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Gifts from Our Kitchen: Beverage Mixes
By Brenda Hyde
Beverage Mixes make wonderful gifts for teachers, family, friends or those last
minute gifts for unexpected company. You can package them in Mason jars, jelly jars
or any pretty container, including tins, that you have on hand. In the tins be sure
to put in a plastic bag first then place in the tin. These are easy, tasty recipes
that will bring rave reviews!
~Orange Cappuccino Mix~
Ingredients:
1/2 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup instant coffee
1 tsp. dried orange peel
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Place all items in blender or food processor. Cover and blend on high
or 30 seconds, stopping blender after 15 seconds to stir until well mixed.
Store in tightly covered container. For each serving, place 2 teaspoons mix
and 2/3 cup boiling water in mug.
~Spiced Mocha Mix~
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1/2 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1/2 cup cocoa
3 tablespoons powdered instant coffee
1/2 tsp. ground allspice
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
In large bowl combine all ingredients. Store in airtight container.
For single serving place 3 tablespoons mix in mug and add 3/4 cup boiling water.
Makes 2 1/2 cups mix.
~Peach Tea Mix~
Ingredients:
1 cup instant tea mix
1 3 ounce box peach-flavored gelatin
2 cups granulated sugar
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; mix well. Store in an airtight
container. Give with instructions to serve. For one mug use 2 tsp. tea mix with 8 ounces
hot water. Makes about 3 1/2 cups tea mix.
~Sugar Free Cherry Tea Mix~
We all know people who are diabetic or simply need to cut down on their sugar intake.
This is a great gift, combined with some pumpkin or zucchini bread in a nice basket!
combine items in a small bowl until well blended. Store in an airtight
container. To serve, stir 2 teaspoons tea mix into 8 ounces hot or cold water.
Makes 1 1/4 cups tea mix.
Instant Cappuccino Mix
Ingredients:
1 cup powdered chocolate milk mix
3/4 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1/2 cup instant coffee granules
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
In a medium bowl combine all ingredients. Store in airtight container.
To serve: Place 1 heaping tablespoon mix in a cup or mug. Add 1 cup boiling
water and stir.
Hot Chocolate Mix
Ingredients:
1 8 quart box nonfat dry milk
1 6 ounce jar coffee creamer
1 16 ounce dry chocolate milk mix
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
Mix all items until well blended. Store in
airtight container. To serve add 1/4 cup
mix to 2/3 cup hot water. Make 3 quarts.
You can also create a gift basket with
mini marshmallows, a nice mug, a chocolate
coated spoon, and a few peppermint sticks.
Place all in a nice wicker basket and wrap
with colored cellophane tied with a bow.
Any chocolate fan would love this!
Tips for Wrapping and Giving
*Any of the above can be placed in a quart or pint canning jar. Place jar on
a large piece of colored cellophane, bring up to the top, gather and tie with
raffia. Attach a gift tag with instructions.
*The coffees can be part of a gift basket with petite cookies, a pretty
coffee mug and a sterling silver spoon, which can be easily found at any
antique or thrift store. Place in a nice wicker basket and wrap with cellophane
or place in a large gift bag.
Brenda Hyde is a freelance writer living on ten acres in rural Michigan with her husband and three kids. Stop by and visit her garden blog, Garden of Grace & Whimsy, and her photography blog, A Dance of Words & Photos.
SeptemberLady "Born and have lived in Southern MD most of my life. My husband and I just finished building a new home on the family farm, where I hope to retire in the near future.
My interests: Doll collecting, cookbook collector (especially old ones), antiques, family/friend get-togethers, cooking/baking, flower and vegetable gardening, bird-watching."
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