Hibiscus Tea: the Perfect Summertime Drink

Two Glasses of Hibiscus Tea Over Ice
Two Glasses of Hibiscus Tea Over Ice

Hibiscus tea is the perfect beverage for a hot summer day. The bold burgundy hue gives it a festive air sure to brighten any party or pool deck. It’s non-caffeinated, allowing you to relax and unwind without becoming restless or, more importantly, it’s something kids can drink without an extra jolt of energy. When served chilled, it tastes refreshingly sweet with floral notes and a hint of tartness. The smell is intoxicating, inviting you to take a sip.

Backyard Picnic with Hibiscus Tea
Backyard Picnic with Hibiscus Tea

How to Make Hibiscus Tea

To make hibiscus tea, first steep dried hibiscus flowers, also known as flor de jamaica,with water overnight. Then strain the flowers out, pressing on them to release all their precious liquid; next add additional water and sugar to sweeten it. I like to make it in a big batch so I can sip it over the course of several days. It’s also great for parties and you can always add a shot of rum to your tea, if you want to make it into an adult beverage. read more

Jimami Tofu Recipe: How to Make Okinawan Peanut Tofu

Jimami tofu (peanut tofu) with Sweetened Soy Sauce
Jimami tofu (peanut tofu) with Sweetened Soy Sauce

I first had jimami tofu (peanut tofu) when traveling in Mei Prefecture in Japan. Locals invited us over for a delicious breakfast consisting of miso soup, steamed rice, mango, kurobuta sausage, sweet Japanese omelet, pickled plums in honey, jimami tofu, and green tea. The tofu was unlike any other tofu I’ve ever had, bursting with peanut flavor in a sweet, savory sauce. At first, I assumed the sauce gave it the peanut flavor—since tofu usually takes on the flavor of the ingredients it’s paired with. Later, I found out that jimami tofu isn’t actually tofu—since it’s not made with soybeans; rather, it’s made from peanuts! It’s called tofu because it looks and feels like tofu.    read more

How to Make Café con Leche Using a Bialetti

Café con Leche in Glass Cup
Café con Leche in Glass Cup

During these stressful and uncertain times, I’m trying to find small ways to boost my happiness. My favorite kind of coffee is café con leche literally translated as coffee with milk. However, it’s so much more than that description connotes. First you take freshly brewed espresso and pour it over sugar and stir it until it dissolves. Then you take steamed milk and froth it until it’s foamy and combine it with the espresso mixture. This produces a rich and comforting cup of coffee to sip, savor, and thoroughly enjoy. read more

40 Best Books for Babies Under 1: Part 2

Wondering what books to read to your baby? This list features the last 20 of 40 best books for babies under 1 broken down by category. Click here to see the first 20. Check my earlier post to learn why these types of books interest babies.

40 Best Books for Babies Under 1: Part 2

BOOKS WITH IMAGES OF BABIES Continued

My First Halloween – It’s fun to have holiday books that demonstrate to your baby what the holiday is all about. This book features children in costumes, as well as introduces them to Halloween decorations and food and drink associated with the holiday. read more

40 Best Books for Babies Under 1: Part 1

Wondering what books to read to your baby? This list features 20 of 40 best books for babies under 1 broken down by category. Check my previous post to learn why these types of books interest babies.

40 Best Books for Babies Under 1: Part 1

Peekaboo Books / Books with Flaps

Peekaboo in the Jungle – a cute book showing jungle animals covering their eyes and when you open the flap, they’re performing an action—roaring, squawking, swinging, and yawning.

Best Peekaboo Books for Babies Under 1
Peekaboo in the Jungle Cover