups fresh cold water
Equipment:
Coffee grinder
French press
Cone coffee filter

Place coffee beans in coffee grinder. Grind coffee beans into medium-fine grounds. Add ground coffee to French press carafe. Stir water into coffee grounds. Insert French press cover and depress plunger just enough to submerge coffee grounds fully in water. Cold brew in the refrigerator for 24 hours. To strain, depress the French press plunger completely to trap coffee grounds. Strain again by pouring brewed coffee through a cone coffee filter. Cold brewed coffee is strong. Serve over ice and add water to taste.

Makes 1 1/2 cups

Tip: To make a vegan version of vietnamese-style iced coffee, add 1 tablespoon each coconut milk and almond milk to a glass. Stir in 1/2 to 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup, depending on your preference for sweetness. Add 3/4 cup cold press coffee, stir vigorously. Add ice and enjoy.

Bodum Chambord Coffee Press

Melitta U S A Inc 640007 Perfect Brew Filter Cone

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Cucumber Watermelon Juice

By Jen, on August 14th, 2011%

My fridge is overflowing with fresh fruits and veggies. It’s my fault. I can’t leave the farmers market without a full bag…or four. Good thing I have a killer blender. One way to quickly use up produce is to make fresh fruit juice. Simply add prepped fruits and veggies to a blender and whirl them into juice.

Here’s a simple juice recipe using cucumber, watermelon, lemon and basil. Since watermelon and cucumber are so juicy, there’s no need to add water to make juice. Adding ice makes the juice good and cold.

Cucumber Watermelon Juice
2 cups seedless watermelon chunks
1 small cucumber, peeled and seeded (about 3/4 cup sliced)
Juice from 1/2 of a fresh lemon
3 fresh basil leaves
1 cup ice cubes
Natural sweetener, if needed

Add watermelon, cucumber, lemon juice and basil to blender container. Cover and blend until smooth. Add ice cubes; cover and blend until smooth. Sweeten to taste. Pour into glasses.

Makes 2 servings (about 2 cups)

Tip: You can substitute fresh mint for the basil.

Recipe Links:
Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Good and Green Smoothies

Product Link:
Get Vitamix 5200 Blender with Free Shipping Code

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Baked Pita Chips MIY (make-it-yourself)

By Jen, on December 30th, 2010%

Pita chips make the perfect delivery device for savory dips and spreads. Don’t waste your money or your taste buds on packaged pita chips, make your own. Simply drizzle pita wedges with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and your favorite spice. Bake until browned and you’ll have crispy pita chips, perfect for dipping into Lemon Hummus or creamy Greek Yogurt and Feta Dip.

Baked Pita Chips
1 whole wheat pita pocket bread round (6 to 8 inches)
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1/8 teaspoon coarse salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin, coriander, chili powder or sweet paprika

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cut pita pocket bread round into 8 wedges. Split each pita wedge in half horizontally to form 2 triangles. Place pita triangles on baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and desired seasoning. Bake 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely. (Pita chips will crisp after cooling.)

Makes 16 pita chips

Tip: This small batch recipe easily doubles or triples to serve a crowd.

The Best of Clean Eating: Over 200 Mouthwatering Recipes to Keep You Lean and Healthy

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