Two Hot Beverages to Make You Warm Inside

I actually hadn’t thought about including this year’s cache of hot beverage recipes because it has been an unseasonably warm winter here in the city. Just two weeks ago it was a whopping 80 degrees outside and my kids were complaining that I didn’t have the foresight to keep their summer clothes out in October. Who knew? But for those of you who have already weathered snow storms and other unsavory winter weather, here is my season’s pick for warmer pick me ups! Citrus Cranberry Tea If you like that famous spiced tea mix that’s so popular at this time … Continue reading →

The Sneaky Mama’s Peach Banana Fizzy Drink

I cannot say enough good things about the smoothie. In fact, this is one key way that I get my kids to eat their fruits and vegetables. Making your own smoothies is healthy, you can come up with an infinite amount of variety and you have complete control over the sugar content. I never use juice in mine because I don’t want the extra sugar, but instead I use yogurt and milk. Also, you can sneak vegetables into your smoothie and I promise, your kids will NEVER know. (Well, at least if they don’t see you making it.) One mom … Continue reading →

Blooming Teas

As I was sitting down to write about blooming teas –also called flowering teas, display teas, or blooming art teas– it occurred to me that this was another discovery made with my sister Coco. Like she did with Penzeys Spices, it was she who noticed the bags of tea with pictures of flowers on them in Franklin Tea, a specialty tea shop. She asked the owner what the picture represented, as the flowers were very exotic looking but the only writing on the bags was in Chinese except for the “title,” in this case “Jasmine Fairy Maiden.” “Oh that’s my … Continue reading →

Cool Off with These Fantabulous Lemonade Recipes!

I love homemade lemonade. My kids know the difference between Country Time and when I make it fresh squeezed. For several years, I had been content to just make homemade lemonade with fresh lemons. Then, for some reason, I got the idea that lemonade needed more zap. I started adding strawberries, watermelon. . .you name it. The result is what I think is super lemonade and my kids who once shunned Country Time now shun just plain lemonade. Here are a few lemonade recipes to impress your Memorial Day guests with or just to make on a super hot day! … Continue reading →

Recipe for Homemade Spiced Chai

Maybe I’m just weird but I like all of the drinks that are supposed to be hot–cold. Coffee to me tastes best when combined with cold milk; I prefer iced tea over hot tea (unless I’m sick), and hot chocolate is good but frozen hot chocolate is divine. Consequently, I also think of summer time as the time to make tea. These two recipes are technically more infusions rather than true tea because they use spices rather than tea leaves for flavor. But whatever you want to call it–they’re yummy! Spiced Chai 3 cups rice milk, plain or vanilla flavored … Continue reading →

The Hot Chocolate Bar and Hot Vanilla

I am freezing. It was 4 degrees out last night and suffice it to say, our house has not recovered. I have even gotten up and baked and it’s not even 7am yet. I can almost guarantee you that it’s only a few minutes before my kids come bounding out to ask about the hot chocolate bar. The hot chocolate bar in our house is a tradition on superbly cold days. It’s a tradition that indulges my sweet tooth and my affection for Starbucks-like creations. I actually did this long before I had kids but since having kids it’s almost … Continue reading →

What Can You Do With Coffee? Some DELICIOUS Twists

These coffee variations are soothing, comforting, and perfect for a get-together or a cozy night at home. And if you’re looking for a gift to give someone, make sure you read the coffee blends at the bottom of the blog. You can combine the ingredients and store them in airtight containers for several months. So go ahead, package some up and give them away as gifts—you’ll make new friends in no time! Iced Spice Coffee 6 cups strained coffee 24 whole cloves 1 (5 inch) stick of cinnamon ¾ cup heavy cream, whipped and sweetened Add spices to the coffee … Continue reading →

More Drinks For Your Next Get Together

Never underestimate the power of a good drink. No, I’m not talking alcoholic drinks here. I’m talking about ciders and punches that leave guests satisfied and happy. Here are some more drinks, certain to cool (or warm) everyone’s thirst this holiday season. Hot Mulled Cider Who doesn’t love this delicious drink on a chilly day? The best part is you can make it in the morning and enjoy it all day long. The aroma will filter through your house and fragrance your noses long before it hits your lips. ½ cup brown sugar 2 qt. apple cider 1 tsp. whole … Continue reading →

Having A Party? Don’t Forget The Drinks!

Working over a hot stove to prepare for a party may leave you exhausted. But don’t forget—your guests will be thirsty, too! Here are some delightfully simple and delicious drinks ALL your guests will enjoy. Christmas-Style Punch 2 packages red hots (optional) 2 small cans frozen lemonade 2 small cans frozen orange juice 2 small cans frozen pineapple juice 2 bottles cranberry juice 4 qt. ginger ale This can be made up to a day or two ahead of time. If you’re using the red hots, melt in 3 cuts of hot water before mixing with the other juices. Add … Continue reading →

Italian Lemonade

I saw this recipe on television this morning, and it made me want to run to the store and buy a huge bag of lemons. The weather is still warm here in Southern California, although the temperatures cooled off enough today that I could actually leave my air conditioning off. Still, seeing this recipe prepared made me want to pack my family up and take a trip to the beach. If you’re looking for a delicious lemonade with just a little hint of something “different,” give this recipe a try. It combines the flavors and ingredients of a traditional lemonade … Continue reading →