Recipe: Citrus Iced Tea

I don’t know about you, but one thing (or ‘thang’)  I always have on-hand during the summer months – a big ol’ pitcher of iced tea.   Normally I would sweeten the tea with sugar (southern tradition = sweet tea), but my husband and I have switched to Splenda to watch our sugar.    Honestly, I can’t tell the difference anymore.     But, Sweet Tea – it’s a Southern Thang!

Here’s a family favorite for a refreshing Citrus Iced Tea. Feel free to use Splenda instead of sugar if you like.

CITRUS ICED TEA

4 tea bags
2 cups boiling water
¼ cup sugar (or Splenda)
4 cups cold water
¼ cup grapefruit juice
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ cup orange juice
Orange slices, if desired – Makes the beverage really pretty
Additional Sugar/Splenda, if desired

Place tea bags in teapot or medium bowl. Pour in the boiling water and let stand 8 to 10 minutes.

Remove the tea bags from the teapot or bowl. Add ¼ cup sugar and stir until dissolved.

Stir together all remaining ingredients except orange slice and additional sugar in a 2 quart pitcher. Stir in tea. Serve over ice cubes with an orange slice for garnish. Add sugar if desired.

Y’all Enjoy! 

Recipe: Homemade Instant Hot Chocolate

Do you ever buy those boxes of instant hot chocolate that taste like instant chocolate flavored water? There’s really no way around it. They taste like instant chocolate water to me. I guess I don’t like them because Mom always mixed up her own version of instant hot chocolate. I really love this because it is delicious and easy for kids to make and give to teachers or neighbors as a holiday gift and very cheap when you figure out how many cups you can make compared to the other store bought version. Give it a try!

Mimi’s Homemade Instant Hot Chocolate

7 oz. container of powdered coffee creamer
1 lb. box powdered sugar
1 lb. container of Nestle’s Quick Chocolate Powder
1 (8 quart). package of powdered milk

Mix all ingredients together until well blended. Store in an airtight container. To serve, mix two tablespoons or more if desired into one cup of boiling water. Add miniature marshmallows. Voila! Homemade Instant Hot Chocolate!

Y’all Enjoy!

Recipe: Spiced Tea Mix

Burrrr! It is chilly this morning. I’m having a big ol’ cup of coffee, but I got to thinking about one of my “other” favorite hot drinks for fall and winter. Hot Spice Tea! Yes, the kind grandma use to keep in the pantry. This is so easy to make and it also makes a wonderful gift for co-workers and friends. Find yourself a pretty jar and whip up a batch. All you have to do is heat some water, mix and enjoy!

Southern Spiced Tea Mix

1 jar (1 lb. 2 oz.) Tang Drink Mix
1 /2 cups sugar
3/4 cup instant tea mix with lemon
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
dash of salt

Mix together well and store in airtight container. Stir desired amount into a cup of boiling water for an individual serving or 1/3 cup to 1 quart of boiling water for a large amount. (Note: you can probably substitute the regular Tang with sugar-free Tang and the sugar with Splenda, if need be.)

Y’all Enjoy!