Spiced Tea

Ingredients:

• 9 cups water
• 2 tbsp. roughly chopped fresh ginger
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/4 tsp. whole cloves
• 1/4 tsp. black peppercorns
• 3 (1-inch) strips lemon zest
• 3 (1-inch) strips orange zest
• 10 caffeinated or decaffeinated black tea bags
• 3 tbsp. granular sugar substitute (optional)

Makes 8 Servings (3/4 cup per serving)

1. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add ginger, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, and zests. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to steep at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the refrigerator overnight.
2. When ready to serve, return ginger mixture to a boil. Remove from heat, add tea bags, cover, and steep for 5 minutes. Squeeze tea bags into liquid, then strain and discard solids. Add sugar substitute for a sweeter tea, if desired, and serve hot.

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Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook. I was never a tea drinker when I was younger but I enjoy tea now. This tea will get you into the holiday spirit. Plus, it will make you feel like you're in a Charles Dickens novel after having one sip. The combination of cinnamon, ground cloves, and ginger mixed with fruit zest is very comforting. This tea can be enjoyed during the cold winter months any time of day.