TWELVE DAYS OF TEA

Bless someone this Christmas Day with Twelve Days of Tea.  You can use a variety of containers to deliver this great last minute gift plus either loose leaf tea or tea bags/sachets.  The biggest decision will be choosing 12 different teas for sampling during the 12 days of Christmas!

ORNAMENTS

Use either plastic balls that snap together for tea sachets 

 . . . or glass ones with the hangers removed and thoroughly washed and dried for loose leaf tea.

TREE

Pin or tape colorful individually wrapped tea bags to a Styrofoam tree form and top with a cutout star

ADDITIONAL IDEAS

Use a basket and fill with labeled bags of loose leaf tea 

. . . or a box with an assortment of tea bags/sachets.  

A tall canister made from a wrapped “Pringles” can would be great for either!

Some great seasonal teas by Celestial Seasonings (Candy Cane Lane, Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride, Gingerbread Spice, Sugar Plum Spice, Nutcracker Sweet, Sweet Harvest Pumpkin) and Stash (Christmas Morning, Christmas Eve, Merry Mint, White Christmas, Holiday Chai, Christmas in Paris, Cranberry Pomegranate) can be found at markets and specialty stores to add a special touch to this blessing!

“Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”
Psalm 34:8

BLESSING GIFTS

Bless someone soon with one of these tea or herb gifts or be creative and come up with a unique container and contents suited especially for the person in your life!

KITCHEN ESSENTIALS
favorite cookbook
2 wooden spoons/spatulas
1-2 kitchen towels
herbs and spices
            Wrap the towels around the book, one in each direction, then gather together in front and tie with raffia.  Stick the spoons/spatulas plus samplers of favorite herbs and spices in between the towels.

TEA TIME FOR ONE
tea-for-one teapot
loose leaf tea strainer
t-sac filters
loose leaf tea
tea mints
notecards
            Create a tea-time plus an atmosphere for handwriting notes by filling a note box with tea essentials for a friend – maybe you’ll even get a thank-you note!

BAKER’S DELIGHT BOWL
mixing bowl
kitchen towel
spatula
measuring spoons & cups
baker’s dozen: allspice, anise, caraway, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, vanilla beans and cocoa powder
            Place all of the baking supplies into a large mixing bowl and someone will be ready to create a yummy treat!

BREAKFAST BASKET
homemade banana bread
honey butter
coffee or tea
            Wrap the banana bread in parchment paper and tie with kitchen twine.
            Grind coffee or create a loose leaf tea blend and scoop it into a small craft paper bag with a label and instructions.
            Create honey butter by combining a softened stick of butter with 3Tbs honey and a pinch of salt and whipping for 3 minutes.  Put in small canning jar with lid and label.  To package, use a small basket lined with a linen napkin.

ITALIAN CUISINE STRAINER
pasta strainer
pasta server
pasta
pasta sauce
olive oil
garlic with garlic press
herb seasoning: oregano, parsley, rosemary, basil and thyme
            Line the strainer with checked red-and-white cloth napkins and fill with remaining ingredients plus your favorite pasta recipe – delizioso!

HERBAL SOUP POT
soup pot
measuring spoons
hot pads
soup herbs: basil, bay leaves, cumin, dill, marjoram, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, savory, tarragon and thyme
rice/noodles
bread mix
            Combine all the essentials in the soup pot and don’t forget the recipes!

"If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,
so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen"
1 Peter 4:11

TEACUP SWINGS

Want to delight the fairies this month, then make one or a few of these fairy swings!  In fact you can gather a group to make them together and then have some fairy food to celebrate – great for young people as well as those who are “young at heart.”

INSTRUCTIONS: Find some teacups at yard sales or thrift stores – they need not be perfect, a little chip here or there will not be noticed.  Add a ribbon “rope” to the swing from the handle and then simply add a moss seat and decorate to your heart’s content!  Remember fairies like flowers, butterflies and all kinds of found treasures plus adding some bells or shells dangling from the bottom will let you know when the fairies are swinging.

