Orange Julius

I was going through my recipe archives this morning and came across this simple, tasty, and kid-friendly recipe. I acquired this recipe from a Bosch cooking class. I just had to make it a part of our breakfast this morning. My kids are still too young/small to drink the entire recipe, so we freeze the remaining drink into popsicle molds and they are so tasty!

1 6 oz can frozen orange juice concentrate
2 Cups Milk
1 tsp Vanilla
1/3 Cup Sugar *
 Ice (optional and to the consistency you desire)

* I have reduced the sugar to 1/4 Cup and it is tasty too! Every little bit helps right? :) I have yet to try splenda or truvia in this recipe, but I bet it would work just the same.

I just add everything into my blender, push the lovely button, and let the amazing gadget to it's job. Pour and serve immediately! :) ENJOY! Just think, with one small glass your kids get the added benefit from the nutrients of milk and orange juice without even knowing it! If only we can add spinach to this drink...

Hot Mulled Apple-Orange Cider

I went to a baby shower that served this drink and was in love! The hostess would not give me the secret family recipe (completely understandable) so I went on the hunt for the recipe because it was THAT GOOD! I tried out many recipes (thanks to the internet) and have found what I think is the recipe, or something close to it! The original recipe came from Southern Living, December 1997.

1 Cup Water
1/2 Cup Sugar
2 (3 inch) Cinnamon Sticks
4 Whole Allspice
1/2 tsp ground ginger
4 Cups Apple Cider
2 Cups Orange Juice
1/4 Cup Lemon Juice

Bring 1 cup of water and sugar to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 3 minutes. Add cinnamon, allspice, and ginger. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Pour mixture through a wire-mesh strainer into a Dutch oven, discarding spices. Add apple cider and juices; bring to a boil and serve hot. The yield is about 7 1/2 Cups

To be redirected to Southern Living Recipe website, click here.

I must admit the recipe from that baby shower kept the spices in the Dutch oven and the hostess had slices of oranges in the drink. I have altered this recipe to more like hers. I have also, when possible, used all fresh ingredients and it is that much better.