Aunt Shelley's Tea

Everyone has certain reminders in life that bring them back to the feeling of love, comfort, home and hearth. Maybe it is a melody of an old 70's soft rock tune, or a TV program from the 80's like Silver Spoons or Punky Brewster. For me it was when I was sick. As a child, I was quite healthy. I don't remember getting more than 1 cold a year and maybe a headache or two. I was even disappointed as a kid because I LOVED St. Joseph's baby aspirin and used to fake a headache to pop one of those suckers! Tasted just like a smartie candy!

On the rare occasion that I was feeling ill my mother would make me a special tea that she swore would make me better. It was actually her best friend Shelley's family recipe in which it was a lovely mixture of loose tea, cinnamon, clove and citrus. Just the smell of her brewing the hot tea was enough to make me feel cozy, warm........instantly loved.

And now as a mom myself (still feels weird to say that), it seems that my boys are sick constantly! I don't think we've gone 6 weeks in the past 2 years without someone in our house having a cold or bug. Last week, I wasn't feeling well and was reminded by Aunt Shelley of that old tea recipe. She immediately sent me the recipe and last night I went through the ritual of making a pot. It was like stepping into a time warp. For a moment, I could squint my eyes and picture myself in my old house, on the couch watching my mom making it at the stove top. Once it was ready to drink, I sat and sipped a cup alone on my couch and it made me feel instantly.....loved and home.

So as the flu and cold season endures, I will wipe many snotty noses, clean-up barfing spills and give lots of snuggles and hugs. As of this week, I have begun this new tradition with my boys in hopes that it will help them feel better and give them the same warm feeling and love that it gives me.

I thought I would share the recipe with all of you in hopes that it will warm your family and become a part of your traditions.
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Aunt Shelley's Hot Tea

1 small can of frozen lemonade (6 oz) + its accompanying equivalent of water
1 large can of frozen orange juice (12 oz) + its accompany equivalent of water
3/4 cup of sugar
2 1/2 tsp of whole cloves
3 cinnamon sticks - crushed
3 tsp of loose tea

Directions:
In large sauce pan, add both cans of frozen juice and their accompanying equivalents (from side of cans). Stir until well blended. Add sugar until well blended. Heat mixture on medium heat until well blended and fully melted. Be sure not to put burner on too hot or it might stick to the bottom of the pan or burn.

In small sauce pan, add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. As soon as it begins to boil add cloves and cinnamon. Reduce heat to a low simmer for 6 minutes. Once finished simmering, bring back to a boil and add loose tea.

Remove from heat and let steep for 3 - 4 minutes (steep a few extra minutes if you want stronger tea taste).

Strain the tea mixture with fine mesh strainer into the larger juice mixture. Be sure to not get bits of cinnamon/clove or tea leaves into the mixture. Once strained mix tea/juice to complete combine.

Then bring pot to a final simmer. I usually let it simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavor take in. Remember to turn stove off!

This tea can be stored in the refrigerator for several days and be sure to only reheat what you would like either on the stove or in microwave. With every reheat it will thicken. The older the better it tastes (kinda like lasagna).
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I hope you enjoy the tea and take the time to make it. I'm off to relax for the night and enjoy a nice cup of tea. Thanks, Aunt Shelley. :)