Alright, December is here, bring on the snow. Am I right? Maybe that’s just me. While it does cause traffic issues and require different footwear, there is something smile-inducing about a bright, white layer of new snow. It gives reason to snuggle down under blankets and drink hot beverages, or brave the cold and build a snowman. And a white Christmas is must. Beyond snow, another element I look forward to are the aromas. The scent of our real Christmas tree we are waiting on to unfurl, the sweet scent of frosted sugar cookies, and for me, cranberry tea.
Cranberry tea, gorgeously colored like real cranberries, takes me back to my childhood home. Dark school mornings of wintertime, battling my sister for the better heat register to sit in front of and cups of steamy tea to warm the body. Cinnamon, cloves, citrus and cranberries, all blended into one cup of the season. It’s a holiday scent trifecta with an extra fecta!
It is so simple to make.. After simmering the spices in water to create a highly aromatic stew, the spices are strained out and discarded and cranberries are added. When the cranberries heat up, they pop and continue to soften further. The popping part is amusing. The soft berry mix is processed through a food mill or ricer to create a very smooth liquid. The addition of sugar and frozen citrus juices completes the recipe.
What’s great is this recipe creates a tea base, something with which to mix with water. A tea concentrate, if you will. So what appears to be the whole amount is actually only a fourth of the beverage potential. So call your friends and neighbors and enjoy a warm cup together. Or pour the base into Mason jar, wrap with some twine and gift to the ones of your list. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Giving deliciousness.
Recipe from my mom
Ingredients
- 1 quart water
- 1 T cloves
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 lb. fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 (6 oz.) can frozen orange juice
- 1 (6 oz.) can frozen lemonade
- Stir until sugar is dissolved.
Instructions
- Simmer together the water, cloves and cinnamon sticks for 15-20 minutes. The spices will be very fragrant.
- Remove the spices and add the cranberries.
- Cook until the berries pop and soften.
- Pour the mix into a food mill or ricer and process until smooth.
- Add in sugar and the frozen juices. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- To serve, mix 3 parts water to one part of the “tea” base. Heat and serve.
Notes
This base can be stored in the refrigerator for a month or can be frozen.
Ok, I officially want to come over and share a cup with you. I have never heard of cranberry tea but I can’t wait to make this with my kids