Grandpa Kline's Poppycock {Not Your Average Caramel Corn}

My sister in-law, Hollie is very creative and an amazing decorator. That creativity carries over into all things culinary. I hope you enjoy today's Friend Friday post from not only my friend, but also my sister... - Rach

As the rest of the country enjoys cool breezes, fresh baby grass, and the bright, dewy mornings of spring, southern Arizona is kissing those days goodbye and gearing up for another long, hot, summer.  We're still dipping into the 50's at night, but peaking at 85, 93, and 96 for the next few days, according to my desktop weather forecast.  The reptiles are creeping out again (my front door gecko is back), air conditioners are kicking on, and our "snow bird" friends are packing up their fifth-wheels to head north.  But before you start feeling too sorry for me, well, don't.  Because warm weather means sun tea!

One of my favorite warm weather memories from the "old days" in California is the 2-gallon pitcher of sun tea that showed up every few days in the backyard.  Just like our dogs, the garden hose, and windfall apricots, it was somewhat of a permanent fixture in our yard that time of year.  Here's the way it went: locate the biggest cup you can find.  Fill it to the brim with ice.  Sprinkle with a spoonful of sugar (just one; this is sweet-ened tea, not sweet tea!).  Head out the back door, tiptoeing across the scorching sidewalk.  Tip the jug and splash the fresh, warm-from-the-sun tea, right onto the sugar and ice, melting and mixing it into a brew of pure summer bliss.  Oh, man.  For as long as I can remember, my mom and her big blue cup of sun tea were never far apart throughout the summer.  I was just a spectator of the ritual for years, and then sometime in my teens, the infatuation kicked in.  I haven't recovered since.

I know this is not much of a recipe...so I tend to think of it more as an experience.  Or perhaps for you, a new tradition.

Sun Tea

• Fill a gallon pitcher with cool water
• Add a handful of tea bags, any flavor.  I like to use about five or so for a gallon; maybe nine for a two gallon batch.
• Cover the pitcher securely
• Place outside in a location that receives full sunlight from mid-morning until late afternoon.
• It will take just about all day for the tea to achieve its full flavor.  This, however, does not mean you can't sneak a glass mid-way through the afternoon.

-Hollie Wilson