Jam Tea

This morning I enjoyed a gentle cup of jam tea! It was so delicious and the amber liquid slid down my throat with such ease! It's the kind of tea that children enjoy at tea parties with their dolls, teddy bears, and miniature cups and saucers. Yet, it appeals to adults too. The recipe is simple and I will share it with you here:

Jam Tea

1 cup of hot plain tea (Lipton's decaf is good)
1 teaspoon of your favorite jam (I used a fruit sweetened apricot this morning)

Stir together the hot tea and jam. The jam will melt into the amber liquid and you'll have a sweet treat to enjoy!

Sparkling Lavender Lemonade

It's going to be a hot one today! With temperature's over 100 degrees yesterday, it appears that today will be no different. Outside chores are best done in the semi-coolness of the early morning on days like this! A quick wander through the yard to turn on the garden water reminded me that my lavender is ready to harvest. It takes awhile to cut the large plants, so I set a goal this morning to harvest two near the back porch. It was such a fragrant task, and Tia decided to join me while I worked. A full bin and a box of fresh cut lavender are now sitting in the house, waiting for me to decide what to do with them. I wonder what lavender syrup would be like? How delicious it would be, added to some sweet lemonade during the months when no lavender bud is available in the garden and ready to cut. I'm sure there's enough for the family to enjoy it during these hot summer days as well.

Sparkling Lavender Lemonade

Cut fresh lavender and remove most of stem. Place about 1/2 cup of lavender flowers in a glass container and pour 2 cups of boiling water over top. Allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain using a mesh strainer or coffee filters. Combine this lavender infusion with 2 quarts of fresh lemonade. Sweeten with the sweet herb, stevia, for added flavor. Chill and serve over ice. Add a long stem of fresh lavender to the glass (like a straw) for a pretty effect. For sparkling lavender lemonade, add a splash of lemon or lime carbonated beverage or plain soda water.

For times when fresh lavender isn't available, cut some fresh lavender flowers and place in an ice cube tray. Cover with fresh water and freeze until ready to use.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Refreshing Strawberry Basil Lemonade

2 quarts pink lemonade
2 pints strawberries, hulled and sliced
12 whole basil leaves

Combine ingredients. Place in a large container, stirring well. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours. To serve, remove infused basil if desired. Serve over ice, garnishing with an additional strawberry, a fresh basil leaf, and a splash of pink lemonade.

Makes 10 - 14 servings.

Kitchen at Far-Away Ranch, Arizona

Marion, Mint, & Lime

The days are getting warmer, and a slushy cold drink sounded delicious this afternoon. The mint is growing in the garden, so I plucked a liberal supply and brought them into the kitchen with me. Frozen marionberries mixed equally with limeade were placed in the blender. A packet of stevia to sweeten (to taste) and a handful of fresh mint leaves were added. After blending until everything was slushy and smooth, this smoothie was put in glasses, garnished with mint, and served for a refreshing pick-up on the day. Yum! It was delish!

Peter Rabbit Tea

Shall we have a spot of tea? Paula has created this beautiful vignette with a child sized wicker set and a children's tea set. Cute little bunnies sit in the chairs, seemingly conversing over gentle things. It's such a calming and serene scene.

Maybe they are sipping on chamomile tea just like Peter Rabbit. Here's a variation on Peter Rabbit's chamomile that I hope you enjoy:

Peter Rabbit Tea

1 part chamomile flowers

1/4 cup soy milk

Maple syrup to sweeten*

Place chamomile flowers in teapot and pour 1 - 2 cups boiling water over it and allow to steep for 15 - 20 minutes. Strain, then add soy milk and maple syrup. Place in your favorite teacup and enjoy in a quiet place.

*May substitute honey

Strawberry and Lavender Lemonade

Strawberry & Lavender Lemonade

2 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
6 large strawberries
1 tablespoon lavender flowers, dried
2 1/2 cups water
2 1/4 cups lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
Fresh lavender flower stems for garnish

Combine 2 1/2 cups water, sugar, and strawberries in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. After sugar dissolves, reduce heat and simmer for five minutes more. Remove from heat. Stir in lavender flowers and cover. Allow mixture to cool. Then, strain into a large pitcher, mashing the strawberries as you strain. Add the additional water with the lemon juice and stir well. Pour into tall glass over ice and garnish with a long stem of lavender and bud. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Smoothie

Pumpkin Smoothie

This is a favorite family recipe! For an 'on the go' breakfast, I serve these to my family in plastic, disposable cups with a straw. What a delicious way to get Vitamin A! This smoothie was garnished with pineapple mint and spearmint.

1 cup vanilla flavored soymilk (or milk alternative of your choice)
1 medium banana, frozen and broken into pieces
1/4 cup solid pack pumpkin a dash or two of cinnamon
a dash of nutmeg
1/2 tsp. stevia (or to taste)

Place all the ingredients in a blender. Blend until very smooth. Delicious! Serves 2.

*Cinnamon can be substituted for nutmeg, or incorporated as an addition.

Rhubarb and Lavender Lemonade

I'm always happy when the rhubarb grows in the spring and summer, as it is fun to have something fresh and interesting to cook with in the kitchen after a long winter. But, this time of year, the rhubarb is neglected in favor of more sweet and exciting things like peaches, plums, and melons. But, with lavender blossoms and rhubarb still available in the August garden, it's time to make something interesting and here's just the recipe! Maybe you'd like to try it too!

Rhubarb & Lavender Lemonade

8 stalks chopped rhubarb
1/2 cup dried or 1 cup fresh lavender bud
8 cups purified water
1 cup sugar (or to taste)
1/2 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
dash of carbonated water (optional)

Place the water, rhubarb, and lavender together in a large kettle. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer for about 30 minutes. Remove kettle from heat and allow mixture to cool. Strain out the rhubarb and lavender. Add fresh-squeezed lemon juice and sugar. Pour into a glass of ice and garnish with a lavender sprig. If you like 'fizz', add a little carbonated water to each glass. Enjoy!

