Russian Tea

Serves 6

Thanks to our reader for requesting a makeover for this traditional holiday favorite. She explains, "This recipe has been a favorite holiday treat within my family for generations (passed from my grandmother to mother and then to me). A large cup always reminds me of home and the magic of the holiday season. However, I try to buy and eat all things organic now and this tea just doesn't fit the bill. It would be wonderful to be able to enjoy this tea and keep within my organic philosophies." We certainly agree. To update it, we replaced the powdered orange drink mix and sweetened powdered tea with orange juice and black tea. Whole spices and some sugar add just the right warmth and sweetness.

Ingredients

6 cups cold water
1 cinnamon stick
6 whole cloves
4 black tea bags
1 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar, more to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Method

Bring water, cinnamon stick and cloves to a boil in a medium saucepan; remove from heat and add tea bags. Steep, covered, for 5 minutes. Discard the tea bags and whole spices.

In a small saucepan, heat orange juice, lemon juice, sugar and nutmeg. Warm until the sugar dissolves.

Add the juice mixture to the tea. Taste and add more sugar if desired. Reheat and serve.

Nutrition

Per serving (About 8 fl oz): 50 calories (0 from fat), 0g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0g protein, 13g total carbohydrate (0g dietary fiber, 12g sugar), 0mg cholesterol, 5mg sodium

http://wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/287