Two Hot Beverages to Make You Warm Inside

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

01 Nov 2007 06:08 AM

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 you'll love this non-mix variation.

You will need:

4 quarts of water

1 ½ cups of sugar

6 cinnamon sticks (3 inches long)

8 cups cranberry juice

4 cups orange juice

1/3 cup lemon juice

Directions:

In a large kettle or Dutch oven, combine water, sugar, and cinnamon sticks. Bring mixture to a rolling boil; reduce heat. Cover; simmer for 25 minutes. Discard the cinnamon sticks. Stir the juices into the tea. (I find it works better if they are room temperature.) Serve warm.

Real Caramel Apple Cider

I serve this every year at a Christmas party we throw and it's always a hit. The recipe is slightly adapted from something I found in Family Fun.

You will need:

¼ cup light cream (if you don't care about the calories, use heavy cream instead)

¼ cup brown sugar

3 cups apple cider

½ cup water

For the caramel whipped topping:

½ cup heavy cream plus 1 tablespoon of brown sugar

Directions:

Bring the light cream and brown sugar to a boil in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Watch it carefully to make sure that the cream doesn't scorch. Stir in the cider and the warm water and raise the heat to medium high and heat until the cider mixture begins to steam. It takes about 3 to 5 minutes.

For parties: Double the recipe. Warm apple cider in a crock pot on low. When the apple cider is warm and steaming, go ahead and make the caramel mixture on the stove. (The brown sugar and cream). Once it is boiling, it is ready to add to the crock pot. Mix well and set the crock pot to 'warm' and you have a ready to serve drink for your party!

For the caramel whipped topping: In a small chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and the brown sugar until soft peaks form. Serve on the side.

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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