Minty Watermelon Tea Smoothie

1 1/2 cup water
2 bags red tea
2 tablespoons packed fresh mint leaves
4 cups cubed watermelon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
sugar, optional

In a small saucepan bring 3/4 cup water to boiling.  Remove from heat.  Add tea bags and mint to saucepan.  Steep for 3 to 5 minutes.  Strain tea mixture through fine mesh sieve, discarding tea bags and mint.  Stir in remaining 3/4 cup water.  Pour into ice cube trays.  Freeze for 2 hours or until solid.
In a blender container combine watermelon cubes and lemon juice.  Cover and blend until mixture begins to liquefy.  With motor running, add frozen tea cubes, a few at a time, through the opening in the lid, until smoothie is slushy.  Pour into glasses; stir before serving.  Sweeten to taste with sugar.

Makes 4 (8 ounce) servings

* Better Homes And Gardens July 2007