It's Memorial Day, a time to honor those who have died in service to our country.  Traditionally, parades and events at historic sites take place, followed by picnics and barbecues. Please don't forget the sacrifices that were made, which are being commemorated today, in the midst of planning for the food and fun later on.

A great drink to serve along with your holiday dishes is iced tea — a classic. But why serve just plain ol' tea when you can spiff it up a bit?

Although I'm noted for my sweet tooth (teeth!), I have to say that I'm not a fan of the sweet tea that is so popular in the South.  It's just too, too much for me.  I'd rather plain tea, or sometimes I add just a spritz of juice from a lemon wedge.

So this citrusy tea — with hints of spice and a touch of tartness from the pomegranate molasses — will be perfect today and throughout the summer. Make a pitcher of it, and enjoy!

Orange Pomegranate Iced Tea

4 Constant Comment tea bags
2 orange spice tea bags
12 cups boiling water
1/4 cup sugar
4 ounces pomegranate molasses (available at Middle Eastern markets)

Place the tea bags into a pitcher; pour boiling water into the pitcher and let the tea bags steep for 10 minutes.  Remove tea bags, then stir in sugar and pomegranate molasses.  Refrigerate until cold, then serve over ice.

Makes 12 cups.

Mary Bilyeu writes about her adventures in the kitchen - making dinner, celebrating holidays, entering cooking contests ... whatever strikes her fancy. She is also on a mission to find great deals for her Frugal Floozie Friday posts, seeking fabulous food at restaurants on the limited budget of only $5 per person. Feel free to email her with questions or comments or suggestions: yentamary@gmail.com.

You should visit Mary's blog — Food Floozie — on which she enthuses and effuses over all things food-related.  And be sure to look for her monthly articles about holiday foods and traditions in the Washtenaw Jewish News.

The phrase "You Should Only Be Happy" (written in Hebrew on the stone pictured in this post) comes from Deuteronomy 16:15 and is a wish for all her readers - when you come to visit here, may you always be happy.