RECIPES:  Several fairy food recipes are posted in Fairy Tea Time, but here are a few more to choose from:

FAIRY PUFF STARS
1 stick softened butter       
1 2/3c grated cheddar cheese    
dash cayenne pepper          
1/3c grated mozzarella cheese
1tsp DELIGHTFUL DILLY
1 c flour         
            Mix together the cheeses, butter, herb mix and cayenne pepper.  Gradually add the flour and blend until smooth.  Place a rounded teaspoon onto a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 mins or until golden brown.  Remove from oven and cut into stars.

ROSE PETAL SANDWICHES
1 stick softened butter                   
2Tbs rose geranium jelly
fresh rose petals with the white portion removed
            Mix the butter and jam until well blended.  Spread on both sides of bread and then sprinkle with rose petals, combine and cut into triangles or shapes.

BAKED PARMESAN CRISPS
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
            Line 2 baking sheets with greased parchment paper.  Combine cheese, garlic and paprika and using a tablespoon scoop and place 6 on each baking sheet.  Pat down into a circle about 2 ½” wide.  Bake at 400 degrees for 3-5 minutes or until starting to get crispy.  Remove from oven, let set for a couple minutes and then move to plate to cool before serving.  Store covered in the refrigerator.

EDIBLE FLOWER CRACKERS
            Cream together 8 oz cream cheese, 1/2c grated Asiago cheese, 1/2 c edible flowers such as nasturtium, tarragon, chives and calendula, 1tsp cracked pepper and a pinch of cayenne pepper.  Spread on crackers to serve.

STRAWBERRY TARTS
1-16oz pkg frozen strawberries in syrup             
1/2c sugar
1Tbs cornstarch                                                       
1Tbs fresh lemon juice
3 egg yolks, beaten                                     
1/4c butter, cut into pieces
phylo cups
            Puree thawed strawberries until smooth and strain to equal 1 cup.  Combine sugar and cornstarch with puree, lemon juice and egg yolks and cook over medium heat 5-7 minutes or until thickened, whisking constantly.  Remove from heat and whisk in butter. 
            Cool slightly, cover and refrigerate.  Fill phylo cups and garnish with whipped cream and strawberry slice.

STUFFED STRAWBERRIES
            Place 8oz chopped semisweet chocolate in bowl.  Bring 1c heavy cream and 1Tbs spearmint to scalding point, strain, add to chocolate and let sit 1-2 mins before stirring.  Whisk until smooth, then cover and refrigerate to firm.  Slice large strawberries in half, scoop out inside, fill with the ganache and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

FAIRY WHISPER COOKIES
1c butter, softened                                      
1c granulated sugar
3 eggs                                                            
3 2/3c cornstarch
1 tsp cream of tartar                                   
1 tsp baking powder
            Cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Stir in the cornstarch, cream of tartar and baking powder until well blended. Roll the dough into 1 inch balls and place them 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheets.
            Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.

FAIRIE THYME ROUNDS
Thyme will help you see the fairies!
            Cream 1c butter and 1c sugar, then add 1 egg, 1Tbs THYME and 1 tsp lemon zest and mix well.  Add 2½c flour and 1tsp baking soda, then 1tsp vanilla. Roll into two logs, wrap & refrigerate overnight.  Slice, sprinkle with sugar and bake at 350 degrees for 10 mins.

FAIRY CAKES
3 eggs
5Tbs milk
1c flour
1/4tsp salt
1c sugar
1tsp vanilla
1tsp baking powder
            Beat eggs until thick and fluffy, then gradually add sugar, beating well after each addition. Beat in milk and vanilla. Add combined dry ingredients to egg mixture and beat until smooth. Spread in a greased and floured jellyroll pan and bake at 350 degrees for 15 mins.  Cool and cut into tiny squares or circles, pipe a rosette of pastel frosting onto each and decorate with small edible flowers (i.e. violets).
            Frosting: Mix 1 stick butter and 3/4c powdered sugar ­together, and add 1tsp flavored extract and a few drops of milk or cream to make a smooth spread. Divide and create several pastel colors with a drop of food coloring.

