Growing up in the South, I've always been surrounded by sweet tea drinkers, but since I don't have a big sweet tooth, I've never been a big sweet tea afficionado. Instead, I prefer hot/herbal teas. Tea for me seems to create a sense of ease and relaxation--it always puts me immediately into Zen mode. Homegrown herbs are always the way to go, and I've recently starting brewing my own teas with as many fresh herbs as possible. This one has almost an eastern zing to it with the lime/basil/ginger component, and I think it could be served warm or on ice. Added ingredients to this recipe would be any book of your chossing, a hammock, or a back porch.

Serves 2

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons minced apple peel
• 2 tablespoons minced apple, no peel
• 2 tablespoons mixed herbs (sage, thyme, basil, mexican mint)
• 2 tablespoons loose leaf jasmine tea
• 1 tablespoon peeled/minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 french press

1. Boil 32 oz. water
2. Stir ingredients with boiled water in french press for 1-2 minutes, then cover with lid.
3. Let steep 6-8 minutes.
4. Press.
5. Let cool, and if desired, try on ice!