Spring is right around the corner – at least that’s what the morning talk shows and colorful window displays would have you believe.  The sad reality is that most of the country is still enjoying temperatures in the 30’s, and if you live in Boston like I do, you’re still being subjected to “wintry mixes,” which is the weatherman’s poetic way of saying it will rain/sleet/snow and then rain again, all within a two-hour time period.

There is hope. As the winter wraps up (fingers crossed) both our bodies and our minds could use a good, healthy detox. Epicurious.com offers a wide variety of tea-based recipes that will help us all get our healthy on.

I thought I’d try Brian Preston-Campbell’s recipe for “Liquid Iron,” from his book, Cool Waters: 50 Refreshing, Healthy Homemade Thirst-Quenchers

I have to admit, I was a little intimidated by the name of the drink, but when I learned that cooking leafy green vegetables drains them of the powerhouse combo of iron and calcium, I was sold.  I prefer to enjoy my nutrients in their pure, unadulterated form – no wimpy greens for me, no sir.

The description of the beverage was equally appealing. Brian ensured me that the preparation of the drink would impart “an earthy green flavor that you will surely enjoy.”
Cheers to that.

The list of ingredients was simple (and a bit reminiscent of one of my favorite snacks, Veggie Booty) :

* 2 stalks red Swiss chard, chopped
* 1/4 cup chopped spinach leaves
* 1/4 cup chopped purple kale
* 1 teaspoon loose sencha green tea leaves
* 6 cups still water

I picked up the ingredients on my last trip to the grocery store, carrying them home in my eco-friendly reusable shopping bags while tromping home through a charming wintry mix.

Once home I followed the directions; blending the chard, spinach, kale, and tea leaves with one cup of the water.  Easy enough.  The result was visually disconcerting but looked very, very healthy. I strained the mixture to extract the juice, added the remaining five cups of water, and poured my beverage into a large wine glass over ice (never underestimate presentation – if I had a cocktail umbrella I would have added it too.)

I cautiously took my first sip and found the “earthy green flavor” to be pleasant and subdued.  Maybe it was all in my head but with each subsequent sip I found myself feeling stronger and healthier.  Now if I could just do something about this weather.