5-Minute Meals: Cups Of Cold-Weather Comfort
Four new recipes for belly-warming campfire drinks
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Hot Apple Cider | Fruit and Spice Tea | South of the Border Coffee | Late-Night Ginger Mocha
Tangy Hot Apple Cider
4 packets instant apple cider mix
3 tablespoons Tang
3 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
¼ cup raisins
3 cups water
At home Combine the cider mix and Tang in a zipper-lock bag.
In camp In a pot, combine raisins, cloves, and water; heat slowly over a low flame until the water is aromatic and amber-colored (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the cider mix and Tang. Pour into two large mugs, add a cinnamon stick, and nibble on the raisins (but skip the cloves–they’re not very tasty). Or pour the cider through a strainer to remove the chewy bits. This recipe contains lots of vitamin C, which makes this drink a perfect on-the-trail substitute for morning O.J. Serves 2.
Hot Apple Cider | Fruit and Spice Tea | South of the Border Coffee | Late-Night Ginger Mocha
Fruit-and-Spice Tea
4 cups water
4½ tablespoons Tang
3 teaspoons instant tea powder
3 teaspoons instant lemonade (pre-sweetened)
1/8 packet cherry Jell-O
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
At home Mix all dry ingredients in a zipper-lock bag.
In camp Boil water. Combine 2 tablespoons (2½ if you prefer stronger tea) of dry mixture with 2 cups hot water. Add a spoonful of sugar for a warming boost on chilly mornings or nights. Or sip this tea in the morning for a hit of nutrients: Tang is a good source of vitamin A and riboflavin and an excellent source of vitamin C. Serves 2. Variation: Experiment with Jell-O flavors–apricot, strawberry, orange, grape, lime–to find your favorite.
Hot Apple Cider | Fruit and Spice Tea | South of the Border Coffee | Late-Night Ginger Mocha
South-of-the-Border Coffee
2 cups brewed coffee
2 tablespoons nonfat powdered milk
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 ounce tequila
At home If you grind your own beans, grind them shortly before you leave home for maximum freshness. Pack the grounds in a zipper-lock bag.
In camp Make the coffee; the rich flavor of a French-pressed cup works well with this recipe. Add milk, brown sugar, and the tequila, stirring gently. Serves 1. North-of-the-border variation: Substitute bourbon for tequila for a fine Kentucky coffee.
Hot Apple Cider | Fruit and Spice Tea | South of the Border Coffee | Late-Night Ginger Mocha
Late-Night Ginger Mocha
2 cups water
2 teaspoons Postum
2 packets instant hot cocoa (skip the flavored type)
2 tablespoons instant nonfat powdered milk
½ teaspoon or so ground ginger, to taste
Pinch of nutmeg
At home Mix Postum, cocoa, milk, ginger, and nutmeg in a zipper-lock bag. Using caffeine-free Postum–a wheat-based, coffee-flavored beverage–makes this an ideal evening alternative to coffee, especially for light sleepers, and the ginger adds a unique flavor while settling your stomach and relaxing your mind. Tip: This drink tastes best when the ratio of ingredients is exact; to ensure great flavor in every cup, carry additional servings in their own individual bags.
In camp Boil water, let cool a minute or two, then pour into mug with dry mix. (Hot-chocolate manufacturers say boiling water can burn powdered cocoa, which can result in a slightly bitter drink.) Serves 1.