Barley Tea

Instructions

1. To make plain barley water i1/2 put two ounces of barley into a small saucepan along with 1-1/2 pints of water.
2. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 6 minutes.
4. Strain through cheesecloth, forcing out all the juice.
5. Barley water is a very nutritious cooling drink that helps bring down fever.
6. It is also useful for those suffering from bronchitis and asthma.
7. To Roast barley(use pot or pearl barleyi1/2pearled barley being more refined than pot barley but making no difference to the tea).
8. In a hot a cast iron skillet until a drop of water sizzles when dropped into pan.
9. Measure barley into a sieve and rinse under cold running water.
10. Towel dry.
11. Put barley in skillet and dry roast, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for even toasting, until it turns golden.
12. Over-roasting will produce a coffee-like drink!
13. To make a caffeine-free coffee substitute, roast the barley until it is brown.
14. Cool and grind.
15. Then roast again until fragrant and very dark-- but not burnt.
16. Use in place of regular ground coffee, experimenting with amounts until desired strength is reached.