CINNAMON CRANBERRY TEA

Does anyone really have the time to sit and sip tea . . . or a warm drink that isn’t really tea at all?

Show me that person . . . I would like their autograph!

Well,

I’ve been very lacking in posts lately.  The perfect vision of the Holidays . . .  that floats around somewhere in my head, simply doesn’t exist. We have had funerals, weddings, company and more company.  We have had miraculous blessings sent from heaven.  I hope to share some of those miracles soon.

 Now, don’t get me wrong.  We had a fantabulous, energized, action packed, HAPPY Christmas.  Everyone had smiles on their faces.  Everyone seemed to get the gifts they wanted.  Everyone ate & ate until we popped.  Everyone talked, hugged, kissed, rolled their eyes from time to time . . . and shrugged away tiny annoyances.  Everyone helped with millions of dishes.  Oh wait . . . Not the men!  The men . . . well, they watched Football.  My favorite man paid for everything though, and so I figure it balances out.  I’ve cooked and cooked and cooked, but somehow in all the mess . . . pictures just haven’t been snapped!  I simply must get my act together in 2011.  I’ll try.  I’ll try.

New Years is fast approaching, and many of you are planning another party.  As for me & my house, just snuggling up on the couch with popcorn, oranges and this warm Cranberry Tea would be perfect!  This drink is actually NOT TEA AT ALL.  It’s meant to be served hot/warm, but my hubbie likes it poured over ice.  I don’t drink alcohol, but I supposed you could even kick it up a notch! 

You can also freeze this in a zip loc bags. Simply thaw it until it’s slushy. 

Serve as is . . . or pour a bit of 7-up in with it.

At parties . . . We like Cranberry Tea with Nuts & Bolts.

See recipe below

 CRANBERRY TEA

1 Quart Cranberry juice
1/2 cup red hots candy
3 1/2 cups sugar
*I only add 2 1/2 cups sugar – Add to your taste
6 whole cloves
4 Quarts water
The juice of 4 oranges
*You can also use Orange juice instead
The juice of 3 lemons
*Add lemonade instead if you don’t have lemons
 
Heat Cranberry juice, red hots, sugar and cloves together in large pot, over  low heat, until the red hots and the sugar are all dissolved.  Then turn down heat to low/ simmer, and add the water and the juice of the oranges and lemons.  Serve warm or cold over ice at your holiday parties.  It’s scrumptious!  It’s perfect with Nuts and Bolts….(Chex Party Mix) 
  

 
NUTS & BOLTS
12 CUPS WHEAT CHEX
6 CUPS CORN CHEX
6 CUPS RICE CHEX
1 LARGE BAG OF STICK PRETZELS
2 CANS OF SALTED NUTS
4 STICKS MARG. OR BUTTER
4 TABLESPOONS WORCHESTERSHIRE SAUCE
2 TABLESPOONS SEASONING SALT
 
DIRECTIONS

MIX CEREALS TOGETHER, & POUR SAUCE OVER THE TOP.
STIR VERY WELL
 BAKE 1 HOUR AT 250 DEGREES,
STIRRING EVERY 15 MINUTES.
COOL & EAT!

  • Pattyann - 12/29/2010 - 2:09 pm

    This looks perfect for a night of watching movies and relaxing. Can’t wait to try it.ReplyCancel

  • Betty Mach - 12/30/2010 - 4:47 am

    Thank you for posting the recipe for princess michelles! They turned out better than I ever expected. I had a bit of a time delay getting the sugar to carmelize and had to kick the heat up higher than low, then after it did carmelize and I added the cream I had to eventually transfer the liquid to another pot due to the inability to get the sugar stuck to the bottom of the pan completely dissolved, all in all I am so thrilled to have the recipe and can now enjoy this wonderful candy again. Lots of compliments when handing them out too! My husband commented that he believes these to be the best tasting candy I have ever made! Thanks again…BettyReplyCancel

  • Brandi - 12/30/2010 - 4:33 pm

    GOSH…the littlest things can make me cry when it comes from the people I love!!! I am such a boob. “miraculous blessings sent from heaven” made me get all teary eyes!
    We did have an amazing Christmas and I THANKS YOU SO MUCH! You and dad all AMAZING and I am so lucky to have you guys. Thanks for making everything so special. Thanks for all the yummy yummy food. I have a picture of the delicious Prime Rib is you want to post about it!!! I love you.ReplyCancel

  • Susan - 01/01/2011 - 10:53 am

    love these recipes – the cranberry tea looks delightful and I love nuts and bolts – we make a spicier version and call it TEXAS TRASH!

    Have a blessed 2011! Susan http://www.ugogrrl.comReplyCancel