Beverages

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 These teas are not made from tea leaves but from herbs.  The teas are soothing and you can drink these  day or night.  The teas have some health benefits and may help to lower cholesterol, high blood pressure and they have  some antioxidant properties.  Drink it hot or cold and you can garnish it with lemon and sweeten it with honey if desired.

Ingredients For Lemon Grass Tea:

1 stalk of lemon grass

Boiling water

Disposable tea bag

Directions For Lemon Grass Tea:

Cut off root portion of lemon grass and peel off the dry outer layers.  Cut a  4" piece of  the stalk into  1-2" pieces.  Put them into a tea bag and crush the stalks with a heavy weight.  Place bag into a large cup or mug and pour boiling water over.  Let steep about 3-5 minutes.  Remove bag and tea is ready to drink.

Ingredients For Matcha Or Green Tea:

1//4 t matcha powder

Boiling water

Disposable tea bag

Directions For Matcha Or Green Tea:

Put matcha powder into tea bag and place into a mug.  Pour boiling water over and steep for a few minutes till desired color forms.  Remove tea bag and tea is ready to drink.

Ingredients For Guava Leaf Tea:

Dried and ground guava leaves

Boiling water

Disposable tea bag

Directions For Guava Leaf Tea:

Put about 1 t guava leaf powder into tea bag and place into a mug.  Pour boiling water over and steep for about 5 minutes.  Remove bag and tea is ready to drink.

Ingredients For Mint Tea:

2 or 3 stalks of fresh mint

Boiling water

Disposable tea bag

Directions For Mint Tea:

Remove leaves from stems, put into tea bag and place into a mug.  Pour boiling water and steep for about 5 minutes.  Remove bag and tea is ready to drink.

 This tea is so refreshing and delicious especially on warm nights.  Only 3 ingredients needed.  The melon can be very large but Chinatown often sells smaller pieces.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 lbs winter melon

1/2 c brown sugar

1/2 c rock sugar

Directions:

Cut skin off and remove seeds.  Dice in 1/2" pieces.  In a large pot, add the squash and brown sugar.  Mix well and let sit covered for 1 hour.  Put in rock sugar and cover with water.  Bring to a boil and simmer 1 1/2 hours.  Puree in a blender.  Strain over a wire strainer, pressing liquid out.   Discard pulp.  This is the syrup.  Refrigerate.  To make the tea, use 1 part syrup to 2-3 cups water.  Syrup keeps about 10 days in the refrigerator.

 Chocolate milkshakes are refreshing and perfect for a hot day or as a dessert after a meal. They're loved by both kids and adults alike for their creamy texture and rich chocolate flavor. 

Ingredients:

12 Oreos

1 1/2 c milk

2 c vanilla ice cream

2 T chocolate syrup

Directions:

Chop or crush Oreos up into pieces. Place in a blender along with ice cream, syrup, and milk. Blend to your liking and add more ice if you want a thicker milkshake. 

 Eggnog is a delicious and favorite beverage for the holidays.  The stores sell eggnog in cartons but it is very thick and too sweet for my taste.  My version is light and has few ingredients.  You may add liquor if you prefer but it is not necessary.  The eggs are fully cooked so there's not danger of consuming raw eggs.  Adults and children alike love this drink.  It is sure to become a traditional holiday treat for everyone. 

Ingredients:

8 eggs, slightly beaten

2 c sugar

1/2 t salt

6 c scalded milk

4 t vanilla

6 c cold milk

1 c whipping cream, whipped

Directions:

Combine eggs, sugar, and salt in top of ??

Stir scalded milk in gradually; mix well. Cook over boiling water until about 10-12 minutes mixture thinly coats metal spoon. Remove from heat; strain and cool. Stir in vanilla; cover and refrigerate till ready to serve. Beat chilled custard until smooth and frothy. Stir in cold milk

Pour into glasses. Dollop with whipped, softened cream and sprinkle with nutmeg.