Frozen Rhubarb Slush

Day Two - Mission Rhubarb - I served this at a family gathering a couple of years ago.  It completely blew my older brother away.  He took a sip and said, "I think I need to sit down, this is soooo good."  It was evident that he liked it not only from this comment but from the fact that he went back for seconds, thirds, etc.  until we'd run out of ginger ale.  This is the perfect way to cooldown on a hot summer's day.  It's a beautiful color, a delicious flavor, and it makes a large enough batch to keep some in the freezer for those unexpected guests, or just when you want a little something sweet.  Even those of you who are screwing up your face at the thought of rhubarb will love this.  I have served it to dozens of people and they all like it.  Try it and love it.  You can substitute any lemon-lime pop for the ginger ale if you prefer, it's fabulous either way.

Frozen Rhubarb Slush

8 c. diced fresh or frozen rhubarb

1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen unsweetened strawberries

3 c. sugar

8 c. water

1 pkg. (3 oz.) strawberry gelatin

½ c. lemon juice

Directions: In a Dutch oven, bring the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar and water to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer, uncovered, for 5-8 minutes or until rhubarb is tender. Press through a sieve, discard pulp. Stir in gelatin and lemon juice until dissolved. Transfer to a freezer container and freeze, stirring occasionally, until firm. May be frozen for up to 3 months. To use frozen rhubarb slush: In a punch bowl, or several pitchers, combine equal amounts of rhubarb mixture and ginger ale. Or for individual servings, combine ½ c. rhubarb mixture and ½ c. ginger ale in a glass.

Yields: 22 servings

Original recipe found in Taste of Home magazine, photo from tasteofhome.com

Hot Tang Spiced Drink

Are you tired and worn out?  Getting a cold?  Just cold?  This drink will warm you right up.  There are times when I don't want hot chocolate (shocking, I know) as it's just too rich when you're sick.  I know Tang isn't the best thing for you either, but it makes a good base for this comforting mug of winter warmth.  I had a chronic sore throat last year and I drank this every morning for breakfast.  I would drop a little honey in it to help sooth my throat and....aaaahhhh.   I hope you like it too.  I got this particular recipe from my mother-in-law.  Feel free to play with the amounts of spices to suit your taste.  Stay warm!
 

Hot Tang Spiced Drink

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 cups of mix, 2-3 t. for 8 oz. Of water
 

Ingredients:

2 c. Tang
1¼ c. sugar
½ t. cinnamon
¼ t. cloves
Dash of salt
Directions: Mix all together and store in an airtight container.  Mix 2-3 t. of mix with 8 oz. Of hot water, or to taste. 

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate Mix

It’s raining here and starting to get a bit chilly.  It makes me want to curl up on my cozy couch, grab a warm blanket, a book and a cup of hot cocoa.  That sounds like bliss to me.  I honestly can’t remember where I got this recipe but I like it.  I usually just make a cup at a time, but when we want more, I’ll just make a batch in my Cocoa-Latte.  In case you don’t know a Cocoa-Latte is a little mixer that blends up your hot chocolate and heats it at the same time and then keeps it hot.  I love how frothy and hot it gets my cocoa.  I am thinking it might be time to upgrade to the larger size since my family will drink more than 4 cups of cocoa anymore.  And no, this is not a commercial I just really like my Cocoa-Latte.  As far as the recipe goes, if you don’t like the cinnamon, just leave it out.  I’ve also changed it up by changing the flavor of the creamer.  Also I wait to put my marshmallows in until I serve it, the Cocoa-Latte melts them.  Let me know if you like it!

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate Mix

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: Depends on how hot you like it!
Family Friendliness: 2 thumbs up!

Ingredients:

1¾ c. instant non-fat dry milk powder
1 c. powdered sugar
½ c. non-dairy creamer
½ c. baking cocoa
½ t. cinnamon
1 c. miniature marshmallows
Directions: Mix together and store in an airtight container.  To prepare one serving mix 3 T .mix with ¾ c. hot milk or water.