Fall Weather Honey Apple Tea - Tea Blend of the Month

Apples are everywhere this time of year and I have been working on several apple recipes to share on instagram (@backyardpatch43) when I found this item I shared on an old website back in 2011. With some updates, this makes a great tea to enjoy the flavor of apples.

Honey Apple Tea 

• 4 black tea bags (or 4 tsp. loose black tea)
  
  
  
• 1 tsp dried chamomile (optional)
• 1 tsp dried lemon balm
• ½ tsp dried sage
• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 cups unsweetened apple juice
• 3 cups boiling water
• lemon slices

In a two quart pot, brew tea bags and dried herbs with boiling water.  Steep 2 to 5 minutes.  Remove bags/tea infuser or strain if brewed loose.  Add honey and apple juice.  Stir well.  Serve warm with a slice of apple or a cinnamon stick or pour over ice.  Makes 4 servings.

Three Host and Hostess Gifts to Make Ahead

The Fall entertaining season is about to start and if you are traveling to someone else's for a party we would like to recommend a few hand-made gifts that you can create to take as a present for the hosts.

Three handmade, herb infused gifts to present to your hosts:

1. Homemade Bitters
2. Hand-blended Teas
3. Flavor infused Mixers

Handmade Bitters

In my mocktail program I always say I am going to share this recipe for citrus bitters on my blog, but i never seem to do it, so for those who have been waiting, here is the recipe.  you need to plan ahead to make this as a gift, as it takes 6 to 8 weeks to cure properly, but one batch will give you may jars of bitters to use for gifting and yourself!

Bitters are a special ingredient in cocktails that lends a tang to a drink and are great in drinks based on gin or vodka.  Bitters are also a digestive aid and these two recipes made with citrus are high in anti-oxidants and can assist with keeping blood sugar levels, well level.

Citrus bitters

The bright flavor these lend to your ginger ale, seltzer, sparking water or spirits is amazing and unique; you may find you cannot live without it.

• 1 750-ml bottle of plain (unflavored) vodka
• 4 oranges, zest only from the entire orange
• 2 lemons, zest only from entire lemon
• 1 Tbls fennel seeds
• 1 3-inch cinnamon stick
• ½ tsp whole cloves
• ½ tsp coriander seed

Zest the lemons and oranges, getting all the orange and yellow peel, but none of the white pith underneath.  Place the zest and the fennel, coriander and cloves in a 1-quart mason jar.  Seal tightly and shake, then place in a cool, dark area for 4 to 8 weeks shaking every other day.

Once infused, strain the bitters using a fine mesh strainer and transfer the liquid to 4-ounce amber dropper jars for long term storage at room temperature. Recipe makes 6 4-ounce jars. These never spoil!

TO USE: 

• Bitters can be added to a tall glass of iced ginger ale, just a few drops will make a refreshing drink.
• Swap them in for extracts in baked goods.
• Toss them with popcorn.
• Shake them into lemonade or juice.
• Infuse honey and maple syrup.
• Add them to poaching liquid for fruit.

Try this Cocktail--  Tea Time Tippler

• 2 oz. Green or Herbal Tea
• 1 oz Lavender Simple Syrup
• 1 oz Ginger Beer
• 1/2 oz Lemon Juice
• 2 Dashes of  Bitters

Directions:

Combine ingredients in a shaker and shake. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with grapefruit disk. Recipe makes 1 cocktail.

Hand-blended Teas

A dry herb tea blend is quick and easy to make. Then just place the mixture in a canning jar with a decorative label with instructions and attach a tea infuser and you have a perfect little gift. Choose a relaxing blend to help your host wind down after the stress of entertaining. This recipe has cooling and restoring mint along with immunity boosters in lemongrass and rosehips.

Winter Serendipitea Tea 

• 1 teaspoon dried spearmint
• 1 teaspoon peppermint
• 1 teaspoon crushed rosehips
• 1 teaspoon dried chopped lemongrass 
• 1/2 teaspoon each of orange peel 
• 1/2 teaspoon raspberry leaf
• dash of cinnamon

Mix ingredients together well.  Store in a tightly lidded container.

TO USE: Bring cool water to a boil.  Place 1 tsp of the tea blend in a tea infuser, pour 1 cup of boiling water over and allow to steep for 3 – 5 minutes, preferably in a covered container.  

For iced tea, allow to steep up to 10 minutes, then allow to cool to room temperature and add ice and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

We have shared a number of recipes for herb teas here in the blog, so if you want something different check out this list: Tea Recipes at Backyard Patch

Or you can just pick up a Backyard Patch Tea blend by visiting our website.

