Kukicha Iced Tea

I love tea. Love tea! On the 16th of January (2011) I will be one year soda free. I replaced my soda cravings with tea and have found that I don't miss the sugar filled water they call soda one bit.

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In the north you would order tea and it would be unsweetened and come with a side of sugar packets. In the south you ask for tea and they put a syrup flavored drink in front of you that only has an aftertaste of tea.  In my unhealthy days I had no problem drinking sweet tea. It wasn't until I started making sweet tea at home that I realized how much sugar actually goes into 1 pitcher of tea. Its pretty scary. So one day I decided I would not add sugar to my tea and try to drink it plain. It took all of a day to get used to it without sugar and now I wouldn't drink it any other way.
The following recipe is for the tea that I drink on a regular basis. It is a healthy alternative to soft drinks and/or sugary drinks and, well, it is absolutely delicious and refreshing.

Tools:  gallon pitcher, large pot, tea infuser or metal coffee filter (used specifically for tea)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Steep time: minimum 1 hours

Ingredients:
1/2 Tbsp loose leaf organic Kukicha


Directions:
Bring a full pot of water to a boil. Just when you start to see large bubbles forming, turn off the stovetop and place the tea in the water. Let tea sit in the pot for at least 1 hour. Fill pitcher halfway with water or ice. Place tea diffuser or a metal coffee filter over pitcher and pour tea through filter to remove twigs. Add additional water to the pitcher, to fill, if needed.

Note: If you can't find loose leaf tea you can buy organic kukicha in tea bags at some natural food stores. Eden brand makes a good Kukicha box tea.

Zucchini-Banana Muffins

I love muffins so I am going to share my favorite muffin with you. You can substitute carrots for zucchini if you prefer.

Preheat Oven to: 350 degrees fahrenheit
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Tools: Muffin pan, small bowl, large bowl, mixing spoon, 1/4c measuring cup and unbleached muffin cup liners.

Ingredients:

1/3 c Earth Balance buttery spread
1/2 c organic sugar
1/4 c maple syrup
1/4 tsp arrowroot powder
1/2 c unsweetened, all natural applesauce
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 c mashed banana
1 1/2 c grated zucchini
2 c all purpose flour

Directions:
Mix melted butter and sugar together in small bowl. Add applesauce, mix and then set aside.  In large bowl mix all dry ingredients.  Mix the butter & sugar mixture into the dry ingredients thoroughly. Add the banana & zucchini.  Mix. Using a 1/4c measuring cup pour muffin mixture into muffin liners. Will make 12 muffins.  Bake for 20-25 minutes. Done when inserted toothpick comes out dry.