Peach Iced Tea (as featured on The Stir)

Relationships among friends are as different as they come. From lifelong friendships to those forged in later years – and even frenemy pairings – this week’s must-see movie list reflects how complex some of these relationships can be.

Part II of our back-to-back episodes on buddy films shines the spotlight on “chick flicks,” with unforgettable BFFs such as Thelma & Louise, Romy and Michelle, and Lillian and her bridesmaid, Annie.

Watch Volume 13 of the SIP (Shelter in Place) Series on The Stir here

As a bonus sweet treat, we feature a summery sip that’ll bring a smile to your face: Peach Iced Tea. This three-ingredient (plus water) iced tea is lightly sweetened with fresh fruit simmered into a simple syrup. Just add ice for one “tea”-rrific treat!

PEACH ICED TEA

For the Peach Simple Syrup

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 3 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced

Directions

1. Combine sugar, water and sliced peaches in a medium saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring often to dissolve sugar.
2. Simmer in low heat for approximately 5 minutes while mashing the peaches with a potato masher or the back of a spatula.
3. Remove from heat. Let flavors infuse by covering the saucepan and letting it sit for approximately 30 minutes. (Begin to brew iced tea as simple syrup sits.)
4. After 30 minutes, use a fine-mesh strainer to separate peach pulp* and transfer syrup into mason jar or other heat-proof container. Set aside 1 cup of for iced tea; allow the remaining syrup to cool completely before refrigerating (good for up to two weeks).

*Leftover peach pulp also can be stored in tightly-sealed container and refrigerated; use as a topping for ice cream, oatmeal and cereal, or add to a fruit smoothie or shake. 

For the Iced Tea  

Ingredients

• 2 family-sized (or 8 standard) tea bags (Note: Lipton or Luzianne “specially blended for iced tea” bags work best)
• 7 cups water, divided
• 1 cup peach simple syrup
• Ice
• 1-2 extra peaches for garnish (optional)

 Directions

1. Boil 2 cups of water in a small saucepan. Remove from heat.
2. Place tea bags in saucepan to steep for approximately 5 to 6 minutes; transfer tea into 1-gallon pitcher; add remaining 5 cups of cold water.
3. Stir 1 cup (or 3/4 cup for less-sweet tea) of peach simple syrup into the pitcher. (Or, stir in 2 tablespoons of syrup per individual serving.)
4. Pour tea into ice-filled glasses. Garnish with peach slices, if desired.

Find other recipes featured on The Stir Podcast by clicking here.

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