RECIPE: SPICED TEA

18 cloves 6 pieces cinnamon bark 9 C. boiling water 2/3 C. lemon juice
1 1/2 C. orange juice 3 pt. ginger ale Tea bags, to taste Sugar, to taste (lots)

Pour boiling water over tea and spices. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Strain. Add juices and ginger ale. Sweeten to taste.

My mother always served this tea for her class meetings and circle meetings when they were held at her house. She always instructed my father and me that we were not to sneak any of it because it was too expensive to make and it was only for special occasions. Well, of course I had sneaking down to a fine art. Before she came home from work or after she went to bed I could have an extra cuppa if I were careful to wash the warming pan and cup. It was only after I started making it that I discovered that it always left a wonderful smell in the air after it was heated. She probably knew.

Incidentally, it's always better made the day before! It needs to set up a bit.