Warm Up This Winter with some Hot Korean Style Tea!

Baby, it's cold outside!  Although, I must admit, we're a little spoiled here in south Texas.  Our idea of cold is about 50 degrees.  My foodie fans to the North, maybe not so lucky.  Lots of wind and snow covers most of the nation, and what better way to escape the chill than snuggling on the couch with a hot cup of tea.  You don't have to settle for the little bag of the dried up stuff - you can make you own delicious and healthy tea with just a few fresh and simple ingredients.

My latest recipe is inspired from my favorite cuisine: Korean.  There are many popular Korean teas out there, and most of them are incredibly easy to make and keep in the fridge for future use.  I created a hybrid of two Korean teas, Saenggang Cha (pronounced "Sa-ehng-gahng-chah") and Sujeonggwa (pronounced "Soo-jay-ohng-gwah").  Saenggang Cha is made from ginger root and honey, known for it's medicinal qualities.  Saenggang Cha is known to aid in digestion, prevent colds, and soothe any gastrointestinal ailments.  Sujeonggwa is made from persimmons, cinnamon, and ginger, topped with pine nuts and typically served as a cold dessert tea (my favorite).  Check out the ingredients you'll see why I call it a hybrid:

Cara's Korean Style Tea

- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1/4 sliced ginger root, unpeeled
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 6 cups water

Place all ingredients except for the honey in a medium to large saucepan.  Bring to a boil, then bring down the burner to low heat and allow to simmer for about 20 minutes.  Use a mesh strainer with cheesecloth (coffee filters work too) to separate the tea from the debris.  Stir in honey to hot, strained tea and serve.

TIPS:  You can use more honey if you'd like, it's all a matter of taste.  You can also save this tea in the fridge, and simply reheat (stove top of microwave) when you want to take comfort in a hot cup of tea.

Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to some warm comfort.  It's easier than you think, and it's much better for you than those freeze dried tea bags!