Spiked Mushroom Tea Recipes

Steps:

• Steep 8 black tea bags in 1 cup boiling water, 6 minutes; discard the tea bags. stir in 1 1/2 cups raw sugar and the zest of 1 lemon (in strips). let cool; strain into a pitcher. add 3/4 cup lemon juice, 2 cups southern comfort, 4 cups ice cubes and 1 sliced lemon. stir to partially melt the ice. pour into glasses.

Steps:

• Chop the dried mushrooms coarsely and grind to a fine powder in a spice mill or use a mortar and pestle. Wrap this powder securely in muslin and set aside.
• Bring 8 cups water to a boil. Drop the reishi bag in and lower the heat until the liquid has reduced by half, about 1 hours. Drink no more than 1 cup daily for no more than a month. The tea, a pick-me-up for the immune system, can be refrigerated for 1 week.

Steps:

• Cut a few thin rounds of lemon and reserve for garnish. Zest 2 tablespoons of zest from the remaining lemons, then juice the lemons (you'll need 4 tablespoons of juice; reserve any additional juice for another use).
• Make the ice cubes: Stir the lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of the sugar and the hot water in a heatproof liquid measuring cup. Pour the liquid into a standard ice cube tray and freeze.
• Make the cocktail: In a mixer, shake together the tea, whiskey, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Shake and set aside for the sugar to melt.
• Serve: Arrange a few ice cubes in 2 glasses. Add a couple of ice cubes to the mixer and shake. Pour half of the cocktail mix into each. If you like, run the edge of the glasses with the lemon slices. Garnish the glass with the slices.

Steps:

• In an airtight container, combine the first five ingredients. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Yield: about 7-1/2 cups total. , To prepare tea: Dissolve about 1 tablespoon tea mix in boiling water; stir well. Yield: 1 serving., To prepare punch: In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine the juices, 1/4-1/3 cup tea mix and cinnamon sticks. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Yield: about 12 servings (6 ounces each).

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until all of the ingredients are well blended.
• Store the mix in an air-tight container.
• When ready to serve, place 3 teaspoons of the mix in a coffee mug and add 1 cup of hot water. Stir with a whole cinnamon stick, and serve while hot.
• NOTE: Measurements are approximate; adjust ingredient amounts to suit your taste preferences.
• GIFT-GIVING TIP - This is a wonderful treat that is suitable for gift-giving. Place about 1 1/2 cups of the mix in a decorative glass jar, a strong cellophane bag, or a pretty holiday tin. Tie a festive holiday ribbon around the neck of the jar (or top of the bag), or secure a pretty bow to the top of the tin. For special touch, attach 3 or 4 cinnamon sticks to the ribbon. Be sure to add a label to the package with instructions to place 3 teaspoons of the spiced tea mix to a coffee mug and add 1 cup hot water.

Steps:

• Bring 4 cups of the water to a boil in a medium saucepan and add the tea bags. Remove the pan from the heat, cover it, and allow the tea bags to steep for5 minutes.
• Remove and discard the tea bags. Add the sugar to the saucepan and stir until dissolved. Add the remaining 3 cups water and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to a pitcher, and add the lemon juice and rum. Chill thoroughly before serving.
• Serve over ice, in tall glasses garnished with mint sprigs.

Steps:

• In a large stock pot, combine all the ingredients except the liquor and simmer over low heat for at least 6 hours and up to 24, skimming frequently to remove the chicken fat. The soup should simmer until it has turned very dark and there is one gallon of broth.
• Strain the soup through a fine mesh strainer and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Serve in warm mugs and spike each with an ounce of aquavit or vodka to each.