| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 100 | 0g | 0g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 2g | 1g | 0g |
One recipe I continually come back to is Homemade Bay Leaf Tea. It’s not just a tea, it’s a warm, invigorating hug from nature that whisks you away – even if momentarily – to the tranquil lush green landscapes of the Colorado Rockies. It’s as vibrant and refreshing as a brisk morning walk through the pines, and as soothing as a quiet evening by the fireside with my partner Gordon. I can’t quite put into words just how enamored I am with this recipe, so I’ll let the flavors do the talking instead.
More than Just an Aromatic Beverage
This Homemade Bay Leaf Tea is more than what meets the eye. It’s steeped with the aromatic essence of bay leaves which are believed to be optimal for their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. The infusion of freshly sliced strawberries and peaches not only adds a lovely dash of color to the tea but also infuses it with a medley of vitamins and minerals. The charming citrus twist of lemon is a delightful source of vitamin C. And did I mention how honey, nature’s own liquid gold, balances out the flavors in this tea, while offering a natural source of energy and helping to soothe cold symptoms? This beverage definitely wears its heart on its sleeve – or rather, in its cup!
A Delicious Duet – Perfect Pairings
If you’re pondering over what to team with this delightful brew, you’re in the right spot. The uplifting citrusy notes and the mellow sweetness from the fruits make it a fantastic accompaniment to a light Spanish omelette or a classic French toast. Its delicate fruity undertones also tease out the flavors in mild seafood dishes, such as Sunny Brook Trout, a dish that holds a special place in my heart. Treat this Homemade Bay Leaf Tea as more of an engaging culinary exchange rather than just a recipe, and you will see how it straight away resonates with your palette.
In essence, be it as a morning pick-me-up, a soothing evening relaxant, or a centerpiece in a quiet Sunday brunch, this Homemade Bay Leaf Tea stands as a testament to the fact that food and drink are more than just sustenance. They are experiences, they are treasures that hold within them the ability to draw us closer to nature – and to each other. And that, in a nutshell, is why I love this recipe.
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups of filtered water
- 6 fresh bay leaves
- 1 large lemon
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1 cup of sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup of sliced peaches
Method
Step One
Start by taking a large pot and adding 6 cups of filtered water to it. Place the pot on high heat and wait for the water to come to a boil.
Step Two
While the water is heating, take 6 fresh bay leaves and add them to the pot. Let the bay leaves simmer in the boiling water for around 15 to 20 minutes until the water takes on a light green color and the bay leaves have released their flavor.
Step Three
While the bay leaves are simmering, take a large lemon and quarter it. After the bay leaves have simmered for 20 minutes, add the lemon quarters to the pot and reduce the heat to low.
Step Four
In a separate bowl, add 1/4 cup of honey. Pour a little bit of hot tea from the pot into the bowl with the honey and stir until the honey is dissolved. Then pour the honey mixture back into the pot and stir it to fully incorporate.
Step Five
Next, add 1 cup of sliced strawberries and 1/2 cup of sliced peaches to the pot. Stir the fruit into the tea and let it simmer on low heat for an additional 10 minutes.
Step Six
After 10 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and strain the tea into a large pitcher or individual cups. Serve the tea hot or allow it to cool and serve it chilled. Enjoy this refreshing homemade bay leaf tea with a twist of fruit flavors.