Cucumber Water

We are having a real heat streak in the west. Record breaking temperatures are making life somewhat miserable at times. Afternoon breaks in the shade (or naps), cool and refreshing beverages, and air conditioning if available are all ways to cope. The weeds in the garden grow, but it's way too hot to work outside for very long! Let them grow! Fortunately the vegetables thrive in the heat too, sometimes growing larger than we really wish they would. Oversized cucumbers are wonderful when used to combat the heat. Simply slice them and put them in a gallon jar. Fill with pure water and allow to sit in the fridge for twenty-four hours. Then, pour some over a glass of ice. So good! Add mint, rosemary, ginger or sweet basil if you'd like. Be creative and have fun!

Love in a Bottle

Do you feel adventurous? If so, may I suggest a tea experience like none other? It was recommended to me by our youngest son, and I bravely tried it at his suggestion. After the initial shock (it doesn't taste like I thought tea should taste), I decided that I really liked it! It's refreshing, sparkly, flavorful, and has strong tea undertones. What is it? Kombucha Wonder Drink!

Kombucha Wonder Drink is a sparkling Himalayan tonic. It comes 'plain' or in a variety of flavors. May I suggest the flavors? I haven't braved the 'plain' version yet, The one I'm having at this moment is Asian Pear & Ginger Blended with Oolong Tea. It's certified organic and very interesting. This tonic is said to promote wellness. Popular in Asian for centuries, it's popularity has spread throughout Eurasia and has made it's way west. It is high in anti-oxidants, immune system enhancers, and natural detoxifiers. It can be described as "crisp", "effervescent", and "charming". Serve chilled for an awesome summer treat! But be warned, it is a surprise in a bottle!

Summer Strawberrie Smoothie

Summer Strawberry Smoothie

This delicious treat is one of the easiest and most yummy ways to introduce protein powder into your diet. It provides depth and staying power to this fruity milkshake.

2 cups fresh strawberries
1 1/2 cups soymilk
1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
2 scoops soy protein powder, plain
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine ingredients in a blender. Cover and blend at high speed until smooth and frothy. Pour into tall glass. Garnish with a whole strawberry and sip with a straw.

Serves 2.

**Photo: the eldest, now 24 and still cookin' in a 100% committed vegan style.

Blueberry Smoothie

It's blueberry season! The next-door blueberry farmer offers U-Pick and We-Pick blueberries available this year. Their 250 acres of blueberries are guarded by a falcon air force, literally! Six trained falconers take falcons to the blueberry fields to scare away the little birds that are interested in the deep purple fruit. It's interesting to watch them at work (the goal is to make sure they are fed well enough before going to the fields that they won't kill the little birds, only scare them away). With an abundance of blueberries, smoothies are a must! Creamy and sweet, they are enjoyed by all.

Blueberry Smoothies

1 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1 frozen banana
2 cups soymilk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 scoop (about 1 Tbsp.) soy powder
1/2 tsp. stevia powder (to sweeten; may use sweetener of choice)

Blend until creamy and smooth. For added creaminess, add 2 scoops of Soy Good frozen dessert.

Hot Carob Drink

Carob comes from the seed pods of a locust tree that is common in the Mediterranean, Africa, and the Middle East. Rich in may nutrients and sometimes used as a natural sweetener, carob is considered a very healthy food. Because it is an excellent source of pectin, it's used to sooth tummy ailments. Although it doesn't really taste like chocolate, it is frequently used as a chocolate alternative. It's delicious in hot drinks, puddings, cookies, and pies. Some individuals who don't care for the sweet flavor of carob alone love it when it has a touch of coffee or coffee alternative (like Roma) added. Here's a simple carob recipe that I enjoy.

1 heaping Tbsp carob powder
1/4 tsp cornstarch 6 to 8 oz water or soy milk*
vanilla to taste
stevia or other sweetener of choice

1. Mix the carob powder and cornstarch in the water until smooth.

2. Heat the ingredients, stirring occasionally, and serve with a little vanilla.

*I prefer the soy milk option for enhanced flavor.

Banana Shake

This is a favorite family recipe,usually served at breakfast or as an evening snack!   It's favored by young
and old and a delicious way to get nutrients down small children! Here is the basic recipe, but once
mastered you'll find many ways to enhance this shake.    

1 cup soy milk
1 tray ice cubes
water (to cover ice cubes)
2 large bananas
1 tsp vanilla

Pour soy milk into blender. Add ice cubes and enough water to cover the ice cubes. Add bananas and vanilla. Blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Additions: chopped walnuts; carob powder; cocoa powder; maple nut extract; stevia or honey for additional sweetening.

Spiced Cranberry Juice

4 1/2 cups cranberry juice
4 dried apricot halves
2 tablespoons cranberries
2 tablespoons raisins
4 whole cloves
1 (3 inch) cinnamon stick
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Place all ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to boil. Cover and reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain juice mixture and pour into mugs and serve hot or chill and serve cold.

Makes 4 Servings

Tropica Exotica

Makes one 10 oz serving.

2 oz Lite Coconut Milk
2 oz pineapple juice
4 oz mango juice
1 teaspoon sugar

Blend together with ice. Yummy!

Slushy Lime Soother

2 cups white grape juice
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
3 Tbsp. Rose's lime juice
1 1/2 cups ice
lime slices

Place juices and ice in blender and blend into a slush. Pour into glass and garnish with lime slices. Makes two drinks.