Peach Iced Tea

For a special touch, serve with a fresh slice of peach and a mint sprig.

Yields 1+ quart.

For the peach simple syrup: Add the water, sugar, and peaches to a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. When the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 5 minutes. Set the pan aside, and let the syrup cool completely. Strain out the peach slices and save for ice cream, smoothies, etc.--it's also the perfect amount for Peach Swirl Baked Oatmeal (see link below)--and chill the simple syrup. I like to transfer to a jar; it will keep for approximately a week in the fridge.
For the black tea: Pour the 2 cups boiling water over the 3 standard-size tea bags. (I often use good ol' Lipton.) Brew 3 to 5 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags, and immediately add the 3 cups ice cubes, stirring until melted. Transfer to a pitcher or quart-size jar, and refrigerate.
To serve: (Option 1) Fill a glass with ice, and then add the cold tea, leaving room for the peach syrup. Add the syrup to taste, stir, and enjoy. (Option 2) Add 1/2 cup peach syrup, or to taste, to the pitcher of chilled tea. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy over ice.