Holiday Goodies: Hot Drink Mixes

It has been really cold here the last few days. Last night it got all the way down to 10 degrees. That is really cold where I live and it doesn't usually get that cold until much later in the winter. I hope that's not a sign that the whole season is going to be that cold. Brrr! I think our furnace has been running constantly for the last three days. Can't wait to get that gas bill.

Here are some recipes for hot drink mixes that will warm your tummy - or that of someone you love. I think these have a much better flavor than most of the mixes you can purchase already made. They make great gifts. Just pack them into whatever size jars you want and give with a nice mug and some other homemade goodies. Don't forget to include the instructions for mixing.

Chai Tea Mix
1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1 cup French vanilla flavored powdered non-dairy creamer
2 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 ½ cups instant tea powder
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cardamom

In a large bowl, combine milk powder, non-dairy creamer, vanilla flavored creamer, sugar and instant tea. Stir in ginger, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. In a blender or food processor, blend 1 cup at a time, until mixture is the consistency of fine powder.

To serve: Stir 2 heaping tablespoons Chai tea mixture into a mug of hot water.

To Die For Hot Cocoa Mix
6 ½ cups non-fat milk powder
1 5 oz package regular chocolate pudding mix (not instant)
1 cup powdered chocolate drink mix (e.g. Nestle Quick)
½ cup powdered non-dairy creamer
½ cup confectioner’s sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

In a large bowl, combine powdered milk, chocolate pudding mix, chocolate drink mix powder, creamer, confectioners' sugar, and cocoa. Place into jars for storage or gift giving.

To serve: Stir 1/3 cup cocoa mix into 8 ounces boiling water.

Cappuccino Mix
2/3 cup instant coffee or espresso powder
1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1 cup powdered chocolate drink mix (e.g. Nestle Quick)
½ cup granulated sugar
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Put the instant coffee into a food processor, and process to a fine powder. In a large bowl, combine creamer, chocolate mix, instant coffee, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir together until well mixed. Place into jars for storing or gift giving.

To serve: Mix 3 tablespoons with six ounces boiling water.