Really Good Iced Tea

It pays to read Cozy Mystery's . . .  One of my favorite authors had a great tip on how to make really GOOD Ice Tea. I had never heard of it and love it. I drink 2-6 cups of fresh brewed herbal tea nearly everyday. However, recently I noticed a bit of acid reflux. 

Yes, I know to make sure I have everything on the table BEFORE I sit down to eat a meal. And I know to keep my fanny in the chair for at least 15 minutes after the last bite or sip. Read my story on page 60 in Volume 6 of Cooking with Judy. Plus my research on Esophageal Cancer page 54 in Volume 5 of Cooking with Judy. 

Knowing how much tea I drink I decided to cut out all tea for 24 hours and see if it went away. It did. And was back when I resumed my tea intake. So disappointed. Yet, what is the old saying, "When one door closed another opens". I swear, that very evening when I picked up Peg Cochrans book "Bought the Farm", there it was on page 109. The answer to my prayers. I quote . . . 

" Dear Reader, 

Do you know what the secret is to a really good pitcher of ice cold tea? A pinch of baking soda. The baking soda neutralizes the tannins in the tea, making for a much smoother taste. Next time you brew some tea -- hot or cold -- try it. Just a pinch will do -- an eighth of a teaspoon should do the trick."

Well I'll be! Of course the baking soda neutralizes the tannins and does NOT interfere with the taste of your tea!!!!!! Why didn't I think of that? After all people have been using a tiny spoonful of old fashioned baking soda in water for hundreds of years for indigestion. 

Plus do I not know that baking soda is the best and cheapest household cleaner on the market? Didn't I write a whole page (14) on how to "Green Clean" in Cooking with Judy?

WOW it pays to read Cozy Mystery's. And on page 237 she wrote . . . 

"Dear Reader, 

Chicken soup is considered a remedy for what ails you in almost every culture around the world and has been considered a cure for the common cold since at least the twelfth century. Scientists believe that the steam from a hot bowl of soup helps nasal congestion and some even think that chicken soup might have anti-inflammatory properties. 

I don't know about you, but I find a bowl of chicken soup comforting at any time. And although it's hard to find the time, making your own is much better than opening up a can and isn't very hard at all." 

You know how much I loved reading that. Enjoy Peg's books and my newest Chicken Soup recipe.    

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy