The Recipe Mom

What can be more warming than curling up with a cup of mulled cider or hot chocolate on a cold winter day? A warm beverage can take the blustery blues out of winter and give us a warm cozy feeling from our heads to our toes. The possibilities for something warm to curl up with are endless and here are just a few ideas.

Kids and adults savor the taste of hot chocolate. Warm milk, chocolate and marshmallows have a way of soothing us. Today packaged hot chocolate mix is in abundance. There are numerous types and various flavors. Yet there’s nothing quite like homemade hot chocolate to warm and sooth a cold and tired body.

Apple cider is a great way to warm up on a blustery day. Mulled cider gets its comforting effect from spices infused in the flavor during heating. Cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves are the spices most often used. Mace, ginger, allspice, orange slices and lemon zest can also bring out the flavor of a mulled cider. Ground spices may be used, but the taste will differ slightly. It’s best to use whole spices to achieve a full flavor.

Steep cider over low heat to achieve the best results when making mulled cider. Simmering the cider for a couple of hours will bring out the best flavor. Do not boil the cider or the taste may become bitter. To keep your cider warm, place it in the crock pot after simmering.

We are fast finding in today’s world that tea is one drink that offers a healthy alternative to caffeinated beverages. There is an abundance of flavored teas, comforting teas and healthy teas available today. Herbal teas have also become a big hit.

Most herbal teas contain no caffeine. Mint teas have large amounts of vitamin C. This may also be a problem for those whose bodies are sensitive to this vitamin. Mint teas, for those who can enjoy them come in many flavors. Peppermint tea is quite soothing but can be hard on the bladder and digestive system if consumed on a regular basis. Spearmint tea is soothing and is easy on the digestive system.

To achieve the perfect mint tea that your body can tolerate try making your own. Add mint leaves to tea while steeping. It may take a few tries to find the right adjustment of mint, but it is well worth it when you do.

Chamomile tea is another comforting herbal tea. Be careful if you are allergic to ragweed as chamomile is related to the ragweed family. Chamomile is great for naturally relieving muscle spasms that can be brought on by the cold weather.

Flavored hot water might sound a little strange but with some imagination flavored hot waters can be quite delicious. Add flavored extracts with a tiny bit of brown sugar or honey. Stir in orange, lemon or lime zest to add flavor. Spices can be added to give hot water a delicious taste.

Enjoying a cup of warmth can be one way to fend off that winter chill. Head off to the grocery store and see what might be available or better yet experiment on your own. Cuddle up and enjoy.