Winter Warm “Tea” Recipe

Snowy winter’s day: I take the dogs for a walk in the woods, down through the pines, to the cabin by the river. The way back up is up—so I break a sweat to be met by the chill of the wind in the bright day’s sun…at the top. I should have zipped my jacket. We come in the house and I should work, but I want to cuddle and I want a treat…and I don’t want to work. Solution: something warm. Something “well for me.” I boil some water and give the dogs some peanut butter in congs—so they have a treat too. Settle on the sofa to sip…

I don’t usually drink caffeinated tea, but being mid-day, this is an ok idea (this recipe, caffeine-free, is good before bed…and for those who can’t tolerate caffein—which I often cannot).

Boil the water for your tea.
In small bowl, blend a small amount of black tea leaves with:
• Chammomile
• Nettles
• Fennel seeds

Sprinkle with cinnamon and cardamom.
Add a touch of clove and nutmeg.
Mix well and place two or three tablespoons in your tea strainer. Put the remainder in a storage jar.

When the water has cooled a bit, pour though the strainer into your tea cup/mug/ball jar. Stir and let sit for four or more minutes. Remove the strainer and add milk or milk alternative (oat, flax, macadamia, etc…) so the blend is quite creamy. Sprinkle with black pepper. Enjoy!

P.s., Add an anise star if the flavor suits you: she’s beautiful.