Over the next few weeks we will build the Ultimate Summertime Dinner that begins with the Sun Tea

Every good garden party starts with a cool beverage and a natural Summertime Sun Tea is the most creative of all. Note the use of an * creates my recipe.

Sterilized mason jars (medium wide mouth)
Your favourite black tea(decaf* or regular) bags (Silk type)
Fresh fruit (any complimentary combination)
(Orange/Mango, Strawberry/Blueberry, *Classic Lemon)
Natural Spring Water(cold)
Fresh *Mint or Basil Leaves (washed)
Clean tongs

Summertime Tea
1) Place 3 to 4 thin slices of washed lemon with rinds in sterilized jars. (use clean tongs to place them)
2) Add a tea bag to each jar (if the bag has string just cut the string off)
3) Add a fresh sprig of mint or basil*
4) Fill to 1/2 inch from the top with spring water.
Place in a hot sun(over 90 degrees) for about one hour.
5) Pour liquid over a tall ice filled glass garnished with a fresh cold lemon wedge and mint sprig.

If you are not ready to serve you can place the jars in the fridge until your guests arrive.

Summertime Fruit Water
1) Place your favourite combination of fruit(Orange/Mango, Strawberry/Blueberry, Cucumber/Lemon) with rinds, if lemon or orange) in sterilized jars. (use clean tongs to place them)
2) Fill to 1/2 inch from the top with spring water.
Place in the fridge .
3) Place fruit in layers of ice in a tall glass, then pour liquid and garnish with a fresh cold sweet orange wedge and or mint sprig.

WOW! You can place the fruit on short skewers that fit into the jars and they are easily transferred to the tall glass with ice.