Pomegranage Punch Iced Tea -- A sparkley and refreshing addition to your day.

Hi all!  I hope you had a great Easter!  We sure did!  I developed this very yummy Pomegranate Punch Iced Tea recipe this weekend.  It was not hard to perfect it, as we enjoyed every drop,  and more was in demand every day.

The weather has turned very warm here in North Carolina.  Suddenly thoughts of hot cocoa and warm cozy dinners have turned to refreshing food meant to fuel us for the countless hours of running and playing and enjoying this lovely weather.

When we are not outside breathing in the wonderful North Carolina spring air (and pollen!), we like to sit in the cool house and read.

I love National Geographic magazine.  This month’s issue focuses on water in our world.  The other day, my oldest daughter and I were reading about how women in developing countries will walk an average of 3.7 miles just to get water.

The first thing that popped into my mind, is that here in America, we are constantly trying to get more exercise.  These women must walk in order to survive. 

I compared my daily walk; down shaded paths, wearing comfortable shock-absorbing shoes, pushing a sophisticated double jogging stroller, water bottle in tow – and an arscenal of snacks for my little ones – with what I imagine a walk must be like for one of these many, many women. 

What must a walk be like for them?  No shade.  No stroller for their little ones.  Inadequate foot wear.  Precious water that must be saved for their families, and not guzzled every mile or so.   No snacks for themselves or their children.  Carrying a heavy empty jug one way, and a heavier full jug on the way home.  Injuries, pregnancies, age and sickness are no deterrents from this trek.  It must be done.

A very different path, indeed.

The article went on to read that when water is made available to these women, their efforts can be redirected into planting more crops, raising more animals, or starting income-producing businesses. 

Do you want to know why I love National Geographic magazine so much?  Because by the mere turning of a page, we are given a priceless gift. 

Perspective.

Perspective,  and a reminder of our multitude of blessings.  This, and a respect and admiration for those who continue on.

What does this have to do with Pomegranate Iced Tea?  Nothing, I suppose.  And then – everything.

This week, my Adventure In Cookery was an adventure of perspective.  As I was making jug after jug of this refreshing, beautiful, nourishing iced tea, full of antioxidants and lovely twangy flavor, I was reminded of what a precious gift water is…. Water, and health, and loved ones, and laughter.

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Pomegranate Punch Iced Tea

You will need:

Jumbo tea bags - just for iced tea! Brilliant!!

2 Luzianne Green Tea bags – made especially for iced tea.  (see photo)

8 cups boiling water

2/3 cup sugar (or equivallent sweetener of your choice)

juice of 1/2 an orange, and slices from the remaining half

juice of 1/2 a lemon, and slices from the remaining half

Any other fruit you may have on hand – I had a hand full of strawberries.  Frozen fruit works well, too

1 cup “POM” pomegranate juice – found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, near the salads.

Lots of ice!!

Also, a heat-safe glass jug ( I used my Pyrex 8 cup measuring bowl for mixing)

A pretty jug for serving, and additional fruit for garnish, if you have it.

Place 2 teabags in pyrex heat safe measuring bowl and pour boiling water over them.  Let  ’steep’ for about an hour.  While the tea is still warm, add the sugar.  Stir well.  Add the fresh squeezed lemon juice, orange juice, and one cup of the pomegranate juice.

Throw in lots of ice and stir well!  Add orange slices, lemon slices, and strawberry slices.  This is also very good with frozen peach slices and frozen dark sweet cherries.

Serve in tall glasses and enjoy!

For ways you can help women of Africa, go toBeadForLife.org.  Also, stay tuned for giveaways of these fantastic beads here on The Flying Kitchen.

Be well, friends!

Bon appetit and bonne chance in YOUR Adventures In Cookery,