A Snake in the (Lemon) Grass

Van Van Tea's lemongrass, blood orange and ginger create a dark red tea that dances with citrus. Paired with a flavor profile of Glen Morangie,  orange and vanilla.  Bring that our with some delightful friends and you have a mildly citrus refreshment with character.

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Yield: 1 Cocktail

http://blackthornhoodooblends.com/collections/frontpage/products/van-van-tea

Ingredients:
4 oz hot, fresh brewed Van Van tea
2 oz  Glen Morangie The Original Scotch whisky
1/2 oz Orange Blossom honey
1/4 oz Yellow Chartreuse
1 dash Angostura bitters
Juice of one lemon wedge
Orange slice for garnish

Florida Water Wheel Cocktail

Florida Water Wheel Cocktail

Let the smooth sultry blend of Blood Orange peel, warm cinnamon and spices and a hint of lavender warm and soothe this cocktail into your evening.  Amaretto adds just enough sweetness to your tea and reminds you of happy times and fresh breezes.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 Cocktail

Ingredients:
3/4 oz Grand Marnier orange liqueur
3/4 oz amaretto liqueur
Florida Water Blood Orange tea
Orange wheel for garnish

http://blackthornhoodooblends.com/collections/frontpage/products/florida-water-tea

Chocolate: Food and Drink of the Gods

Chocolate!

     With my semester long project researching the ritual beverages of the Amazon river basin, and my local impending snow, I thought I'd share a recipe for my favorite Aztec drink, xocolatl.  This spicy warm beverage is the predecessor to our hot chocolate.  Today's Recipe is the work of beloved (at least by me!) Herbal author and mystery writer, Susan Wittig Albert. 
    
     For those not in the know, Susan writes mysteries centering on a small Texas town and the herb shop owner who left her high powered law firm in Texas to open her own shop. 

McQuaid's Hot 'n' Spicy Chocolate

This spicy chocolate beverage is just the thing to drive winter from your cold bones!

1/2 cup Cocoa

1 tsp. Chili Powder

1 tsp Cinnamon

3/4 tsp Ground clove

1/4 tsp Salt

2 cups Water

6 cups Milk

1 tsp vanilla extract (Learn to make your own Here!)

Whipped cream

Nutmeg

8 Cinnamon Sticks

Blend dry ingredients in large saucepan.  Add water stirring and simmer for 4 minutes.  Stir in milk and reheat.  Whisk in vanilla and pour into warm mugs.  Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with nutmeg.  Add cimmamon stir stick.  Makes 8 1 cup servings.

Learn more about Susan and her friends at her webpage!

Aphrodite and The Pagan Mom Blog

The lovely Angela over at The Pagan Mom Blog has decided to do a 31 days of Deity starting July 1st.



My submission has been sent in, and I'm looking forward to hearing what you think about my views on Aphrodite. I'll let you know when my guest blog goes live (probably later in the month), and in the meantime I hope you'll check it out, as there are some really great Gods that will be discussed through out July.

Details can be found here.

This is a list of the deities that have been “claimed” for the project in no particular order.

Brigid
Jesus
Morrighan
Papa Legba
Abundantia
Cerridwen
Anansi
Loki
Juno
Outer Court Goddess
Hecate
Bast
Hermes
Inana
Janus
Rhiannon
Arianrhod
Kali Ma
Freya
Odin
Vidar
Persephone
Frigg/Frigga
Archangel Raphael
Ganesh
Pan
Green Man
Nebhtet
Aphrodite