who would have thought???
I have heard that baking soda is SUCH a universal item, used for MANY different things, but being the “solution” to my tea dilemma was not one I imagined!
I gotta give a great big SHOUT OUT to my friend (and another hairstylist in town) Michelle. She filled me in on this “secret” and even gave me permission to share the recipe. It is WONDERFUL !!!
I am also giving you my “altered” version of her recipe for a couple reasons. I wanted my tea a little stronger, I only had certain tea bags on hand, and God forbid I go the grocery store if I do not absolutley HAVE to, and also, I had to make it for the size container I had on hand. (1/2 gal). but she get ALL the credit for the “secret” ingredient for sure!!
Boil about 2 cups of water and add to 6 tea bags and a pinch of BAKING SODA !!
Let all of this sit for 10 to 15 minutes
Pour into 1 gallon jar and add cold water to fill.
now, MY “altered” version….
I used about 1 cup boiling water (to make 1/2 gallon) and I also used 3 Cold Brew tea bags as it is all I had in the house, BUT someone told me they are basically the same thing. I added a hefty “pinch” of baking soda, so I am thinking for a gallon, I will add 2 good size pinches. Michelle says you can add up to 1/4 tsp Baking Soda if you need to, but one pinch per 1/2 gallon did the trick for me.
I think my problem is when I would get my tea strong enough, I also got the bitterness too, that was making mine taste YUCK. Michelle said it is amazing how much just the little bit of soda cuts the bitterness and she is RIGHT ON! ! ! it really does.
She found this idea looking for a Sweet Tea recipe. All that you do for the gallon, is add about 1 cup sugar before you fill with cold water. I like to sweeten each glass of mine with artificial sweetener, so I omitted that part.
I will spend my holiday weekend staying home (saving money) and drinking “Michelles Tea” on my screened in porch (and saving MORE money!!) All is good.
Thanks for everyones suggestions. I learned ALOT about the making of a good glass of tea, and will eventually give them all a whirl. I also learned I am not crazy……(thanks Angie) and if you want to come share a delicious glass of tea with me, you know where I will be.
