Mint Green Tea Lemonade - Weekend Recipe

I wanted to give a refreshing beverage you could enjoy at anytime this holiday weekend and I found it in this combo!  This cooling beverage is not too sweet and offers a uniquely refreshing blend of fresh seasonal flavors.

Mint Green Tea Lemonade

1/2 cup packed fresh mint
1 cup sugar
2 cups water, divided
1 cup fresh lemon juice (yes you have to squeeze some!)
8 cups iced green tea (or other iced tea)

Directions:

Combine mint leaves, sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan, then bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.  Turn off heat and let cool.  Once cool, remove mint leaves and combine with lemon juice.  In a large pitcher, combine iced tea and remaining 1 cup water, then pour the lemon mixture into it.  Serve chilled or over ice, with mint leaves for garnish.

This is my 400th post!  For those who read to the end of a post this is your reward.  Email me your address at marcialautanen@gmail.com and I will send you a package of Sun Tea so you can enjoy a cool beverage!

Fresh Mint Salad

Spearmint getting bushy

Is the mint coming up in your garden? Mine is probably the only green thing I seem to be able to find in any abundance.  The first leaves are lovely in a spring salad. Here's a recipe that highlights its bright taste in a sprightly lemon-mint tabbouleh with plum tomatoes and fresh parsley.

Tabbouleh Salad  

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup bulgur (cracked wheat)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup chopped seeded plum tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 2 large green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

Preparation

Whisk oil, lemon juice, and garlic in small bowl to blend; set aside. Place bulgur in large bowl. Mix in 1 cup boiling water. Let stand until bulgur is tender and water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Mix in tomatoes, parsley, green onions, and mint. Add oil mixture; toss to blend. Season with salt and pepper. Let stand at least 30 minutes to blend flavors. (Can be made 1 day ahead. ) Cover; chill.

If you love the taste of mint, we have a great assortment of Mint Herbal Teas that are great hot or iced.  Please check these out at http://www.backyardpatch.com/ or our Ebay tea listing.