Heat It Up With Warm Drinks

A few days ago, we set a record high temperature for the day here in my hometown of Portland, Ore.: 66 degrees! While we were basking in our balmy breezes, most of the rest of the nation was hovering (and shivering) in a deep freeze.

I certainly don't wish anyone to suffer, but I do have to admit that I was a bit envious of those in the rest of the country who were braving the cold -- for two reasons. First, I am a creature of seasons, and nearly 70 degrees in January is just plain weird (ask me again in spring, and I will have a different story). But, more importantly, I think I was looking for an excuse to sloooooow down. Frigid cold temperatures and snowstorms do that for you.

Sunny and 70 just compels you to get out, be active, do things. But I am still firmly entrenched in hibernation mode, and there's nothing like Mother Nature to put a halt to the rush of man and machine. Sometimes we need that external excuse to slow down a bit.

And braving the cold is always more pleasant with a glass or mug of your favorite winter beverage.

Here are two I've enjoyed when Ma Nature focuses her cold eye on me. Both can easily be made ahead of time in large amounts for a quick and easy cup of warm cheer whenever the mercury takes a plunge (or whenever you just want an excuse to take a breather).

Mom's Spice Tea (makes about 60 cups of tea)

1 ½ C. instant tea powder
2 C. orange flavored instant breakfast powder
1 (3-ounce) package lemonade mix (regular or diet)
¾ C. sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
¾ tsp. ground ginger
Combine all ingredients until well blended. Store mix in an airtight container. To make 1 cup of spiced tea: Place 2 teaspoons tea mix in a mug, add boiling (or just hot) water. Stir.

Lisa's Cappuccino Mocha Mix

6 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. instant espresso coffee powder (such as Medaglia D'Oro)
3 Tbsp.. + 1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa
1 ¼ C. non-dairy creamer
½ C. + 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Combine all ingredients until well blended. Store mix in an airtight container. To make 1 cup of mocha: Stir 4 tbsp. mix with 8 oz. hot water.

I offer these recipes as mere jumping-off points in your own pursuits of slowing down the push of deadlines and demands. As I learned during our "heat wave," you don't need inclement weather to pause and really savor a favorite beverage.

Take the time to enjoy yourself. Your world will be a better place for it.

Have a great hot drink recipe to share? Send Lisa Morrison an e-mail!