Roasting Barley for Barley Tea

I'm always looking for a healthy hot beverage without caffeine. In Japan and other Asian countries, barley tea is a household staple. It is served hot or cold. It is an affordable alternative to decaffeinated teas and coffees. 

You can purchase roasted barley, but it is so easy to roast there is really no reason not to do it yourself. You can also control the flavor by roasting the barley to a light roast, medium roast or dark roast. I did a light for Number One Husband and a medium roast for myself. 

Instructions: 

Place the amount of barley you want to roast in a hot pan set on medium-high setting. Stir continually to keep from burning and insuring an even roast. Continue roasting until desired outcome is reached.

Directions: 

Place 1 heaping tablespoon of roasted barley in a tea infuser and place into a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes or longer. Add more or less barley to increase or decrease the flavor. If desired, add a sweetener of your choice. Serve hot or cold. For larger amounts, a percolator or a French press may be used. 

Number One Husbands light brew.

I prefer a darker roast.

Here are the different roasts that I made for both of us.

I will probably try a darker roast for myself next time. I like really bold tea, so I think that I will like a darker roast. I added just a small amount of honey for a sweetener. It was a nice hot beverage before bedtime. 

Barley Tea Benefits: I am not a doctor, so do your own research.

Antioxidants

Digestive health benefits

Anti-inflammatory properties

Anti-bacterial properties

Aids in sleep disorders

Weight management

Circulation

Skin health

Boosts immunity

Other beneficial compounds

Shalom,

Mrs. Smith

Homemade Cappuccino Mix And French Vanilla Coffee Mix - Re-Post

 

If you like coffee from expensive coffee shops or those little cans of flavored coffee, you will like these mixes and it will not eat away at your budget. I had everything on hand except for the instant vanilla pudding mix. I planned ahead and picked it up at the store last week while I was running other errands to keep from making an extra trip into town.

These recipes make a lot of yummy flavored coffee. I am not a big coffee drinker, tea is my poison,  but I do like flavored coffee. My sister is a coffee junkie, half sugar and cream is the way she likes it. She would really enjoy the French Vanilla coffee recipe.

French Vanilla Coffee Mix

2 cups powdered milk
1 cup powdered coffee creamer
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup instant coffee
1 small box instant vanilla pudding

Add all ingredients into your blender. Mix on "grate" until mixture is uniform in size. Store in airtight container, label and date. To use, mix 3-4 tsp to a cup of hot water (8 oz)

Layers of ingredients for the French Vanilla Coffee Mix

Enjoy a cup today! (sounds like a commercial)

Homemade Cappuccino Mix

1 cup instant coffee creamer
1 cup instant Nestle Quick or equivalent (I used hot chocolate mix)
2/3 cup instant coffee
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (makes it yummy!)
One dozen cinnamon sticks (optional)

Combine all ingredients in blender. (except cinnamon sticks) Mix until all ingredients are uniform in size. Store in a quart jar and place cinnamon sticks halfway into the mixture. Label and date jar.

To prepare, mix 3 Tbs to a cup of hot water (6 oz). When serving to guests, place a cinnamon sticks into the cups of cappuccino for the guests to use as a stirrer. The cinnamon sticks add a wonderful flavor and  a lovely aroma to your home.....

Ingredient layers

I've had two cups of coffee and I'm zooming around....