Pick Your Poison

We’re back from our visit to Grandma’s house. For 7 days, I wasn’t allowed didn’t have to cook a thing, but I ate like a queen. And yes, I got my sausages*. I also drank about a gallon of Thai iced tea to ward off the 90º+ heat.

If you’re a tea drinker and have never tried Thai tea, I highly recommend it. It beats any other tea I’ve ever had anywhere (okay, I’m a little biased). I wish I could give you some background about this tea, but everyone has a different answer. Mom says it’s definitely jasmine tea. One of my aunties says it green tea. I’ve also read it’s called black tea and the ambiguous “Thai” tea (yes, I actually read that on a label). Whatever it is, it’s got a smoky taste, and it’s delicious hot or cold. When you buy the tea, look for loose tea that is not supplemented with sugar and if possible, without color (most I’ve found use yellow dye).

Thai Iced Tea

• 1cup loose Thai tea
• 3 quarts filtered water, divided (trust me, it makes a difference)
• simple syrup (1 cup sugar dissolved in 1 cup water) OR up to 1 cup sugar
• half and half (or mocha mix if you’re lactose intolerant)

Bring 1 quart of the water to a boil. Add the tea, turn off the heat and let it steep for 5-8 minutes. Filter the tea through a coffee filter in a sieve or strainer. I prefer this to cheesecloth because the tea can be fine enough to go right through several layers. If using sugar, add about ¾ to 1 cup white sugar now and stir until it is dissolved. I prefer using simple syrup because I figure people can add as much or little as they like. Add the remaining 2 quarts of water. Serve on ice with (or without) a splash of half and half. Store the rest in the fridge.

Thai iced coffee is just as refreshing as the iced tea. I feel it’s a lot richer than regular brewed coffee that’s been chilled. That’s probably because it’s not just coffee. I grew up drinking a mix that contains sesame seeds and corn (yes, corn!!). I wouldn’t recommend drinking this coffee warm, though.

Thai Iced Coffee

• 1 cup Thai coffee mix (without added sugar; also called Oliang mix)
• 1.5 quarts filtered water, divided
• simple syrup or sugar (probably about ½ to ¾ cup sugar depending how sweet you like it)
• half and half or mocha mix

Bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the coffee and boil for about 2 mintues. Turn off the heat and allow to steep for about 5 minutes. Filter the coffee like you would the tea. Add the remaining water and mix well. Serve on ice, sweetened with simple syrup to taste and half and half. Oh, it's also good with Bailey's or Khalua, if you're that type. Store the rest in the fridge.

*I got these wonderful sausages from my mom’s friend, who owns a restaurant called Lao-Thai Kitchen. It is a complete hole-in-the-wall with the most delicious food. Hubby says their chicken red curry is probably the best he’s ever had, and sonny finished off 4 fish cakes and a large portion of sticky rice. I horded the Isaan-style sausages, and the owner was nice enough to provide me with frozen specimens to take back home to Portland. If you’re in Las Vegas and you feel like having some delicious Thai/Laotian food, visit Lao-Thai Kitchen at 1000 N. Nellis Blvd.