Lebanons New Mama Spiced Tea Ainar Food

AYNAR (LEBANESE SPICED TEA)

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, place water over high heat. Add the cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger slices, anise seeds, and nutmeg.
• Once the water comes to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Allow to simmer to desired strength and color, 1-1 1/2 hours.
• Immediately before ready to serve, whisk in the sugar and simmer until dissolved. Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve. Discard the spices.
• Place the chopped nuts into the bottom of each teacup. Pour in the hot tea and serve immediately.

SPIKED LEMONY ICED TEA

Steps:

• Cut a few thin rounds of lemon and reserve for garnish. Zest 2 tablespoons of zest from the remaining lemons, then juice the lemons (you'll need 4 tablespoons of juice; reserve any additional juice for another use).
• Make the ice cubes: Stir the lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of the sugar and the hot water in a heatproof liquid measuring cup. Pour the liquid into a standard ice cube tray and freeze.
• Make the cocktail: In a mixer, shake together the tea, whiskey, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Shake and set aside for the sugar to melt.
• Serve: Arrange a few ice cubes in 2 glasses. Add a couple of ice cubes to the mixer and shake. Pour half of the cocktail mix into each. If you like, run the edge of the glasses with the lemon slices. Garnish the glass with the slices.

LEBANON'S NEW MAMA SPICED TEA (AINAR)

Steps:

• Add spices to water (use a tea ball, if you have one) and bring to a boil.
• Cover and simmer 15 minutes, or until flavored strongly enough.
• Serve with nuts and sugar, to taste.
• Sip slowly and relax.