ICED TEA, FOUR WAYS

FOR BASIC ICED TEA:
Pour 8 cups of boiling water into a heat-resistant pitcher.
Add 8 tea bags and let steep for 10 minutes.
Remove and discard the bags and allow the tea to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

Then add one of these surprising flavor boosters (each recipe serves 8) and pour over ice:

GINGER AND HONEY:
Add 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger and 1/3 cup honey. Strain, if desired.

WATERMELON AND BASIL:
Add 1/8 of a medium-size watermelon (cut into small triangles) and 1 small bunch fresh basil sprigs. Sweeten with sugar, if desired.

POMEGRANATE JUICE AND LIME:
Add 2 cups pomegranate juice, 3 limes (thinly sliced), and 1/4 cup sugar.

PEACH AND MINT:
Add 4 ripe peaches (cut into 1 /2-inch pieces) and 1 small bunch fresh mint sprigs. Sweeten with sugar, if desired.

Source: Real Simple magazine