It's Still Summer in Florida

It would be an understatement to say I have been stressed lately.



While I am not always diligent about this, I try to live a stop-to-smell-the-roses kind of life. I have been particularly bad with this lately so I wanted to take a minute to review the positive things. I realize this is somewhat cheating because this would not technically count as stopping to smell the roses, rather smelling them as I blog my way through a new recipe. Oh well...what's that other saying? Oh yes...kill two birds with one stone.

FAMILY: I do not get to spend much time with my family. They live in Florida, and I live in California. I am visiting them this week, and while I miss them all the time when I am away, I cannot be happier to be with them now.

OPPORTUNITY: As stressed as I get thinking about the future, I can be grateful that I have the opportunity to pursue what I want to do for now. I am really giving it a shot.

COOKING: I never saw this coming. I never realized how passionate I would become about cooking. It is something that has grown on me, and I am glad to have a means through which I can share my experiences.

ZACH: The most supportive, loving and fun person in my life is also my boyfriend. Lucky me.

WEDDINGS: One of my best friends in the whole world, Christy, is getting married. It just makes me so happy. I am not gonna lie, I am also happy that she picked out amazing bridesmaid dresses.*


*I am also encouraged by the fact that ther last time I bought a bridesmaid dress from this particular store 1 1/2 years ago, it was three sizes bigger than the size I bought for this wedding.

GATORS: The University of Florida was my school, and the Gators are my football team. They are amazing. I am seeing them this weekend. Enough said there.

SUPPORT: This is something that may go unnoticed when everything is going according to plan. Let's just put it this way: support seems to be coming out of the woodwork right now, and I feel very blessed to have that.

So maybe life is too hectic most of the time to stop and smell the roses. That is why people have come up with a way to package rosewater in a bottle so we can put it in our food and smell it on the go.

If you have never had anything made with rosewater, I say you are in for a treat when you try this. It may not be for everyone, but I think it is very refreshing and even delightfully fragrant. And what better way to relax than with a cup of tea. If you live in Florida, you will want to make this as iced tea as I did since it still seems to be summertime here according to the thermostat. But if you live in a place where you actually are experiencing a change in the weather, you may want to try this as a hot tea.

This recipe is based off of the iced tea my dad ordered at a Lebanese restaurant in Tampa. I asked what was in it so I could make an attempt at recreating it and hopefully share it with you.

Stop and Smell the Rosewater Iced Tea

(makes 8 cups)



2 cups sugar
3/4 cup water
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp rose water
8 tea bags (you can use green or black)

Mix the sugar, water and lemon juice in a saucepan, and bring to a boil.
Once the mixture begins to boil, reduce heat.
Allow mixture to simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved (stir frequently).
Once the sugar is dissolved, add the rosewater, and mix well.

In a separate pan, bring 8 cups of water to a boil.
Once water is boiling, remove from heat, and add the tea bags.
Allow tea to brew according to box instructions (about 3-5 minutes)

Pour the sugar/rosewater mixture into the tea.
Taste for sweetness. You may add as much sugar as you like. If you would like the tea sweeter but are watching your calories, I recommend adding a packet of artificial sweetener to your cold cup of tea later on.

Transfer to a pitcher and refrigerate until cold. Serve over ice.