“A generous man will prosper;
he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
Proverbs 11:25

HERBED SOUP MIXES

All of these mixes are assembled in wide-mouth canning jars and make excellent gifts to bless family or friends.  

Don’t forget to include the recipes!

TORTILLA SOUP MIX

Layer these ingredients in a quart jar:
            1c long grain rice
            2Tbs TEX-MEX
            1/4c dried minced onion
            2-3c crushed tortilla chips (wrapped in plastic wrap) to fill jar

Directions: Empty tortilla chips carefully from jar and set aside.  Combine remaining ingredients with 1-10oz diced tomatoes and 10c chicken broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes.  Add 2c cooked and diced chicken plus tortilla chips and simmer covered 5 minutes.  Serve with a dollop of sour cream and grated cheese.

VEGETABLE MINESTRONE MIX
Layer these ingredients in a pint jar:
            1/4c dried navy bean
            1/4c dried chick-peas
            1/4c dried kidney beans
            1/4c dried pinto beans
            1/2c small pasta shells and 2Tbs ITALIAN PESTO (wrapped in plastic wrap)

Directions: Empty pasta-seasoning packet carefully from jar and set aside.  Cover beans with water and soak overnight, drain and rinse.  Brown 1/2lb Italian sausage, add beans, 8c beef broth and 1-14oz can diced tomatoes.  Bring to a simmer and cook covered for 1 hour.  Add 5c chopped veggies (zucchini, carrots, green peppers, onions, etc.) and pasta-seasoning packet.  Cook 20-25 minutes more until vegetables are tender.

CHILI-MAC SOUP MIX
Layer these ingredients in a pint jar:
            1/4c dried pinto beans
            1/4c northern beans
            1/4c black beans
            1/4c lentils
            1/2c macaroni and 2Tbs CHILI COMBO (wrapped in plastic wrap)

Directions: Empty macaroni-seasoning packet carefully from jar and set aside.  Cover beans with water and soak overnight, drain and rinse.  Brown 1lb ground beef, add beans, 4c beef broth and 2-14oz can diced tomatoes.  Bring to a simmer and cook covered for 1 1/2 hour or until beans are tender.  Add macaroni-seasoning packet and cook 20 minutes more.  Serve with grated cheddar cheese.

"If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,
so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen"
1 Peter 4:11

BLESSING BAGS

Here is a simple and tangible way to bless others - blessing bags. They are an easy project for your family or group of friends to create a real way to meet immediate needs and demonstrate the act of giving to individuals or organizations.

To get started, create a list of needed items, purchase and store until you are ready to create the bags.  (Below is a list of possible items, but your family or group may have additional suggestions.)  Create an assembly line to make the assembly fun and quick.  Assemble all the items in the bags, and maybe throw in a note of encouragement. You can keep the bags in your vehicle for individuals or donate to a homeless shelter or organization for distribution.

BLESSING BAGS: Use gallon size Ziplock bags – keeps everything together and from leaking plus can be used later for other storage

Toiletries (travel size or saved from hotel visits):

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Mouthwash
• Soap
• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Deodorant
• Hand Sanitizer
• Sunscreen
• Chapstick
• Tissues
• Comb
• Band-Aids
• Wipes
• Wash Cloth 

Non-Perishable Foods:

• Granola/Energy Bars
• Trail mix
• Fruit cup/applesauce cup (include a spoon)
• Gum/hard candy
• Cup of Noodles 
• Vienna Sausages in a Can
• Crackers
• Beef Jerky Sticks
• Instant Oatmeal Packets w/plastic bowl
• Pudding Cups 

Drinks:

