Summer Recipe Swap - One Listed for You to Take

Homemade Iced Chai Tea:
2 Quart pitcher
2 Quarts boiling hot water, but you might not need the entire amount.
1/2 - 3/4 cup sugar or comparable sugar substitute
milk or milk substitute of your choice
3 Vanilla Chai tea bags, Bigelow

1. Let the boiling water sit for a minute or two. It shouldn't be at the rolling boil point when you pour it into the pitcher.
2. Put the tea bags into the pitcher, then pour the boiled water into the pitcher but leave about 1 1/2 inches space from the top of the pitcher.
3. Let the tea bags steep for about 5 minutes.
4. Pull the tea bags out and gently drain them against a spoon.
5. Add the sugar, depending on your sweetness preferences, and stir until all of the sugar is dissolved.
6. Allow the tea to cool in the fridge.
7. Once the tea has chilled, add desired amount of milk... no more than one cup (that's probably even too much) should do but make sure there's space at the top of the pitcher to stir.
8. Serve over ice.
9. It's better than Dunkin Donuts version of chai tea.

Asparagus Salad (perfect for picnics)

1 bunch of asparagus, snapped and sliced on diagonal into 1.5" pieces. Get salted water to a rolling boil and then blanche until just tender, one or two minutes depending on thickness. Drain and quick rinse in cold water.

Dressing:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
4 t soy sauce
1 t sugar
2 t toasted sesame oil

Add asparagus to bowl and toss to coat. You can also add sesame seeds for a little color. This is perfect to make ahead for camping or a picnic as there's nothing to really 'go bad'.

Also, Lavender lemonade:
Use a half-cup lavender flowers; steep them (covered) in 4 cups boiling water for 10 minutes. Remove lavender and reserve liquid.Mix in 3/4 of a cup of sugar to create a simple syrup, then add the juice of 8 lemons and 5 cups cold water.

Serve cold over ice.

Well it looks like I have a few new recipes to try.

A favorite of everyone's including my kids and even the kids that don't like tomatoes is probably the simplest thing out there. It's so simple and easy I'm always surprised by how well received it is.

Tomatoes
String cheese
Garlic salt
Italian dressing

Mozzarella works also, but string cheese seems to be the favorite. Cut it all up, and toss it together. Just eyeball it for personal preference. If my vegetarian DD isn't eating with us I'll throw in a little pepperoni or salami.

This one is super easy.

Basil Bean and Chicken salad

1 package cooked edamame beans, shelled (I think they are called mukimame)
1 large grilled chicken breast, cubed
1 small package crumbled feta cheese
4 Tbs. prepared basil pesto

Mix together, serve warm or cold

Corn salad

4 cups corn kernels. If raw, you soak them in hot water or they can be cooked in some form and let cool.
1 cup avocado chunks.
1 cup chopped cilantro
1 cup chopped red pepper
1 cup chopped tomatoe
2 Tablespoons fresh Lime juice
1TBLS finely chopped Serrano pepper
1 TBLS finely chopped garlic
1 TBLS olive oil
1tsp sea salt
Pepper to taste

Mix . It's even better the second day. It good as a side with hamburgers or on a hot dog or in a burrito or any Mexican dish. The combo of soft avocado and the fresh veggies is delightful!

I just posted my Pico de Gallo recipe on this answer for summer dips:

http://www.mamapedia.com/questions/2379266180537122817