Sweet Tea Sweetie

On Monday I shined the light on some coffee and tea themed recipes shared at TFT last week. Today it’s my turn to share my refreshing summer beverage recipe and with a sweet bonus too. I made a big pitcher of Katie’s Peach Ice Tea over the weekend and well, its gone now. I know many of you probably buy some of the wonderful flavored herbal teas available. But, steer clear of those powdered drink mixes and use the fresh ingredients in season. Your tastebuds will thank you for it. Katie’s peach ice tea is both decaffinated and low in sugar. This allows for those of us on a restricted diet to use sugar substitutes, I use Splenda. But you can use agave, other preferred sugar  substitutes or refined sugar, they all add sweetness to this refreshing summertime beverage. The easy recipe is below and I always have substitutions for those not on a restricted diet. Our grandchildren like peach slices in theirs, the grown ups prefer a splash of brandy.

Did you see my photo on instagram? Did you guess?

For the Peachiness
3 Peaches (peeled and pit removed) more if you want to add slices to the glass or use as garnish
1/2 Cup brown sugar substitute (I use Splenda brown)*
½ cup sugar substitute (I use Splenda) *
½ tsp. Cinnamon
11/2 Cup water
Sieve (optional) or you can use a flour sack lined colander
Food processor, emulsion blender, or large fork
Microwave safe bowl with cover
Large bowl for sieving

For the Tea Base
Kettle ( or saucepan)
8 Cups water
4-6 Black tea bags (depends how strong you like your tea, I use 4 Lipton naturally decaffeinated tea bags)
Pitcher (that holds 10 cups or more)

Before You Start
Make the ice tea bse by boiling water and steeping tea bags and set aside to come to room temperature. Pour into pitcher and set aside.

Let’s Make It ! Add all of the peachiness ingredients to a food processor and puree. Transfer to microwavable bowl and cook on high for 10 minutes (make sure it is covered I use a plastic splash dome) stir and cook for 5 more minutes. Remove from microwave and let it come to room temperature. When cooled place sieve over a large bowl and pour the peachiness in. It will capture any bits and all of the yummy flavor is now in the bowl. Add the sieved peachiness to the prepared pitcher of tea. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve poured over ice and a piece of fresh mint ( I used mint from our garden) is a nice finishing touch.

*Katie’s Tidbits- for the grownups add a splash of brandy to your glass then pour the peach ice tea in. For those not on a restricted diet- increase brown sugar by 2 tbsp. Granulated sugar is an equal swap for the Splenda. Enjoy!

Now you have sweet tea, let me introduce you to my friend KariAnne ( pronounced car e ann) she is a sweetie.

You may already know her, she is the lovely and creative voice behind the blog, Thistlewood Farms. Karianne is a woman of faith, a  true child of God and a true blessing to those who have the privilege of knowing her.

KariAnne and I have been bloggy friends since 2011 when her blog looked like this.

and my blog looked like this

Ahhh look how far we have come. Even with our blogs taking us to new places we remain true bloggy friends. We still find time to pop in on each other. You will see her sharing her wonderful posts at TFT. Watch for more updates about her book and a giveaway too ♥

Some of you may have seen my tweets and mentions regarding KariAnnes new book.

Her book, So Close to Amazing: Stories of a DIY Life Gone Wrong . . . and Learning to Find the Beauty in Every Imperfection is one I know you will  enjoy.

I am overjoyed to share that KariAnnes new book is taking pre orders right now!

Please click the book below to pre-order your copy from my shop  now and be ready to gather together here at Katherines Corner and share what we love about her book in September.♥

I’m not bringing the book club back,I just want us to share our thoughts after reading it. I’ll keep you posted.

One thing I truly love doing is celebrating you and shining the light on your accomplishments.

I always want to celebrate you, to lift you up , to honor your bright happy spirit and to encourage you to never give up.

To lift you above my shoulders and you can shout out loud, ” look what I have done!”

So it is easy for me to point you  in the direction of KariAnnes book.

You know I’ve done it with other author friends over the years too.

Do you remember  me celebrating Marla Martenson, Cynthia Ainsworthe, Alex  Cavanaugh,  Anita Joyce, Marian Parsons, Melissa Michaels , Carrie Groneman and others too?

Lets not forget Sharon Insul, her book is one of the prizes in the tablescape challenge! Times running out to sign up  please click HERE and be part of the fun.

 It is my purpose, to listen, to share and to help you shine.

I hope I accomplish that when you visit Katherines Corner and that you always leave here feeling encouraged and inspired.

Enjoy the Sweet Tea and the Sweetie and I’ll see you back here tomorrow for the TFT party!

Have you read So Close to Amazing yet?

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