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| Fantastic Frugal Hot Drink Mixes |
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by Brandie Valenzuela Recently my son and I went to a local Starbucks. As we waited for our sweet beverages to be made, we kept ourselves occupied by browsing the items they had for sale. There was lots of great items -- many of which fit the cooler Autumn weather that had made its welcome in our area. One of the items for sale was a cider mix, that was attractively coupled with a mug and cinnamon sticks. Needing a gift for a friend, I considered making the purchase, but quickly regained some of my frugal sensibility (I was still in a Starbuck's so I wasn't be totally frugal to begin with) and realized how I could put together the same gift for $1 or less. Compiled here is an assortment of wonderful mixes that when prepared are sure to warm the soul. Pick your favorite and make some for yourself, or a friend! Hot Cocoa Mix 1 (8-qt.) box instant powdered milk 1 (16 oz.) jar nondairy creamer 1 (2 lb.) box Nestle's Quik® 1 (1 lb.) box confectioners' sugar Sift sugar and mix together. Add 2 cups miniature marshmallows, if desired. To use, fill a mug half full of mix. Add boiling water. Cinnamon and Spice Beverage Mix 2/3 cup instant coffee 1 1/3 cups sugar 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 tsp. allspice Mix thoroughly and put into a blender a couple cups at a time and blend to a fine powder. To use, add approximately 2 rounded teaspoons per cup of boiling water, or less, to suit your own taste. Friendship Tea Mix 1 (18 oz.) jar Tang breakfast drink (orange flavor) 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup presweetened lemonade mix (such as Countrytime) 1/2 cup instant tea 1 (3 oz. box ) orange or peach Jell-O 2 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. ground cloves Combine these dry ingredients and store in an airtight container. Use 1 1/2 tablespoons per cup of boiling water. Makes approximately 50 servings. Malted Hot Cocoa Mix 1 (25.6 oz.) box nonfat dry milk powder 6 cups miniature marshmallows 1 (16 oz.) container instant chocolate milk mix 1 (13 oz.) jar malted milk powder 1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar 1 (6 oz.) jar powdered nondairy creamer 1/2 tsp. salt In large bowl, combine all ingredients and stir until well blended. Store in an airtight container. Keep in a cool place. Makes about 20 cups or 10 gifts. To serve, pour 6 ounces of hot water over 1/3 cup cocoa mix, and stir until well blended. Toffee Mocha Beverage Mix 2/3 cup instant coffee 1 cup powdered nondairy creamer 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1 cup brown sugar, packed Mix thoroughly and put into a blender a couple cups at a time and blend to a fine powder. To use, add approximately 2 rounded teaspoons per cup of boiling water, or less, to suit your own taste. Swiss Mocha Beverage Mix 1 cup instant coffee 1 cup sugar 2 cups nonfat dry milk 4 T. cocoa powder Mix thoroughly and put into a blender a couple cups at a time and blend to a fine powder. To use, add approximately 2 rounded teaspoons per cup of boiling water, or less, to suit your own taste. Spiced Tea Mix 1 (18 oz.) jar orange breakfast beverage crystals 2 C. sugar 1/2 cup red cinnamon candies 1/3 cup instant tea mix 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. ground cloves Combine all ingredients; store in an airtight container. To serve, stir 1 1/2 tablespoons of mix into 1 cup hot water, stirring until candies dissolve. Spiced Cocoa Mix 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder 1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/3 cup sifted confectioners' sugar 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg Combine all ingredients, and mix thoroughly. For each serving, combine 1/3 cup Spiced Cocoa Mix and 3/4 cup boiling water. Stir to dissolve. Mocha Cocoa Beverage Mix 2 2/3 cups nonfat dry milk 3/4 cup instant cocoa mix 1/2 cup. instant coffee 1/4 cup powdered nondairy creamer 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar Mix thoroughly and put into a blender a couple cups at a time and blend to a fine powder. To use, add approximately 2 rounded teaspoons per cup of boiling water, or less, to suit your own taste. Fruity Cocoa Mix 3 cups instant hot cocoa mix 1 pkg. unsweetened Kool-Aid mix, any fruity flavor Combine all ingredients in a a sealable container. Shake well until blended. Store in an airtight container. To use, stir 2 heaping tablespoons into a coffee mug of hot water. |
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About the Author: Brandie is a wife and homeschooling mom to three children, who also works fulltime from her home designing custom scrapbook albums and teaching scrapbook classes. For more information, visit: http://brandievdesigns.4t.com |
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Happy Halloween
