Monday, December 29, 2008


We’re pretty much Mug People at our house. There are tons of cups and saucers, but we generally gravitate to the mugs. I really don’t know why --- maybe the dirty dish count--- but the coffee mugs are usually the first choice.

When I was a little girl, before the day when tea came in a multitude of varieties in pretty boxes. I guess they may have existed. But there definitely was no money for things like that. Every fall my Mom would make a mixture she called Spice Tea. We would have cups in the afternoon together, always in a cup and saucer. I remember feeling so grown up.

A couple of months ago I was feeling nostalgic. I hadn’t had spice tea I know in 25 years. But I made up a batch and have had afternoon tea everyday and smiled and thought of my Mom. It's even gotten me through tough days at work. I called and told my Mom about it and she laughed and said she hadn’t thought about it in years.

I guess there are some things little girls just don’t forget.

Spice Tea
1 cup instant tea
2 cup Tang
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground Cloves
1 cup Sugar.

Mix all ingredients. Store in a covered container. When ready to serve, place One tablespoon in one cup boiling water. Enjoy.

16 comments:

Anne said...

Those "old" memories are just the best! The tea sounds great, I'll have to make some.

Libby said...

Sounds like the perfect refreshment while paging through your favorite quilt magazines on a cold afternoon *s*

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

My grandmother made it for us when we were kids, and now I make it every year. :) My husband and girls love it!

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

interesting recipe - I am always trying to come up with something to drink other than coffee with flavored creamer in it - I normally do not like tea - does this have a strong tea taste?
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

CJ said...

A lovely memory and what a CUTE cup and saucer and spoon. :D

Gypsy Quilter said...

That sounds wonderful! I remember my mother saying, "tea tastes better in a china cup." Ask your mom if she ever heard that expression.

Pat said...

You are fortunate to have those memories to hold on to. Hold them close.

Quilts And Pieces said...

Memories like that are so wonderful!

Carol said...

OMG I hadn't thought about that in years. I used to make that all the time. I think I'll make a batch. Thanks for the memories.

Julie in the Barn said...

I didn't even know Tang was still in existance! We used to drink Constant Comment tea when we wanted special tea. I have my Mom's pretty tea cups. Most are Woolworth's purchases, not fancy china, but I love them because of the memories.

Leanne said...

It must be tea that holds memories ..I remember using a cup and saucer with the old lady who lived down the street and she would always let me have lots of sugar. When I had finished there was always a huge amount left in the cup undissolved. Like you I hadn't thought of it in ages.

Mrs. Sew and Sew - Karen said...

I remember having that tea with my Mom. I should make some just for the memory. I will ask her if she remembers it. I can't even remember how long it has been since I have had it. Thanks for the memory. :) Karen

ForestJane said...

I have fond memories of that spice tea too. ;)

And in scouts, we used to make up a huge batch of it, portion it out in babyfood jars, spray paint the lids, then tie ribbons around the top for gift giving.

Like the cup and saucer too!

Journeying said...

Pretty cup and saucer...lovely memories...neat that you've renewed the custom. It should go nicely with your adventure week.
My grandmother is the one who introduced me to tea...regular hot tea. She and my old maid aunt who lived with her had coffee at breakfast time, but at other meals there was a teapot on the table, as well as for a late morning and/or late afternoon "break". Great memories. She would sometimes send me out to that little spot in her garden where the mint grew to bring in a couple of sprigs to make the tea special.
Your spiced tea is a traditional must-have at our office Christmas brunch, and the smell is heavenly.
Thanks for sharing.

Evelyn aka Starfishy said...

Sometimes as adults we need to just remember to take a few minutes out of our day for creating special memories with our kids. I am from a family of big tea drinkers - anytime someone walks in the door - on goes the kettle. People are amazed that my son likes tea so much, but he has been drinking it for ages now, it is part of our family. I am going to try your recipe.
Cheers! - Evelyn

Paula, the quilter said...

That is the same recipe we had (and I still have). You were able to find Tang? I have a lot of the super thin old bone china cups and saucers and should start doing this, but unfortunately I am highly allergic to food dyes like the yellow found in Tang. Something I 'grew' into, sigh. Maybe I should do the hot chocolate mix Mom used to make. Hmmm...