Flavor-infused Mixers

My last recommendation is to make a flavored alcohol or a faux gin for your hosts. We have recipes here: Faux Gin. Or you can craft something with our simple cocktail kits, like Apple Cinnamon Bourbon or a quick and easy Faux Gin, or even an Old-Fashioned Cocktail.

To make your own Old-Fashioned --

• 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey 
• 1/4 ounce simple syrup 
• 2 dashes bitters 
•  orange slice & maraschino cherry to garnish

Combine all ingredients in a low ball glass, add ice and garnish and sip!

Celebrate National Taco Day with this great Recipe

In celebration of National Taco Day, I thought it would be a great way to give you a recipe that highlights the herb of the year - ginger!  This traditional recipe gets its spice from the flavor of ginger and the toppings are for a more traditional street taco style. And you do not need cheese, so this is dairy free!

Traditional Style Tacos 

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon finely grated garlic
• 1 tablespoon finely grated peeled fresh ginger
• 1 1/2 pounds skirt steak, cut into 5-inch lengths
• Salt and Pepper
• Warm corn tortillas, for serving
• Diced fresh pineapple, for serving
• Thinly sliced red onion, for serving
• Cilantro leaves, for serving

Directions
In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce with the garlic and ginger. Brush the mixture all over the steak and season lightly with salt and pepper. Let stand for 20 minutes.

Heat a large cast-iron skillet. Add the steak and cook over high heat, turning once, until charred on the outside and medium-rare within, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a carving board and let rest for 5 minutes. Carve the steak against the grain and serve in warm corn tortillas with diced pineapple, sliced red onion and cilantro leaves.

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub - Bath Blend of the Month

Welcome to Pumpkin Spice Season.  I know this is not for everyone, but I have friends who are all about Pumpkin Spice!  They cannot wait for the season to begin and love their lattes, muffins, and anything else containing Pumpkin Spice-- so I created this blend just for them and anyone else who cannot get enough of Pumpkin Spice.

This is a simple 5 ingredient item that can be made with only 4 if you do not want or cannot get coffee-flavored oil.

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub

• 2 Tbls canned pumpkin
  
• 2 Tbls Brown sugar
• 2 Tbls coconut oil
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• coffee flavored oil

Mix all items together and place in a 1/4 pint canning jar. Keep refrigerated until used up (this is why you make it in small batches.) It should not be kept longer than 10 days.

To Use: Apply on hands, arms, and even face while in the bath or shower and gently rub into the skin.  Rinse off.  It will increase exfoliation and give you the scent of pumpkin spice to enjoy during the day.

Pumpkin Spice Harvest Collection

We have been making a special spice blend for the fall and winter season since about 2001. It contains cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and my secret ingredient lemon peel -- which makes it perfect for pies, mixed drinks, and baking. I have called it many things in the past (Spicy Dessert Blend, Cinnful Dessert Blend, and Pumpkin Spice Blend.)  We are currently using Pumpkin Spice Blend because folks tend to know what that means when they see it. This is a great substitute for Apple Pie Spice or Pumpkin Pie Spice in your seasonal baking with much less bitterness.  

The exciting thing to me about this blend is its versatility.  You can use it to make cinnamon toast, sprinkle it in your latte for that seasonal spice flavor, or you can use it in baking recipes.

In fact, we created an entire selection of baking products using this blend as the main flavor.  We have scones, muffins, pancake mix, oatmeal cookies and even an instant latte.  To make them easier to shop we collected them all with our fall teas and cider seasonings into a collection- Pumpkin Spice Harvest Collection and you get all the details on our website: www.backyardpatch.com

In the mean time here are a few great recipes you can try with our Pumpkin Spice Blend.  Although the flavor won't be nearly as fun, you can substitute ground cinnamon until your Backyard Patch Pumpkin Spice Blend arrives.

Perfect Cinnamon Toast

• 1/8 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp. BackyardPatch Pumpkin Spice Blend Herb Mix

Blend together, then use as a sprinkle on rice pudding, unbaked muffins, and especially on buttered toast.

Outdoor Party Punch

• ½ gallon apple cider
• ½ gallon cranberry juice
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 Tbls. Backyard Patch Pumpkin Spice Blend Herb Mix
• 1 lemon, sliced    
• 1 lime, sliced
• 1 cup raisins (optional)

Add spice mixture and sugar to cider and juice.  Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add fruit slices and raisins (if used) and simmer slowly for 30 minutes.  Strain.  Serve in mugs steaming hot.  For added fun provide cinnamon stick stirs.