•  Juice Boxes
• Mini Water Bottles
• Hot Cocoa/Spiced Tea Mixes

                        Spicy Hot Cocoa Mix
                              1/2c sugar
                              1/4c cocoa
                              1/4tsp salt
                              1tsp cinnamon
                              3/4tsp cloves
                              1/8tsp allspice
                              powdered milk to make 6 cups

                                   Blend together.  To use: combine 2Tbs with 1c boiling water

Extras:

• Plastic Silverware
• Napkins
• Quarters (calls/laundromat)
• Reusable Shopping Bag
• List of Resources (food bank, clothing bank, homeless shelter)

“A generous man will prosper;
he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
Proverbs 11:25

CHOCOLATE SPOONS

 

 

 

Brighten up someone’s cocoa, coffee or even tea with a selection of chocolate spoons. They are so easy to make and the whole family can join together to create their favorites.  The combinations are unlimited and who doesn’t love chocolate!

Plastic spoons work best, but you can use silverware picked up at a thrift shop to make them extra special.  Simply melt chocolate in the microwave for 1 minute or use a double boiler, then dip the spoon into the chocolate, place on wax paper and decorate.  Let the chocolate harden again at room temperature or speed it up a bit in the refrigerator for a few minutes.

You can use white, milk, semi-sweet or dark chocolate and decorate with one or a variety of these possibilities or colorful sprinkles:

·       mini chocolate chips

·      mini marshmallows

·      shredded coconut

·      peanut butter chips

·      butterscotch chips

·      crushed candy canes

·      chocolate curls

·      crème de menthe baking chips

·      vanilla baking chips

Turn your creations into a blessing by wrapping in cellophane and adding them to a mug with some cocoa packets or a bag of the following chai mix:

CHAI MIX
1c nonfat dry milk
1c powdered nondairy creamer
1c French vanilla powdered nondairy creamer
1 3/4c sugar
2Tbs CHAI SPICE
            Combine all ingredients in a food processor until the mixture becomes a fine powder.  Put 4Tbs in a re-sealable plastic bag for each gift mug and combine with 2 chocolate spoons. 
To serve: Stir 2Tbs mixture into a mug of hot tea, coffee or cocoa.
Chocolate Chai: Stir with a chocolate spoon!

 “A generous man will prosper;
he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
Proverbs 11:25

THANKSGIVING FAVORS

Thanksgiving is a great time to share a blessing, so here is a harvest blend of spices that you can package a couple of ways as favors for those coming to your Thanksgiving  dinner.  We are blessed and thankful that these spices are not only great in seasonal dishes, but they are also beneficial to our health:

HARVEST SPICE BLEND
3Tbs ground cinnamon
          - a good source of manganese, fiber and calcium plus can improve blood sugar management

1Tbs ground nutmeg
          - stimulates the release of serotonin which makes you feel relaxed plus has antibacterial properties

1Tbs ground ginger
          - relieves gastrointestinal stress plus reduces nausea

2tsp ground allspice
          - benefits digestion plus is high in antioxidants

2tsp ground cloves
          - a good source of manganese, vitamin K, fiber, iron, magnesium & calcium plus is beneficial for oral hygiene

2tsp orange peel powder

 

 

You can either package the blend with a recipe for a fruit dip that you could also use as an appetizer on the special day . . .

Harvest Spice Fruit Dip: Combine 1-8oz cream cheese, 1 1/2c vanilla Greek yogurt, 1/4c brown sugar, 1/4c sugar, 1Tbs maple syrup and 1tsp HARVEST SPICE BLEND.  Mix until smooth. Serve immediately or chill.  Great with apples!

 

. . . or you can make and package a sweet treat for your guests to take home!

Harvest Spice Pecans: Stir together 4Tbs sugar, 1/4c melted butter, 1Tbs HARVEST SPICE BLEND and 1Tbs grated orange rind.  Add 2c pecan halves and toss to coat.  Place on greased foil-lined baking sheet.  Sprinkle with 1Tbs sugar and bake at 350 for 20 mins., stirring once.  Cool and store in an airtight container.

