"Some people care too much. I think it's called love."

- A.A. Milne

How are you? No, how are you really? Has this Summer brought you more hours of smiling than tears? What were you most looking forward to this year? Has it happened yet?

These are the questions that I think I should be asking the people in my life. Because honestly, these are the questions I'd really like to be asked.

Someone recently forced me to talk to them. They held me by my shoulders, made my fearful eyes look into theirs, and listened as my mouth spilled out everything my brain was hopelessly trying to process.

That was not the amazing part. The amazing part was that they listened.

Those were precious moments and I have been thinking about them all week. It means a lot when someone listens to me because they wanted to, not because I accidentally coerced them into conversation.

Because of those few, meaningful moments, I have been thinking that we might be wise to do a bit more listening in general. Perhaps over a nice drink, because that's the best way to do anything, really.

I have been spending a lot of quality time with the produce section as of late. It is like an edible jewelry counter this time of year. Each fruit is a colorful gem ready to jump into a pie crust or become a refreshing beverage.

Plums are one of the most jewel-like fruits I know, and their fuchsia hue is irresistible.

I wanted something floral for this weekend. Something evocative of Summer, with notes of fruit and fresh herbs.

This tea is all of those things.

We begin with frozen plums. Yes, you could peel them, but it's Friday and I did not feel like peeling any plums. The skin will break up just fine in the blender.

Mint for that herbaceous element.

Lastly, hibiscus tea.

I love hibiscus tea because it's pleasantly floral, but not overpowering. It's less perfume-y than Jasmine tea, and it pairs perfectly with our dark, sweet plums.

Pick your favorite brew and put the kettle on.

Blend, blend, blend.

These colors - I'm in love.

The plums and tea will separate a bit as the drink sits, creating these gorgeous layers.

It's fruity, minty, and perfectly floral. So sit down, pour a drink for yourself and someone you love. Listen and be listened to.

Happy Friday dearest friends! Your visits mean the world to me.

Sincerely,

Pedantic Foodie

Plum & Hibiscus Tea

serves 4

1 1/2 cups boiling water
2 bags hibiscus tea
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 cups plums, sliced (about 3 plums)
1 cup ice
5-6 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish

Lay sliced plums out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment and place in the freezer. Freeze for 1-2 hours, until frozen solid.

In a large jar or liquid measuring cup, add tea bags to boiling water. Allow to steep for 15-20 minutes, until the water comes to room temperature. Remove tea bags.

In the pitcher of your blender combine tea and sugar. Pulse to combine.

Add frozen plums, ice, and fresh mint; blend until smooth.

Serve immediately and garnish with fresh mint. Enjoy!