SOFT SPICE BARS

• 3/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup plus 2 Tbls. sugar, divided
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. Backyard Patch Pumpkin Spice Blend Herb Mix
• 1/2 tsp. salt

In a mixing bowl, combine butter, 1 cup sugar and molasses.  Beat in egg until smooth.  Combine flour, baking soda, BYP Pumpkin Spice Blend and salt in another bowl.  Stir into molasses mixture  Spread into greased 15"x10"x1" baking pan.  Sprinkle with remaining sugar and bake at 375 degrees or until lightly browned.  Do not over bake. Cool on wire rack.  Yield 2 1/2 doz. bars. 

And if you still cannot get enough, check out our previous recipes shared on this blog using Pumpkin Spice Blend when it was called -- Cinnful Dessert Blend

Harvest Tea - Tea Blend of the Month (Fall Tea Launch)

As Summer winds down and Fall arrives we switch to our Fall and Winter Seasonal Teas.  This particular tea is going to be among them.  For the commercial blend (which will be caffeine-free) we have altered the recipe just a bit, but I wanted to share kinda how a recipe starts with me.  I first created this blend back in 2010 and shared it here on the blog.  Since then it has been sitting in a folder of teas to make and market, but I never developed it.  This year I decided it was time.

A lot of the time I make a tea with fresh ingredients first to see if I enjoy it, then craft dry ingredients and make it again to see if the flavor changes dramatically.  At that point, I play with the ingredients adding and subtracting until I get the flavor I want.  When I create a blend that has the same flavor in numerous batches, I know I have perfected it. If the flavor changes in different batches, I go back to playing with the ingredients until the flavor is consistent.

Harvest Tea

• 4 tsp dried apple pieces, chopped in small pieces
• 1 Tbls hibiscus flowers
• 1 Tbls rooibos or black tea
• 1 Tbls rose hips
• 1 Tbls allspice berries
• 4 tsp wintergreen leaves (substitute spearmint, but not peppermint)
• 1 tsp Currants or dried cranberries
• 3 inches of cinnamon stick or 1 Tbls ground cinnamon

‌Combine dry ingredients in a glass jar. Shake well to blend. Store away from light for up to a year. Use 1 heaping teaspoon per cup of hot water. Steep for 5 minutes and sweeten only with honey.

This tea has cranberries which are great for inflammation because of their antioxidant properties and cinnamon helps with blood sugar regulation, as well as digestive issues.  Perfect after a heavy meal like Thanksgiving.

Enjoy this tea if you make it yourself, or you can enjoy this and other teas we have selected for the winter season.  If you have been enjoying the Summer Teas, those will be available only until the end of September, so get those soon, or you have to wait until next year.

Everyday Bath Blend - Bath Blend of the Month

This unique combination of herbs and flowers can be used as a bath tub tea, or as a shower scrub.  

Equal amounts of: 

• Chamomile
• rose petals
• juniper berries
• rosemary
• spearmint

Combine these in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake well.  Use 1 to 2 Tablespoons on a muslin bag or coffee filter for a bath or 4 Tablespoons in a washcloth for a shower.

To Prepare:

Add 1 cup of water to a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Place the bag in the water and steep for 10 minutes. Add the liquid to the bath water.  Or used the washcloth to rub or scrub your skin while in the shower.  

Herbal attributes for skin and body

Chamomile:

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce skin irritation and redness. It is often used to soothe sensitive or irritated skin. It may help alleviate stress and promote better sleep.

Rose petals:

Rose petals are known for their hydrating properties, making them beneficial for dry or dehydrated skin. They help lock in moisture and maintain skin's natural balance. Rose petals also contain antioxidants that can help protect the skin against damage from free radicals and environmental stressors. Roses have soothing and toning properties, making them useful for reducing redness and inflammation.

Juniper berries:

Juniper berries have natural antiseptic properties that can help cleanse the skin and prevent infections. They can also help remove toxins and impurities from the skin. They have a mild astringent effect, which can help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores.

Rosemary:

Rosemary has stimulating properties that can help promote circulation, which is beneficial for a healthy complexion. Additionally, Rosemary contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals with antimicrobial properties that can help prevent bacterial growth on the skin. It can help regulate oil production, making it useful for oily or acne-prone skin. It can help reduce excess oil and minimize breakouts.

Spearmint:

Spearmint has a cooling sensation that can provide relief to irritated or overheated skin. Spearmint has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent bacterial growth on the skin, making it useful for treating acne and preventing breakouts. It has mild astringent properties that can help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores.

Please note that individual experiences may vary, and it's always a good idea to perform a patch test before using any new herb or ingredient on your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin or any known allergies.