Russian Tea {Tang-Free!}

Soon after Lucy's birth, (she just turned one on Sunday...more to come on that later!) a lady in our church brought me a milk jug filled with what she called "Russian Tea."  

I'll just be honest and tell you that my heart sank a bit.  All the Russian Tea I had ever had was made with powdered Tang and I think it is naaaasty.  Actually, more like beyond nasty.  {shudder}  So as sweetly as I could muster I told her thank you and asked how she made it.  I was curious since all the "Russian Tea" in my experience was a powdered mix.  This looked just like apple cider and smelled like it too.  

When she began to tell me the contents of the jug,which did NOT contain Tang, I couldn't wait to try it!  I was pretty tempted to tip it up and take a swig right then and there. (Don't worry, I didn't, LOL!)  When we got home I sampled the intriguing brew and wow, it was amazing.  Let's just say that jug didn't last long around here!

With Thankgiving coming in just two days, I thought you may enjoy this recipe to serve with your feast!  It's a twist on apple cider and is not nearly as expensive.  It's perfect to make in your crockpot, with the added bonus of getting to smell it all day! Yummy!  This Russian tea is delicious hot or cold so if you have leftovers, just put it in the refrigerator...I always think it's better the second day!  =)

Russian Tea

Ingredients:

1 large can of pineapple juice
1 can of frozen orange juice concentrate
3 tbsp. lemon juice
1 1/2 cups of sugar (I use less)
4 family size tea bags
16 cups of water
4 cinnamon sticks
20 whole cloves

Directions:

1) In a large saucepan on the stovetop, bring water to a boil, remove from heat and add tea bags.  Allow to steep for at least five minutes. Remove teabags and add sugar.  Stir until it is dissolved. 
2) Combine remaining ingredients and heat thoroughly.  The longer you "cook" it, the stronger the taste will be!
3)  Remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves, although I always leave them because it looks so pretty. =)
4)  Ladle into mugs and enjoy!  

P.S. You should make these cookies to eat with it. {insert groan} It's amazing together!

With Thanksgiving in just two days and with all the cooking and cleaning I have to do since I'm hosting, I'll most likely be signed off the rest of the week.  I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!  There's ALWAYS so much to be thankful for, isn't there?  All of the time, God is good. No matter where you are in life or what is going on, the truth remains!  

Hope you enjoy the Russian Tea...try it, you'll thank me. ;)

What's the Thankgiving status at your house? Getting together with family? Trying not to freak out that everybody is coming to your home in two days and you are totally NOT ready? (that's me!!)