Agvaniot

I just want to ask when the last time you bought tomatoes like this in the grocery store in the states? You don't want to know how little I paid for these.

Nana Mint Nana Mint

So, last year my favorite thing was my little concoction with green tea (Zen) and just lemon that I liked to call Tiger Woods (a little twist on the old fashioned Arnold Palmer). In Israel we have invented a drink just as refreshing. It starts back at Burke Williams Spa. They always have ice-cold water scented with lemon, orange and sliced cucumber. I can't imagine anything more refreshing when you step out of a sauna or come from a wrap. Not that I go often, but every once in a while my mom likes to treat my sister and I. Anyway, this is the base of the drink. Yesterday when we were at Shook Faisal, Scott got some fresh nana (mint) for making hot tea (it cost less than a dollar for a huge bunch). As we were driving home the fragrance of the mint filled the car and there was only one word to describe it: refreshing. Upon arriving home, I made some fresh lemonade (with lemons from our neighbors tree) and some mint and last night we made some tea with it. While we were sipping we agreed that the mint would be really good with out water drink. So, here it is:

Add a few sprigs of mint to a large iced tea jar. Pour in a cup or so of hot water and let it sit for a few minutes. Meanwhile, slice 1 orange, 1 lemon, 1 cucumber. Add fruit/vegetable slices to jar and fill with cold water and refrigerate. Yum. Don't expect something with strong flavor, however. It is subtle and very refreshing.

As a side note, I have been collecting a list of trees and herbs I would like to have in my garden one day and mint has definitely moved up on the list. My friend Melissa made a carrot salad with mint and garlic the other day and it was great. I'm not sure the exact recipe, but it was something like: grated/julienned carrots, chopped fresh mint, chopped garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.