Russian Tea Recipe

Contrary to the title, this recipe has absolutely no Tea in it and there is probably very little (if any) Russian influence.  But I love it!  I have been enjoying Russian Tea every winter since I was a little girl.  I have even convinced myself that Russian Tea has some healing properties.  No joke!  When I get a nasty cold..a hot cup of Russian Tea helps me feel just a little bit better.  Clears my sinuses a bit and soothes my achyness. 

This recipe makes a whole bunch so you and your family can enjoy the health..ahem...benefits all winter long.  Perhaps for more than one winter.  It's a little tart, a little sweet, and a little..clovey...clove-y..delicious!

You will need Ground Cloves, Ground Cinnamon, Sugar, Powdered Lemonade, and Powdered Tang. 

Now grab one of your best helpers..

Or two if you are lucky.

Add all of the ingredients into a large bowl.

Mix together thoroughly.  You want those flavors to blend and combine.

As a side note..the now empty containers are a great storage solution.

Grab a mug full of hot water.  Not burn your face off hot..just soothe your sore throat or warm you up after playing in the snow hot.  Add in 2-3 heaping teaspoons.  I usually go for 3.

Stir to mix and enjoy!

Russian Tea Recipe
Source:  My Mom

2 C Tang (I've also used generic and it works great)
8 scoops Lemonade Powder..or the amount needed to make 8 Quarts of Lemonade 
3/4 C Sugar
2 tsp Ground Cloves
2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together really well.  Add 2-3 heaping teaspoons to a mug of hot water and stir.  Enjoy!

Weenie Boats Recipe

Growing up my husband ate a lot of Weenie Boats (or I've heard them called Stuffed Hot Dogs or Potato Boats).  It is a recipe that he remembers very fondly.  Some of his siblings, on the other hand, don't have any love in their hearts for this dish.  Weenie Boats are a recipe for a night when you are rushed and want something super quick and easy..or you just don't want to put much effort out.  After the holidays...I don't want to put any effort towards my food!  Give these a try, they aren't bad and I'm pretty sure your kids will love them.

You will need Instant Mashed Potatoes (or you can go fancy and make fresh), Hot Dogs, and Cheddar Cheese.

Over medium heat cook the hot dogs.  You can skip this step if you want..but I like to get the outside all crisp and yummy.

Prepare the taters according to package instructions.

Place the dogs on a baking sheet and split them down the middle.  Make sure you don't cut them all the way through!

Heap the mashed taters right on top of the split.  Don't be shy!

Top with a couple of slices of Cheddar Cheese. 

Place in a 350 degree oven for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.  If you skip the frying step you may want to go longer to get the dogs good and hot.

Serve with lots of veggies cause that's all the nutrition this dish provides!  Enjoy!

Weenie Boats Recipe
Source:  My husband's childhood

Hot Dogs
Instant Mashed Potatoes
Cheddar Cheese

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  In a frying pan cook the hot dogs until the outside is crispy and delicious.  Meanwhile, prepare the mashed potatoes according to package instructions.  When the hot dogs are done place them on a baking sheet and split them down the middle.  Be sure not to cut them all the way through.  Top with a generous portion of mashed potatoes and a couple slices of cheddar cheese.  Place in the oven for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.  Enjoy!