Fresh Sheet; Reserve a tea time for brewing classes

Warmer days signal iced-tea weather, and Marji Thompson wants to show you how to brew the perfect, cooling cup.

Thompson is co-owner of Spokane’s Summit Tea Co., which sells high-quality teas, largely from China.

“It has come such a long way from just Lipton tea bags,” Thompson said in an e-mail. “Brewing iced tea with great-tasting flavor blends, using traditional oolong, jasmine, white or green teas and using loose-leaf tea is really popular now.”

There are three basic methods for brewing iced tea. You should use about twice as much tea as you would for the hot variety. You can pour boiling water over the leaves, let it steep, strain it and pour it over ice. Or, you can use the cold method in which tea leaves soak in cold water in the refrigerator for 8 to 10 hours. Strain leaves and serve. This gives tea a more subtle, sweet flavor. Or, you can put a large glass container in a sunny spot, put tea leaves in and pour water on top. Cover and let it sit in the bright sun for about two hours. Strain and serve.

Thompson is hosting iced tea tastings and classes around town this month.

On Saturday from 10 to noon and again from 1 to 3 p.m., she’ll be at the Huckleberry’s section of Rosauers at 9414 N. Division St., in Spokane. On July 21 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., she’ll be at Huckleberry’s, 926 S. Monroe St. in Spokane.

Eat well for less

Find yourself hitting the drive-through dollar menu to save some dough? You can still eat healthy food on a budget. Here are some tips from Weight Watchers:

“Develop a budget, then create a list of staples – bread, fruits, vegetables, grains, milk, beans and lean meats. Figure out how much money you have left over after the staples and then buy “extras,” small treats or indulgences.

“Plan ahead so you’re not stuck dining out or buying convenience foods.

“Brown-bag your lunch.

“Watch your portions. That way, you don’t have to buy as much food.