Gift Ideas, Gift Wrap, Recipes and More » Hot Drinks

Hot Spice Cranberry Punch

Bev — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 05:21:42 +0000

Hot Spice Cranberry Punch is not only a great party drink but also helps the body in several ways as well! So give the gift of a great drink and all of the health benefits in one neat punch bowl! As we have all heard drinking cranberry juice is famous for helping with urinary tract infections, lowering cholesterol, and fighting colds and flu. Pineapple juice is said to be high in vitamin C, iron and other minerals, which acts like an effective laxative. Pineapple juice is a tonic and rejuvenative. It is also said to cure gastric irritability in fever and is very helpful in jaundice. The benefits of pineapple when you have a cold or cough are the same as the benefits of orange juice, but there is an additional benefit of pineapple. Bromelain, which is found in pineapples, this has been found to help suppress coughs and loosen mucus. This recipe combines both juices with a touch of spices for a terrific taste.

1 qt. cranberry juice
1 qt. unsweetened pineapple juice
6 cloves
1 stick ( 3 inch) cinnamon
1/4 tsp allspice
1/2 cup brown sugar

Combine all ingredients in a 3 qt glass container suitable for use in a microwave. Cover and heat for around 17 minutes, until mixture is bubbly. Pour hot punch into mugs for serving. Refrigerate left over and reheat as desired. Makes 2 1/2 quarts.

Note: This punch is healthier if you make your own cranberry juice and pineapple juice. When choosing your cranberries, look for ones that are bright red in color, hard, and plump. The cranberries will keep up to two months refrigerated, or you can seal them in plastic bags or a container and freeze them for up to one year! When selecting fresh pineapple, opt for those that feel slightly soft to touch, are heavy for their size and do not contain any bruising or brown spots. Its plume of spiky green leaves should be fresh in appearance, not tired and withered looking, and its aroma should be sweetly aromatic. Whole, very fresh pineapple can be stored at cool room temperature, if eaten within 1 or 2 days. If you plan to eat it over a longer period of time, store it in the fridge in a perforated plastic bag for up to 5 days.

Perfect Mocha Frappachino

Cindy — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 22:37:32 +0000

2 shots (3 oz.) espresso (really strong coffee, you can run it through the coffee pot twice to achieve espresso)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups low-fat milk
1 tsp of cocoa

Stir sugar and cocoa into espresso. Cool mixture. Fill a glass with ice and pour into the blender. Blend all ingredients for 30 to 45 seconds. Sip and enjoy.

Coffee and Tea

Cindy — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 22:08:20 +0000

Both coffee and tea are consumed by most American’s today. They are becoming more and more popular as great gifts or as a small personal treat. Why not allow yourself just a little self indulgence and give someone else a jump start to their day.

Get Gourmet Coffee Delivered to your Door or theirs.

Get 4 bags of coffee free when you try Boca Java!

Shop for Starbucks Organic Coffees

Easy Spiced Tea

Bev — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 06:51:36 +0000

Looking for that special hot tea recipe? This is one of my favorites.

2 cups water
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. lemon juice
Juice of 1 orange
2 tsp. instant tea
4 whole cloves

Combine all ingredients in a 1-qt. ceramic tea pot, or other microwaveable container. Heat in microwave for 4 minutes. Stir well. Sere at once. Yield: 3 cups

Hot Chocolate

Bev — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 06:40:00 +0000

Need to take the chill off? Then warm yourself and your children with a cup of hot chocolate.

2 1/2 Tbsp. cocoa
3 Tbsp. sugar
1/4 cup water (room temperature)
dash salt
3 cups milk
Minature marshmallows

Place cocoa, sugar and water in a 1 1/2 qt. glass casserole dish. Heat, uncovered, in microwave for 30 seconds. Stir in salt and milk. Heat 5-5 1/2 minutes. Add marshmallows. Makes 3-4 servings.

Mexican Mocha

Bev — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 06:25:55 +0000

Let your party guests enjoy a delicious cup of mocha, flavored with almond. Only appliance you need is a microwave.

3 small (1 oz each) milk chocolate bars
1/2 cup water (room temperature)
3 cups milk
2 tsp. instant coffee
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
Whipped cream
Almond flavoring

Break chocolate bars into a 2-qt. glass casserole dish. Add 1/2 cup water and heat in microwave for 45 seconds. Stir in milk, instant coffee and cinnamon. Heat, uncovered, in microwave 8-9 minutes. Serve in small cups with a spoonful of whipped cream which has been flavored with almond extract. Makes 3-4 cups.