Lemongrass Leaf Tea and Apple Treat

When I was about 6 years old I had a best friend on the same block and spent countless hours at her house. Her mother was from Mexico and she would make us homemade shredded beef taquitos and a wonderful tea that was made from leaves she cut from a bush in the backyard. The tea was greenish in color and lightly sweetened and we felt so grown up when we were seated in the kitchen and given mugs of that fragrant tea.  Unfortunately we moved away and lost touch, but I think of my friend and her mom from time to time and remember that tea.

For years I tried to figure out the name of the plant so I could recreate that fragrant tea – I have asked people periodically; no one seemed to know exactly what I was talking about from my early childhood memory…. until this week.

I am the gardener in my house; After injuring myself from overdoing it, I have learned to ask for help when I need it.  Armando has tended to my garden from time to time and when I need extra help I call him and he arrives with his crew to help me out with things requiring more strength or time. I was showing Armando what needed trimming and digging out and we came to the lemon grass, which I had neglected and asked him to cut it down to the base so it could have a fresh start. Armando saw a few of the remaining beautiful leaves and said “Tea.”  That sparked a memory and I shared my story with him and he replied that these leaves were probably the tea I remembered and to boil them and add a little sugar or honey. He then cut me a bouquet of the remaining leaves, which I bundled and placed on my kitchen windowsill.  The next day I boiled a third of the leaves in a 2 quart stainless steel pot (enamel or glass would be fine too), strained it and added a little honey and to my delight this was the tea I have been searching for.  I took the remainder of the tea that I did not drink and put it in the fridge; enjoyed it iced with agave another day..it is also wonderful cold. Several days later the plant has some new green leaves so I won’t have to wait long for another batch.

Lemongrass Leaf Tea – 2 quarts

Cut enough fresh lemongrass leaves to equal about 1 cup loosely packed.  Place the rinsed leaves in a 2-quart saucepan and cover with water to approximately one inch below the rim of the pan.  Bring to a boil, cover and simmer on a medium low flame for about 6-10 minutes. The kitchen will smell wonderful.   When the leaves have infused the water remove from heat and pour through a strainer into a cup or a teapot. Sweeten with honey or agave or sugar to taste and enjoy.  I strained one cup for hot tea and strained the rest into a pitcher for iced tea later. I enjoyed the hot tea with local honey (a teaspoon was just perfect) and the iced tea I enjoyed yesterday with about a half-teaspoon of agave; refreshing and delicious.

cut leaves and tea 

In my house growing up, it was customary to have something sweet with our late morning or afternoon tea...so of course I was thinking about a sweet treat to enjoy with my tea. While experimenting with some fresh apples, I came up with a delicious and healthy alternative to apple pie. This is a great gluten free recipe or a treat for anyone trying to eat fewer refined carbs.

No Crust Apple Pie Treat

5 or 6 Apples  - Your preference – I prefer Fuji or Macintosh

½ to 1 teaspoon Cinnamon or nutmeg to taste (your preference – I use either equally, depending on which I am in the mood for – both also have health benefits)

1 Tablespoon Agave or to taste (you can use more or less)

Core and chop the apples – if you prefer you can peel them. I leave the skins on for more vitamins and I like the added texture.  Place in small saucepan with ½ cup water and the cinnamon or nutmeg. Add agave (you can also use honey or sugar if you prefer or do not have any agave).  Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce to medium low heat, cover and cook till the apples are soft – about 10-15 minutes Remove from heat and serve. Makes 5-6 servings. Place a serving of the apple mixture in a shallow bowl and top with 1 Tablespoon of your favorite low fat granola and a dollop of plain or vanilla yogurt or a handful of your favorite nuts.

I top mine with raw walnuts, a great combination with the apples.

This week I discovered that new lessons and ideas for old recipes come from unexpected places. 

I appreciate your taking the time to read my blog. Please add a comment if you would like.

Until next time… may you find enjoyment in food and nature,

Marla