Ice Tea Anyone?

I was trying to think of a simple (non-offensive) topic to kick-off the Southern Fried Writer's Blog. What in the world could I possibly talk about that absolutely screamed "Southern" without resulting in a lawsuit from Jeff Foxworthy? Should I talk about Bluebell Ice Cream? Wait they don't sell that everywhere in the South. How about speaking Southern? No that varies by state. I took a sip of tea as I pondered, What in the world could I talk about...

Why is it only people from the South have the good sense to add sugar to their ice tea? I know that sounds almost Jerry Seinfeldish (however you spell the name) but seriously, why? Almost every time I hear a Northener (Yankee) mention going "down South" they mention the sweet ice tea. They make it seem like it is some exotic delicacy that can only be found in the South. And there is always that one idiot that proudly tells the story of how he/she must stop at some restaurant because it is the first/last place they can get ice tea. Or better yet, the person who brags about making a 2-3 hour drive to a restaurant for ice tea. Or how about the nutcase that asks for the recipe for ice tea.

HELLO!!!

People it is not that serious. I could excuse it if ice tea contained rare ingredients that can only be found in the South. But it's not. The same ingredients used for ice tea can be found in the grocery store (or whatever you Yankees call them), I've checked.

1. Tea - check. I know y'all have tea bags because many of you like to irritate the locals by going to the local diner and demanding hot tea with your breakfast. And then you get mad when Charlene (or whatever the waitress' name is) gives you a glass of recently made tea with no ice.

2. Sugar - check. I know you have that because that is usually the next thing you demand after explaining to Charlene that you wanted a cup of hot water and a tea tea bag to make the hot tea.

3. Hot water - check. Most of you boil your water twice before using it anyway. Why don't you just throw a few tea bags into the water while you are at it?

Now here is the secret to making "Ice Tea". Come closer... a little closer...hold on let me make sure no one else is listening...ok... this is the secret to "Southern Ice Tea"

PUT ALL 3 INGREDIENTS TOGETHER IN A PITCHER...AND STIR!!!

And to think you people call us slow in the South. Oh , wait I almost forgot. I will speak slowly for this one.

Put the pitcher into the refrigerator.

There you have it. The great mystery behind Southern Ice Tea.