Cheap Iced Coffee (in a pinch)

Whenever I go to Panera Bread, I end up getting a coffee--just a regular coffee from the self-serve urn. It runs about $1.90, but the refills are unlimited. They also have iced coffees but those are upwards of $3.00 each, and no refills.

Today I wanted something cold to follow up my coffee, but I wanted caffeine. I'm trying to avoid soda's sugar water, but I didn't want to buy anything else. So I decided to make myself an iced coffee.

I filled my coffee cup with ice, put in a couple Splenda packets, poured over some half and half, and filled it to the top with hot coffee. After stirring for just a minute, it was nice and cold. Mmmm... A hot coffee AND an iced coffee for around two bucks.

Russian Tea

A few Christmases ago, my sister-in-law Kate, maker of those amazing Toasted Raviolis, gave jars of Russian Tea as a part of her goody-laden Christmas baskets.

I had never heard of Russian Tea (though apparently I was in the minority with the rest of the world), but once I tried it, I was hooked. It is particularly great for sore throats or uneasy tummies. This recipe makes a good-sized batch, so it will last for many cups of orange-spicey goodness. This is a modified version from various recipes I found on the internet.

Russian Tea

2 C. instant tea (green tea with lemon flavoring is great)
2 C. Tang
1 C. white sugar
1-2 Tbsp. cinnamon
1-2 Tbsp. cloves
Lemondrops (roughly smashed in a plastic bag with a heavy glass)

You will likely need to buy two containers of Tang, unless you can find really big ones. But two cups of a drink mix is a lot. Mix all ingredients thoroughly with a fork in a large bowl.

To serve, heat a mug of water for 2 minutes in the microwave or start with hot water. Add 2-3 Tbsp. Russian Tea mix and stir til dissolved.

If you know why this standard holiday beverage is called Russian Tea, please comment and let us know! Of course, I may be embarrassed to find out that it simply resembles a traditional Russian tea. :oP