How to Make Amish - Mennonite Meadow Tea

Meadow Tea is a simple refreshing Iced Mint Tea made with fresh mint and enjoyed in Amish and Mennonite communities. Meadow Tea to Mennonites is what Sweet Tea is to Southerners. 

Today I am going to show you how to make a delicious mint iced tea also known as Meadow Tea. It is called meadow tea because it's made with fresh mint that grows wild along creek sides and meadows. I first learned of meadow tea after watching one of my new favorite Vloggers, Lynette Yoder. 

Lynette is a Mennonite mom who shares videos on cooking, baking, decorating, cleaning, organizing, DIY's and home improvement projects. I stumbled upon her YouTube channel over spring break and during our April stay at home order. 

I was instantly hooked and have watched all her videos and have tried several recipes. I made her meadow tea out of curiosity, but instantly fell in love with the iced minty flavor. I can honestly see why this tea is loved in Amish and Mennonite communities. Meadow tea isn't really a tea, but fresh mint that has been brewed (similar to tea) then sweetened and chilled. 

Instant Pot (3 Cheese) Macaroni & Cheese

Simple Ooey-gooey 3 cheese macaroni and cheese made quickly and easily in the Instant Pot. 

Instant Pots seem to be all the craze right now. For me, I don't usually jump on the new kitchen gadget bandwagon, but I have to say the Instant Pot is my new best friend. I never understood all the hype - until I tried cooking with it. After I got over the initial intimidation the instant pot has changed the way I think about cooking. 

I'm a pretty basic girl and love my slow cooker, so I didn't think there wasn't a need to upgrade. I also felt that the price was a bit high, so I really couldn't justify the purchase. I thought in the end, it's only going to collect dust in the back of my pantry. You see I feel that appliances have to earn their right to counter space in my kitchen and purchasing an instant pot just wasn't an appliance that I felt I would use. 

Fast forward to Mother Day and guess what I got my from husband and daughter!!!!!  You guessed it a 6 Qt Instant Pot Duo SV. When I opened the box let me tell you I had all the feels going on!!!!!!  Excitement and intimidation all in one with all those buttons looking back at me. 

My Texas Table - Memorial Day Recipes

Today I'm sharing over 40 essential recipes for a delicious Memorial Day with your family and friends.

The Memorial Day weekend is upon us, so I thought I would gather up some of my favorite summer cookout recipes and red, white and blue desserts to share with y'all. Let's not forget that Memorial Day is the day, that's set aside to remember with gratitude all those who served and died for our country and freedom. I just want to say to all the past and present servicemen and woman thank you for your services. ⚐  

Memorial day weekend is also the unofficial start to summer. Like just about everything else these days, Memorial Day weekend will look a bit different this year as everyone is still practicing social distancing due to Covid-19.  May to June is when my family tries to get our last camping trip in before the Texas heat really kicks in, but all of the state parks are still closed, so no camping for us. I guess until everything gets back to normal (whenever that is) we will have to make the best of it on our own. 

Just because we can't go anywhere doesn't mean we can't plan our own backyard fun, so fire up the grill and pull out the s'mores, because today I'm sharing over 40 essential recipes for a delicious Memorial Day with your family. Enjoy! 

Freezer Apple Pie Filling

This easy apple pie filling makes the best pies. It's simple to make, freezes well, and my favorite way to preserve fresh apples. 🍎

Normally when I make homemade apple pie filling I usually home can it, but recently I started making this Freezer Apple Pie Filling. Purchasing clear gel (which is the thickener used to can apple pie filling) can get a bit pricey and hard to find, so freezing apple pie filling instead of canning it is so much easier. 

What I love about this recipe is that there is no cooking involved. Just prepare the apples, mix all the ingredients together and add them to a freezer bag. That's it, just like that you have prepared apple pie filling to store in the freezer so you can enjoy homemade apple pie all year long.     

Honey White Sandwich Bread

A soft, delicious homemade honey, white bread that's simple to make and perfect for sandwiches and toast.  

While practicing social distancing and staying home as much as possible, I've been baking up a storm. Currently I'm baking my own bread and this homemade one is amazing. You really must try it! I think everyone needs to know how to make homemade bread and it's a lot easier than you think. 

This homemade bread recipe makes a deliciously soft honey, white bread that's perfect for sandwiches! I haven't tried a whole wheat version using this recipe, but nothing beats plain old soft and chewy white bread. This sandwich bread makes the best peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grilled cheese or toasted with butter and jelly.