FitSugar

Cool Off With Hibiscus Tea Popsicles

FitSugar — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:45:00 PDT

On a hot day, anything frozen feels like a special treat. My daughters are both big fans of hibiscus tea, so I thought I would concoct a popsicle featuring the herbal brew.

My experiment paid off: the entire family loved them. These popsicles are simple to make, tasty, and incredibly low in calories. A perfect way to beat the heat.

See the recipe and the calorie count.

Fight High Blood Pressure With Hibiscus Tea

FitSugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 03:00:00 PST

Genetics, diet, and stress can cause high blood pressure (hypertension), but a recent study shows there's a way to lower it naturally. Drink three cups of hibiscus tea a day. Look for this tea at your health food store, either solely hibiscus, or ones that are blended with this herb. The ability to lower blood pressure has to do with the actual plant and also the relaxing effects of sipping tea. Although your blood pressure may not decrease dramatically, even a small drop can benefit the body and lower your risk of the health problems associated with hypertension. Most people - 50 percent - are unaware that they even have high blood pressure, so if you haven't had yours checked in a while, see a doctor, or use one of those machines at your pharmacy. If it's on the high side, while you're out, pick up some hibiscus tea.

Flavored Syrup: Endless Possibilities

Camilla Salem — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:00:27 PDT

Simple syrup is one hot ingredient right now, and what's so great about it is that it takes minimal effort to create something special and useful. We've been noticing unique and exciting flavor combinations and recipes, like rhubarb and rosewater syrup, popping up all over the place.

To make your own flavored simple syrup, all you need to do is add whatever flavoring component (citrus zest, lavender buds, rose water) you desire into the boiling sugar water and let it infuse (the longer you let it cook together, the stronger the flavoring will be), then strain the syrup and store it. Now we can't stop daydreaming about all of the possible flavor combinations out there that we can't wait to use in Summer cocktails, iced tea, and homemade sodas. For some flavor combinations we can't wait to try, read on.

Trendy Ingredient: Hibiscus Flower

Camilla Salem — Mon, 07 May 2012 05:30:00 PDT

Drinks that use hibiscus have been around for quite a while, but more and more I'm noticing the brightly colored, beautiful flower being used in cooking (hibiscus loaf cake, anyone?). But what's the scoop on this trendy floral ingredient? Find out when you keep reading.

4 Ways to Get Into the Spring Spirit With Floral Flavors

Lizzie Fuhr — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:00:36 PDT

With Spring in full bloom, there's no better way to get into the spirit of the season than some fresh, fragrant flowers. You may think that getting a dose of the color and beauty of flowers could only come in the form of an arrangement, but guess again. It may sound a little outside of your comfort zone, but injecting a little flower power may add a potent punch of flavor or lively color to wake up some tired recipes. Looking to get a little inspired? Here are four ways to bring floral flavors to your table.

Freeze petals in ice. Freezing violet or rose petals in ice can make a Spring cocktail so much more exciting. The process is simple, but the outcome of the spectacle is elegant and will have all of your guests ooh-ing and aah-ing.
Brew them in some tea. Chamomile is the staple of the tea world, but switching things up with some iced hibiscus tea can bring a welcome dose of flower power to your Spring table.

Keep reading for two more ways to enjoy floral flavors this Spring.

Yummy Links: From Mint to Thawing Meat

YumSugar — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 10:14:23 PDT

When it comes to mint, think beyond the mojito and julep. - The FN Dish
What designer Jonathan Adler eats in New York City. - Grub Street NY
10 fantastic beachside bars to hit up this Summer. - The Daily Meal
Would you go vegetarian for the month of June? - Chow
Everything you need to know about the world of hibiscus tea. - The Kitchn
How to make freezer jam.- Serious Eats
A traditional recipe for classic Barbadian rum punch. - Food Republic
Bryan and Michael Voltaggio's first cookbook will come out this Fall. - Eater
A quicker method for thawing frozen meat. - Kitchen Daily

Taylor Swift to Launch Her First Celebrity Fragrance, Wonderstruck

Jaime Richards — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:14:22 PDT

She's a multiple Grammy winner, has a deal with CoverGirl, and even has a few acting roles under her belt. So it makes sense that Taylor Swift is now about to launch her first celebrity fragrance: Wonderstruck ($50 to $60).

"I wrote the lyric, 'I'm wonderstruck, blushing all the way home,' for the song 'Enchanted' about the first time you meet someone," Taylor said in a statement, adding, "It's exciting to think that Wonderstruck will play a role in creating some of those memories."

The gourmand scent is meant to have a modern feel that's warm and sensual, containing a vanilla note that runs throughout. Wonderstruck also includes top notes of green tea, freesia, apple blossom, dewberry, and raspberry; middle notes of honeysuckle, hibiscus, and Hawaiian blanket; and bottom notes of peach, musk, and sandalwood. To find out more, just keep reading.