We have a winter weather advisory out tonight. I do not know if we will get any snow, but that usually makes me want to drink something warm. Here are a few recipes that might do the trick!
Chai Tea
You will need milk, black tea bags (decaffeinated if you prefer), honey, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground ginger. Bring 3 cups of water and 3 cups of milk to a boil in a saucepan. Add 6-8 black tea bags (depending on how strong you want it), 1/2 cup of honey, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger. Return to a boil and then turn off the heat. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and filter through a strainer. This is good served hot or cold.
Hot Caramel Apple Cider
You will need apple cider, whipped cream, ground cinnamon, and caramel syrup (that used for sundaes will work fine). Pour 8 ounces of apple cider into a saucepan. Put in a dash of cinnamon and heat. Pour your cider into a mug and top with whipped cream. Sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top and glaze with a little of the caramel syrup.
Hot Chocolate (just like Starbucks)
You will need cocoa, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix 1/4 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of cocoa, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a microwavable bowl or 2-cup glass-measuring cup (if you have it). Set it for 30 seconds in the microwave then stir. When finished, it should make chocolate syrup. Add 1 1/2 cups of milk to your syrup and return to the microwave for another 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Add 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract and stir well. Top with whipped cream if desired.