My guys LOVE sweet tea! See those empty pitchers behind the glasses?? They've been filled and emptied twice now with this tea. Both pitchers, twice, now empty! These are the last 2 glasses, and I assure you, the tea is gone now and I'm brewing yet another gallon.
When we go to any restaurant, Jason's first question is, "Do you have sweet tea?" You may be asking yourself, "Why is he asking for it if she can make it?" Well, I just learned how. I was using a recipe I have had for years, but it was missing something! It was OK, but he craved (to the point of driving however many hours to the nearest restaurant that had the type he craved)! When he found a restaurant within an hour's time had moved in, he was in heaven. He could satisfy his craving for a brief shiny split second until he got home and finished the cup he'd bought.
Until I had a friend in Texas give me the secret that all these Southern places had been keeping from all us Yankees!
Know what? I kinda feel a little stunned. When she first told me what it was, I really doubted it. In fact, I didn't even try this recipe for like 3 months. Until Jason found out I had it.... Then it was on!
Oh, the secret? Why 1/4 teaspoon baking soda! That's right!! Simple baking soda!
The order things get done is very important, too, but without the baking soda, it's no better than any of the stuff I'd been making up 'till now.
Who knew?
Here's the order:
1. Boil 4 cups of water.
2. While that is boiling, place 1/4 tsp baking soda in the bottom of a gallon pitcher and then 6-7 family-size or 12 regular-size tea bags.
3. When the water is boiling, pour over the tea bags and steep for 15 minutes.
4. Remove the tea bags (do with them what you will, I know some people keep them for beauty reasons or plant care, but that is another post) and pour in between 1 and 1/2 cups to 2 cups of whatever sugar you use. (I use either sugar in the raw or plain sugar) (Also, I use 1 and 1/2 cups 'cause I like mine exactly like you get in the diners.) Make sure all the sugar dissolves in the warm water.
5. Pour in 12 cups cool water. Stir it up. Refrigerate for however long you like. (I can barely get them to wait 30 minutes.)
6. Pour over tall glasses of ice. Drink. Swoon. Repeat.
Off to make yet more tea! I think Jason's love of sweet tea is gonna keep me busy for a long long long time!