 

“Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all gods.”
Psalm 95:2-3

TEA CUBES

Combining tea or herbs and sugar into cubes which can just be placed into a mug of hot water any time or place makes a great blessing for any occasion.  They are easy to make by finely grinding equal amounts of tea leaves or dried tea herbs and sugar plus optional spices and then adding enough extract or water to moisten.  The mixture can then be placed in molds and dried to create a variety of shapes just like making shaped sugar cubes in this earlier post.

 

Package cubes in re-sealable plastic bags and insert in a decorative bag in a pretty mug plus include the following directions for use: place a cube into a mug then add boiling water to instantly dissolve the sugar and the tea and spices will settle to the bottom – no timing or straining required.  Enjoy!

 

Here are some possible combinations, but your creativity is unlimited:

Winter Mint – rooibos, spearmint, cocoa powder, vanilla extract and sugar

Sweet Spice – rooibos, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger and sugar

Zesty Lemon – lemon verbena, lemon myrtle, lemon zest and sugar

Cinnamon Grey – Earl Grey tea, cinnamon, orange zest and sugar

Hibiscus High – hibiscus, rosehips, orange zest and sugar

Chai Spice – rooibos, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, vanilla extract and sugar

“Let us not become weary in doing good,
 for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,
especially to those who belong to the family of believers.””
Galatians 6:9-10

HOUSEWARMING BASKET

Do you have a new neighbor or did a friend recently move to a new home?  Here’s a great list of traditional gifts and meanings for a housewarming basket:

Bread - May those in your home never go hungry  

Candles - May you always have light through the darkest times

Honey - May you always enjoy the sweetness of life 

Olive Oil - May you be blessed with health and well-being 

Herbs - May your home always have life 

Rice - May the love in your home multiply 

Salt - May there always be flavor and spice in your life 

Wine - May you always have joy and never go thirsty 

Wood - May your home have stability, harmony, and peace

A combination of these items could make a really good meal, so include a few recipes with a wood cutting board for the bread and candles for the mood!

Tomato & Basil Bruschetta 

6 ripe plum tomatoes
2 minced garlic cloves
1Tbs extra virgin olive oil
1tsp balsamic vinegar
6-8 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
1tsp salt
1/2tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 French baguette
1/4c olive oil
            Finely chop tomatoes, mix in garlic, 1Tbs olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  Stir in sliced basil and add salt and pepper to taste.  Slice the baguette diagonally in half-inch thick slices and brush one side of each with olive oil.  Place oil side down on baking sheet and toast at 450° for 5-6 mins. or until lightly browned.  Spoon tomato-basil mixture on top of oiled side and serve.

Herbed Mushroom Risotto 

6c chicken broth
3Tbs olive oil
1lb portobello mushrooms, thinly sliced
1lb white mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 diced shallots
1 1/2c Arborio rice
1/2c dry white wine
3Tbs finely chopped chives
4-6Tbs butter
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
            Warm the broth over low heat.  Sauté mushrooms in 2Tbs olive oil until soft, then remove with liquid and set aside.  Sauté shallots in 1Tbs olive oil, then add rice, stirring to coat with oil and cook until a pale golden color. Add wine and stir until completely absorbed.  Add 1/2c broth to the rice and stir until absorbed.  Continue adding broth 1/2c at a time, stirring continuously, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is al dente – approximately 15 mins.  Remove from heat and stir in mushrooms with liquid, butter, chives and cheese.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Compliments grilled meats and roasted chicken.

Honey & Lemon Cup Cakes: Combine 1 yellow cake mix, 1 1/2c vanilla yogurt, 1/4c honey and the juice and zest of one lemon, and then whisk until just mixed. Fill lined muffin tins 2/4 full and bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 mins.  Cool and then pipe or spread on icing.
Honey-Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat 1-8oz cream cheese, 1/4c butter and 1/3c honey until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add in 3-4c powdered sugar to desired consistency.

 “Each one should use whatever gift
he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
I Peter 4:10