Memories are something that is uniquely special to each person. They are like a mini movie that plays in your mind whenever you want to hit the play button. Sometimes memories come to the surface from seeing a photograph, smelling a scent or hearing a song. It is amazing how these can catapult you right to that moment in time and experience a memory.
One such lovely memory from childhood is enjoying a piping hot cup of Russian Tea. My Mom would create this beautiful concoction of tea, tang and spices. Yes – I said Tang. It is the secret ingredient to this sweet and spicy delight. Where the name "Russian Team" came from, I do not know. I must admit as a kid, Tang was quite popular and my Mom would buy it for us. To this day, I sometimes crave a tall, icy glass of Tang – although the sugar count is out of this world, so I must resist.
For the holidays this year, I decided to give and share my canning projects that I had been creating for close to seven months with my friends and family. For my family, I chose a theme straight out of London by using what they call hampers. Fortnum & Mason is known world wide for selling outstanding luxury food hampers. Each time I have been to Fortnum & Mason, we carefully select unique chutneys and jams to ship home. Quite frankly, we probably spend more in shipping than the actual items.
I found “hamper like” baskets from Pier One which was just about what I envisioned. After adding cushioning on the bottom of each hamper with crumpled newspaper, I packed each hamper with about fourteen various items from my canning adventures and tied it up with beautiful ribbon. As each year passes, purchasing gifts seems to be more challenging. This year I wanted to personalize and give gifts of love – thus the hamper idea was born. Our family has an affinity with London and appreciates gifts from the heart, so it was a perfect idea.
I wanted to add a bit of nostalgia to the hamper, so I added the Russian Tea. My Mom, sister and brother all instantly knew what it was and there was a smile from ear to ear on their faces. I hope that my sister and brother will share with their children and the tradition will continue. Thank you Mom for creating such wonderful memories – I love you!
Russian Tea
2 C. Tang
1 C. Instant Tea
1 Pkg. Lemonade Mix
½ C. Sugar
1 t. Ground cloves
1 t. Cinnamon
Mix all together and keep in an airtight container. Use approximately two heaping teaspoons for one cup of tea.
One such lovely memory from childhood is enjoying a piping hot cup of Russian Tea. My Mom would create this beautiful concoction of tea, tang and spices. Yes – I said Tang. It is the secret ingredient to this sweet and spicy delight. Where the name "Russian Team" came from, I do not know. I must admit as a kid, Tang was quite popular and my Mom would buy it for us. To this day, I sometimes crave a tall, icy glass of Tang – although the sugar count is out of this world, so I must resist.
For the holidays this year, I decided to give and share my canning projects that I had been creating for close to seven months with my friends and family. For my family, I chose a theme straight out of London by using what they call hampers. Fortnum & Mason is known world wide for selling outstanding luxury food hampers. Each time I have been to Fortnum & Mason, we carefully select unique chutneys and jams to ship home. Quite frankly, we probably spend more in shipping than the actual items.
I found “hamper like” baskets from Pier One which was just about what I envisioned. After adding cushioning on the bottom of each hamper with crumpled newspaper, I packed each hamper with about fourteen various items from my canning adventures and tied it up with beautiful ribbon. As each year passes, purchasing gifts seems to be more challenging. This year I wanted to personalize and give gifts of love – thus the hamper idea was born. Our family has an affinity with London and appreciates gifts from the heart, so it was a perfect idea.
I wanted to add a bit of nostalgia to the hamper, so I added the Russian Tea. My Mom, sister and brother all instantly knew what it was and there was a smile from ear to ear on their faces. I hope that my sister and brother will share with their children and the tradition will continue. Thank you Mom for creating such wonderful memories – I love you!
Russian Tea
2 C. Tang
1 C. Instant Tea
1 Pkg. Lemonade Mix
½ C. Sugar
1 t. Ground cloves
1 t. Cinnamon
Mix all together and keep in an airtight container. Use approximately two heaping teaspoons for one cup of tea.
That is a gorgeous cup of tea - that picture is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet! I bet your family was happy to receive those baskets. I drank Tang as a kid, too. Gee, I've forgotten all about it but now I can almost taste that tall glass you were talking about. I can totally see how it would be a good addition to tea.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week, Lisa!
Thanks for the blast from the past and such a pretty tea cup to serve your Russian tea;-)
ReplyDeleteI love you tea presentation and the story!It is interesting how smell can bring the childhood memories back!
ReplyDeleteMy best friend has a Russian tea recipe that she has used and had for years. I still have yet to try it, but she swears it helps fight her colds in the winter. Either way, it still looks like a delicious hot drink to warm your bones.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great gift idea! The hampers sound lovely. And, bringing back a family favorite is so fun. That's so nice to keep the tradition going!
ReplyDeleteLovely photo of tea. The china is beautiful! I've never had this type of tea....looks good!
ReplyDeleteOh I love this recipe. I found it about fifteen years ago and make it each Christmas. It always brings back such good memories for me also.When our children were small they loved helping me make it and put in pretty jars to give as gifts.They are both in their twenty's now and still like to help me make it!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, Lisa. I love this tea and how it evokes your childhood memories. I've had Russian tea before. Love your china too!
ReplyDeleteTang...loved it as a kid :) What an interesting a delightful tea recipe :)
ReplyDeleteWow, that is an amazing idea! I loved Tang too when I was a kid. I have to try this ASAP.
ReplyDeleteJason
Wow! We always used to make this. I have fond memories of being in high school in our weaving studio and drinking hot russian tea (complete with tang and nestea) while the rain fell outside and our woven creations emerged before our eyes!
ReplyDeleteYou brought back memories for me. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love this tea! It is so refreshing and sweet. And what a beautiful colour! I use loose leaf black tea to prepare mine, plus orange grated rind. Have you ever tried it? It adds a wonderful citrus flavour!
ReplyDelete