Berry Punch

When company is coming, sometimes it is fun to make punch. I'll be hosting a few Holiday gatherings, and this is one of my favorites. This is a sweet punch, but not too sweet. It is a beautiful red color - perfect for this time of year, plus it is quick and healthy. Prep time is only 4 minutes! It is in The Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook.

Berry Punch
1 (10 ounce) package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed.
1 (12 ounce) can frozen cranberry juice cocktail concentrate, thawed and undiluted.
1 (12 ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed and undiluted.
2 (1-liter) bottles club soda, chilled.
1 (1-liter) bottle ginger ale, chilled.

Process strawberries in container of an electric blender until smooth. Pour into punch bowl; add cranberry juice cocktail and remaining three ingredients.
Makes 13 1-cup servings

Tips
I always make a double batch. A great way to keep the punch cold without diluting it is to make ice cubes using your choice of club soda, ginger ale or cranberry juice. Another option is to make an ice ring out of 1 batch of the punch recipe. Add some fresh cranberries to make it really festive!

Hot Spice Tea

When the weather gets chillllly like we are experiencing this week, we like something warm to drink that will take the chill from our bones! This recipe is easy to mix up, and you can have on hand for those cool days. It stores well in an air-tight container. I've even made a large batch and given as Christmas gifts!

Hot Spice Tea
1 1/2 Cups Tang
1 Pkg. Koolaid ready mix Lemonade
1/2 Cup Instant Tea
2 to 2 1/2 Cups of Sugar
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Cloves

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, mix well. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup of hot water.

I think you could easily substitute Sugar-free Tang and Splenda to make this a little more diet friendly.