5-Minute Meals: Cups Of Cold-Weather Comfort

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.