Oh man, did I make a masterpiece! I thought I was just making something to bubble all day on the stove for the scent only, to welcome in the new season, but damned if I didn't make an extraordinary large pot of homemade deliciousness.
Here is how it went, may it inspire you to play around too!
Used my large clay stovetop pot as seen here.
Filled with water, I used tap water today, I then added Fresh Cinnamon sticks from Sri Lanka, half a ball of Jaggery also from Sri Lanka, large chunks of slightly crushed fresh ginger and a dash of nutmeg, (sadly not fresh and not from Sri Lanka), and thanks to my favorite farmer’s market, this Louisville-based spice merchant, CEYOLANKA SPICES supplied the other two luxuries, the Cinnamon and the Jaggery.
Find them online at the above link!
I let that come to a soft boil and then I added, just spur of the moment, a large glass of iced Houjicha from DEN’S TEA which I had made yesterday and put in the fridge for today. That added a subtle roasted flavor that makes this brew so balanced. Well, I might have gone a bit overboard with the crushed fresh Sri Lankan cinnamon, but it is SUCH an amazing flavor, far, far better than the Cassia based stuff we are all used to.
And yes, I am talking to YOU, Saigon Cinnamon, you less than fabulous competitor!
I am calling this brew, which is perhaps a little overly warming on a rather humid Kentucky day, my Simmer The F*{* Down Tea. Even though it’s making me sweat I’m off to make another cup!