So, while brainstorming for ideas, Dad mentioned that their friends both drink tea and not coffee.
WOOT!
I HAVE my idea!
Friendship tea! This yummy tea would be perfect in a jar, and only needs hot water - something I know our family friends DO have in their home!
And, due to the friends having given my girls many gifts and treats over the year, this would be a cute gift my girls could make for them as well.
There are many, many recipes for this tea online - Search for Spiced Tea, Christmas Tea, Friendship Tea and even the poorly named Russian Tea and you will be bombarded with recipes. Some have sugar, some have none, some have lemonade, some only lemon flavoring, the combinations are endless. Find a few that interest you. Give a little and take a little. Make it your own! Then, make another batch, toss it in a jar and give it as a gift. Your friend will love you for it!
Our batch of tea was the perfect size for one of my now emptied and run through the dishwasher Jewelry In Candles jars. Due to the candle being soy, the recycled jars are perfectly acceptable to be used for food storage!
Friendship Tea
1 cup Tang
1 cup Lemonade (presweetened)
3/4 cup unsweetened, decaf tea crystals
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon cloves
In a food processor, place all ingredients in bowl. Pulse until mixed. Store in airtight container.
When ready to serve, place 1 - 2 Tablespoons of mix in hot water.
This can also be made by placing all ingredients in a bowl and stirring. I use the food processor as it makes the mix a little more fine and powdery and less of a mess when there are helpers in the kitchen. Just imagine an open bowl, a spoon and a fight between a five and seven year old over who gets to stir. Yes, pressing "pulse" on a food processor is a lot less mess!
Again, the sugar is 100% optional. And if you can't find the presweetened lemonade, go ahead and buy two packets of unsweetened kool aid (the kind that will make 2 quarts a packet). Then, just add some sugar to your liking, up to a cup, I would say.
