Southern Girl

So, like any good South Carolina girl I like a good glass of sweet tea!  Although we still technically live in the south, the sweet tea just isn't the same and I've tried a few recipes and finally found a very sweet, very southern sweet tea recipe!!!  So, go to this food network link to get the receipe or look below.  (My two disclaimers- 1) I use four tea bags instead of loose tea, 2) I use about half of the simple syrup in one batch!)

Ingredients

• 1-ounce loose black tea
• 1 quart hot water
• 1 quart room temperature water

Simple Syrup:

• 5 cups sugar
• 3 cups cold water

Directions

Infuse loose tea into hot water for 4 to 5 minutes. Strain tea into room temperature water. Sweeten with simple syrup if desired.
For simple syrup, in a small non-reactive pot combine 5 cups of sugar and 3 cups of cold water. Slowly bring to a boil and add 6 sliced lemons and a few sprigs of fresh mint. Remove from heat. Allow to cool 10 minutes and strain.