Ginger Snaps
Chai Mix, Powdered (Updated)
We were very disappointed that Nestle unsweetened instant tea has been discontinued. However, we found a new instant tea that we like and have been playing with old recipes.
Adjust the spices and sugar to your taste.
Lebkuchen Spice
This spice is wonderful in place of pumpkin pie spice or in Lebkuchen cookies.
Pumpkin bread
This is a sweet bread similar to the recipe we made in cans years ago. While I would not recommend baking this in cans, if you can find a round bread baking tin, fill it a little more than half full and place on center rack to bake.
We reduced the sugar from the original recipe, but reduce it further if desired. Toasted with a little butter is our favorite way to eat it.
Powdered Chai Mix (with Hot or Iced Chai Options)
We experimented with the mix recipe, then Megan made her “famous” iced chai. This is good hot, but it is very good iced.
Russian (Friendship) Tea Update
It is the day after a beautiful Easter. It snowed!
Adrian decided to play with our “Rotten” tea recipe so we did not need to use Tang and also to use less sugar. This is what he came up with.
Molasses Cookies
A favorite, special cookie our neighbor, Marilyn shares with us over the holidays. The recipe is slightly vague, but if you have made cookies before, adjusting the amount of flour to your preference is easy. I kept the recipe mostly as written, because that is part of its charm.
Gingerbread Chai Biscotti
These are a drier biscotti, but are wonderful with hot chocolate or tea.
Beans and Rice
Allan was introduced to Caribbean rice and beans many years ago when a friend brought some extra into work to share. While ours in no where near as good, here is a recipe we often make and enjoy.
While it is tempting to garnish this with cheese or sour cream, it is wonderful as is. Serve next to a simple, but colorful side salad.
Our original recipe did not call for bacon, so if you prefer not to use it, just replace it with 2 Tbl of oil to saute the onions in. Both recipes are great!
“Rotten Tea”
Many years ago, my friend Charlotte, shared this tea with me on the way to school. I thought it was great and she gave me the recipe for “friendship tea.” I made it a few times and forgot about it.
Years later, I was given the recipe for “Russian Tea” from Mom McGuire. We played with the recipe and made it in a variety of ways. Adrian has always enjoyed it. He thought it was called “Rotten Tea” and that is what we call it at home more often than not.
