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A Little Birdie is on "VACATION".
I'll be spreading my wings to visit YOUR nests this week.
Back to the regular party schedule next week!

Friday

BE A GOOD LITTLE GIRL AND DRINK YOUR MUSHROOMS ~ THE ADVENT OF HIBISCUS VANILLA REISHI ICED TEA

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There are many reasons why people blog, but like many craft and culinary aficionados,  I do it because it gives me a creative outlet and an opportunity to do that which brings me the most joy:  sharing my ideas, projects, and recipes, and connecting with other creative people who in turn teach and inspire me.  

Every once in a while, however, an opportunity comes along to sample a new product (usually food items), create an original recipe, and share the findings with my readers.  I must admit, I enjoy this little "perk".


Last year I had fun creating a delicious holiday cocktail (recipe HERE), compliments of the POM Wonderful company. Recently, I was contacted by Marx Foods, a 5th generation family business (since 1895) that works with foragers, farmers, fishermen and artisans to supply home chefs with restaurant-quality gourmet foods such as exotic mushrooms, sausages and charcuterie, and sugars and salts from around the globe. Marx Foods offered me a complimentary sample of their Reishi Mushrooms if I would agree to develop an original recipe for a tea drink featuring the Reishi Mushroom.  I jumped at the challenge!

What are Reishi Mushrooms?  Also known as Lingzhi mushrooms in China, these mushrooms have a long history of medical applications and health benefits, dating back to the oldest Chinese medical texts.  According to Shen Nong's "Herbal Classic" and "Compendium of Materia Medica", the two monumental works in Chinese medicine, reishi is rated the best and most superior of all Chinese herbs. 

To find out more about the medical and health benefits attributed to Reishi mushrooms, check out the following links:


I enjoyed experimenting with this unusual ingredient and having the opportunity to exercise my culinary creativity to create a delicious and refreshing iced tea using the dried Reishi mushrooms provided by Marx Foods.  


Here's what I came up with:  









Hibiscus Vanilla Reishi Iced Tea
Step-by-Step




 





8 Lovely People Commented HERE...:

Chaplain Donna said...

Your post makes me miss being in the kitchen. I work many hours and buy a lot of premade food. I know this isn't the healthyist(I hope that is a word)but it allows me to fulfill my dreams. I've been wanting to get back to cooking at least one day a week and I think your recipes are going to really inspire me. I'm glad I found your blog. Keep up the good work. Congratulations on the opportunity, it speaks highly of your dedication.

Annie @ astonesthrowfrominsanity said...

I can't believe I am saying this, but this mushroom tea actually looks yummy. I may have to try it! :) Happy SITS Saturday.

Eva Gallant said...

That was a unique recipe. I would have no idea where to begin to create such a thing! Kudos to you!
I just stopped by from SITS to say hello; hope you will find time to do the same.

Ron Cooper said...

Jenn,

Stopping by to say hi and invite you to become a fan of my fan page of inspiring messages:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Inspire/338562522284?ref=ts

Miriam Leigh said...

This recipe is... original! And I agree with Annie, it does actually sound good. I might try it if I can find the mushrooms.

Tanantha @ I Just Love My Apron said...

Hi Jenn, congrats on the runner-up! wow I didn't think of hibiscus. What a great idea! I still have some reishi left. Will have to try this. It sounds great!

James said...

Hey Jenn,

Luv the recipe. I needed to find something to take the harsh taste away so I could actually stomach the Reishi tea. You're a culinary genius!Holistic Practitioner

Arthritis Help said...

What a great recipe Jenn! I love hibiscus tea, and would have never thought of combining it with the most potent tea of all - Reishi!