Apple Cider Tea

A soft sun on a Saturday afternoon and a calm mellow child...hmmm, sheer contentment! Hot drinks were in order after a round of Lord of the Rings, Return of the King. I'm not certain of the association, if any, but it inspired my son to request, 'something yummy, something hot, something apple-y and something drink-y. '

So the search began! I found a couple of recipes for apple tea, and opted to combine the best of both. For a moment, I thought I would need a 'special' apple tea blend. Nah! Apple juice and tea bags! Sweet!

It would not surprise me if there was another recipe like this floating about in the blogosphere or on the internet. If so, it was never my intent to 'steal' any one's recipe....

Easy to prepare and simple enough for enthusiastic little hands! Simmering the concoction for 10 minutes, left a mesmerizing and inviting scent!

An absolute must try!

Enjoy!

Apple Cider Tea

4 cups apple juice, unsweetened

2 cups water

4-5 inches of whole cinnamon (sticks)

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

4 bags black tea

1 bag orange spice tea

honey

sliced apples, to garnish, optional

Place all ingredients into a medium pot

Bring to a gentle boil

Reduce heat
Cover and simmer for 10 minutes

Remove bags and cinnamon sticks

Sweeten with honey

Garnish with thin apple slices or pieces, optional

* Lovely infusion of flavors

* Decaffeinated black tea can be used interchangeably

* Next time, I think I will place the ground allspice in a piece of cheese cloth, as it created a bit of unappealing sediment, or use whole allspice

* I'm not pitching products, but Bigelow Orange Spice tea is an easily obtainable tea with strong bold flavors which works well in this drink

Also, Simply Apple apple juice is a full bodied unsweetened juice that I prefer and used, as well.

Chai Latte

I must admit I was quite apprehensive to let go of Autumn. When the fiery hues gave way to bare branches, I knew it was timeto let go. In my corner of the Northwest, we don't receive anywhere near the amount of snow other areas get. Last year, it was wonderous! I hope it is the same again, I love winter! I feel it's my element...most of the time, that is. I miss utilizing my 'polar cat driving skills', throwing snowballs, and building snow families. My list can go on and on...I must not forget the serious layering, wearing cumbersome snow gear, salting walkways...I even miss the nuances of winter!

In celebration of the suddenly chilly plunge in temperatures, Chai Latte is the drink that warms the Heart and Soul! Softly spicy, smooth, and subtley sexy...

As much as I enjoy the winter, my Heart goes out to those who minimally have, or do not have the means to stay out of the harsh and cold wintery weather

Chai Latte

minimally adapted from Taste of Home

2 individual tea bags
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup water
1/2 cup milk

1/2 evaporated milk
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons refrigerated French vanilla nondairy creamer
Whipped topping and ground nutmeg, optional

~

Place the tea bags, cinnamon, ginger and allspice in the coffee filter of a drip coffeemaker.
Add water; brew according to manufacturer's directions.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the milk, brown sugar and creamer. Stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved.

Pour milk mixture into mugs; stir in tea.

Add whipped topping and sprinkle with nutmeg if desired.

Yield: 2 servings.

* Brown sugar is fairly 'heavy' and tends to sink.

* Stir or whisk constantly to dissolve sugar, otherwise you will consume crunchy tea

* Recipe can easily be tripled or made in mass quanties

* I may reduce the ginger by a smidgen next time, as my 4 year old mentioned it was a 'little too spicy'