Crea8 •U• Again
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Welcome to Crea8•U•Again
I'm Christy and a foodie at heart with a passion for fitness through my own healthy lifestyle journey. As well as a busy mom of three, who juggles everything and everything! Creating and carving my future everyday, and
invite you to my world!
"Fool Aide"
It's EXACTLY what you think , and call it what you want! I call this DELICIOUS! Some refer to this as "Mock Kool-Aid", "Cool-Aid", Maybe we should call this "Tea-Riffic"!
I bumped into this a few years back, and have tweaked it a bit to make it my own! I remember the first time I tried it. Not sure how it would taste, or more importantly, if the kiddos would approve. I made a single batch of "Raspberry ZInger Fool-Aide", and had three little glasses ready with ice cubes ready to go! I poured it and called them in. Within seconds (literally), the ENTIRE pitcher was gone. But not before I snuck in my own glass, and delightfully gulped down what might have been the most delicious drink I have ever tried. Then I made more to keep in the fridge, and made everyone who came over try it!
Generally, the only juice I buy for the family is orange juice. The kids on a whole drink water, and for that I am lucky! I refuse to buy juice boxes, because they would be gone in a flash. Once in a while in the summer I will make some iced tea or lemonade. Not to mention when they go to either of their grandparents' house, they have their fair share of Kool-Aid and juice boxes. Having drinks available especially in the summer is important, so might as well make them yummy and better for you! If you are a fan of Crystal Light, or drink mixes in general, you will love this. The best part is that you can pronounce each ingredient in this drink, and there are no artificial food dyes. Try to do that with any other drink mix!
Here's What You'll Need:
These glass pitchers may be one of the best purchases I have ever made. I happened to have them before I started making "Fool-Aide", now their sole purpose is to behold the delicious beverage.
It come just under 64 oz. (1/2 gallon) or (2 quarts). So if you have 2 qt. pitchers, plastic or glass, it will work.
Here is where you can purchase these wonderful glass pitchers!
Quadro 57.25-Ounce Glass Pitcher
Or use "Quardro 57.25- Ounce Pitcher" in a google search, you may find a deal or local store that carries them. The link above is an incredible deal. I eventually bought 3 more!
Going to Need Some Tea
Here's the secret ingredient, TEA! Pretty amazing right!? One of the best flavored tea comes from Celestial Seasonings. They have mastered wonderful blends, and the zinger collection is great. Also, I used a Bigelow Tea, that worked just fine! Pictured above is the Raspberry Zinger and Cinnamon Apple Spice, two of my personal favorites. The Chamomile-Mango was a first time try, and it too was delicious!
Celestial Seasonings Tea is found at most, if not all markets and retail stores. It is reasonably priced and comes in a variety of flavors. Click here to go right to Celestial Seasonings Website, and shop for other flavors your local store may not carry. Look around in the different categories too. Other great choices are : Country Peach Passion, Mandarin Orange Spice, and Jammin' Lemon Ginger to name just a few!
Getting Started
To get started you will need to prep a few things.
#1. Bring Water to a Simmer
You will need 4 cups per 2 quart container
Add a little extra to make up for evaporation
(This will be used to steep the tea)
#2. Sweeten Things Up!
This is where I tweaked the recipe for some of the orignal recipes I found.
They suggested using Stevia, Splenda, and other "sugar substitutes". I for one (personally) don't like sugar substitutes, and don't keep those in my pantry. I DO however have the trusty ol' stand-by granulated sugar, Not only is it available, but it's afforadable. I decided the best way to sweeten things up is to make a simple syrup. A simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water. Easy!
I have included both a regular Simple Syrup, and Crea8Uagain's Simple Syrup with less sugar content. Either way is delicious, it's just preference. If you still are trying to break-up with sugar, go with the regular . Over time, just cut back 1/2 c. sugar each time you make it. When I first sarted making Fool-Aide, I used the regular simple syrup, and over time reduced the amount of sugar. Now my family is used to the the lower sugar content in the second recipe.
Regular Simple Syrup:
5 Cups Water
4 Cups Sugar
bring together in a pot on low-medium heat and stir in sugar.
Bring to a low simmer or unitl sugar is dissolved.
Turn off heat and let cool.
Crea8UAgain's Simple Syrup ( If you desire Less Sugar):
5 Cups Water
2 Cups Granulated Sugar
Bring together in a pot on low-medium heat and stir in sugar.
Bring to a low simmer or until sugar is dissolved.
Turn off heat. Let cool.
( This recipe will make enough to add to (4) 2-quart containers)
There you have it! Very easy.
If you have any leftover, store in a jar and keep refrigerated.
Simple Syrup
Let's Do This!
Let the fun begin! Whether or not you are making one or four, the steps are the same. You are going to need (4) Tea Bags of the flavor of choice, per pitcher. Place (4) Tea Bags in the container/pitcher. You should have some hot, simmering water. Now carefully measure out 4 cups of water and pour into container over tea bags. Let steep for at least 10 minutes. If it goes longer, no worries.
Right after hot water is added
Ten minutes later...
(L-R) Cinnamon Apple Spice, (2) Raspberry Zingers, & Chamomile-Mango
As you can see the steeping is essential!
Carefully remove tea bags with a spoon, and squeeze out all extra liquid!
The colors really pop when the flavors are brought out into the hot water!
Almost Done....
Don't forget to make it sweet
Add 1c.- 1 1/4 c. of Simple Syrup to your pitcher(s)
And.... One more secret and important ingredient!
Apple Cider Vingar!!
Yes! Apple Cider Vinegar!
Don't say "eww", or "yuck", because if you don't already know, ACV is incredible. Apple Cider Vinegar has so many wonderful benefits. Plus if it's a fresh bottle of ACV you won't taste it at all. My mom made some and complained she "tasted" it. As it turned out she had it since 1902, and that is why. Otherwise, just reap the benefits and enjoy!
Add 1 Tbs. of Apple Cider Vinegar to pitcher(s)
(Be sure it's fresh and shake well)
One Last Step
Now all you need to do is fill up the rest of the pitcher with water, and you are done!
Well, almost. Now you should try it!
Relax with a fresh glass of "Fool-Aid".
This is great a great replacement for soda at parties and everyone will ask for the reipe or how you did it! I have been using this in place of water in smoothies and Oh My Goodness... It. Is.Delish.
Enjoy!
Here is a little glimpse at the benefits of ACV, and what it can do for you! It's worth your time to look into it, and add 1t. to your drinking water daily!