Monday, August 21, 2017

Life Needs More Sweet Tea

It's been a year since I moved to Georgia, and can you believe I haven't had any sweet tea in all that time?


Well, the summer days are getting shorter. Time to unwrap those tea bags...


...crush the mint and chop the lemons.


Jess gave me this recipe for Paula Dean's sweet tea as part of a house-warming care package last year. 


Just boil some water, add a few tea bags and a lot of sugar. Squeeze a few lemons, add some mint, and leave the pitcher in a sunny place to cool.


In an hour, it'll be ready to pour over ice and take out back. Then all you have to do is sip slowly while the fireflies dance and the cicadas sing.


Let me know how it turns out!

~ Nel

19 comments:

R's Rue said...

Love.

It's me said...

Mmmmmmmm enjoy.....love Ria x ❤️

piccolina said...

I want to try this. Thanks for sharing!:)

Pilar said...

I live in South Carolina and I've loved sweet tea since I was a litle girl! Mint tea is so delicious! I haven't had that in years!

DUTA said...

'a lot of sugar' - well, that's not the best advice; 'no sugar' is better, or sweetened with some other kind of sweetener. After all, we live in the era of health awareness.

Red Rose Alley said...

The sweet tea looks refreshing, Nel. And how I loved seeing your back yard. You and Renecke sure work hard on it pulling weeds, mowing, watering. It looks so green and groomed. I'm glad you can relax out there listening to birds and looking at the fireflies. I still have yet to see these amazing luminescent beetles. Love that French looking table and chair set. : )

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

When I moved South five years ago, I tried Sweet Tea and thought it was too sweet. So when I went out to order it, I always ordered half and half which is not as sweet -- because it is half of unsweetened tea with half sweet tea. Perfect for me! How was Paula's recipe???

TARYTERRE said...

Looks tasty and sweet.

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Summertime needs iced tea! I have a glass next to me now. I don't make sweet tea though, just plain tea, lemon and mint. So delicious! Your backyard looks inviting--a great place to enjoy the outdoors and your sweet tea. ♥

Rose said...

I will take suntea rather than sweet tea, please! But I would love to sit at that table and visit with you!

Tammie Lee said...

That is a lot of sugar and brew time for black tea. I bet it is wonderful. Lovely photos.

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

LUCKY you to live there! My dream is to retire/move to St. Simons Island. We have vacationed there at least 1-2 times/year for 6 years now. I have to say, I am STILL not a fan of the sweet tea (which is funny because I love sweets!). Maybe with less sugar I'd like it -- I know -- that's probably not what true Southerners would want to hear! Thanks for sharing Paula's recipe and the technique. I may just give it a try since I have lots of fresh mint growing in my garden right now!

Pam said...

Nel, you live in Ga and you have not had sweet tea? What is wrong with this picture? haha...I love sweet tea but I try to stick to unsweet, but there are those times I have to have 1/2 and 1/2 at least! I have taken to having mine with orange slices instead of lemon. Its really good. Enjoy your tea.

Connie said...

I would love to join you . . . we don't have fireflies here. I don't know why . . . my husband jokes and says that they can't fly over the Rocky Mountains :)

Sandi said...

I believe it's a crime to not drink sweet tea in Georgia! ; )

Carla from The River said...

My boys love sweet tea!
xx oo
Carla

Sharm said...

Even though it's still winter in my part of the world, this sounds rather delightful and scrummy!

baili said...

Magnificent photos!!!

stunning post , i enjoyed it a lot.
how nice that we too use lipton tea here though not ice tea even though it's too HOT here i like to have hot drinks whether coffee or tea as it open up my mind that is how i feel .

I can sit here so long,elegant sitting area dear Nel!

Marilyn Miller said...

So pretty, but think I will take my tea straight. No sugar, please; ha! But I am in the north too. Yes, those Southerners do like their sweet tea.