Everyone in the house is sick or recovering right now, so I thought I'd post a great recipe for a hot drink that does a great job of soothing sore throats.  

Russian Spiced Tea
3/4 c. instant tea
1 c. instant orange drink (Tang)
1/2 c. instant lemonade mix
1 -1 /2 c. sugar
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground cinnamon

Mix together and store in a airtight container. Use about 2 tablespoons per cup in boiling water.  Feel free to adjust any of the ingredient amounts to suit your own tastes.

I posted this recipe for apple butter that I got from my friend Holli last year on my previous blog, but I've had several requests for it again recently so here it is.

 It is very simple to make and since I usually make it overnight we wake up to a wonderful smelling house in the morning.

All Day Apple Butter

5 1/2 lbs of apples
2 cups sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt

Peel, core and finely chop apples.  (I shred the quarters in my Salad Shooter) Place the apples in a slow cooker (crock pot).  In a medium bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, cloves and salt.  Pour the mixture over the apples and mix well.  Cover and cook on high for 1 hour.

Reduce heat to low and cook 9-11 hours (now you know why I do it overnight) stirring occasionally , until the mixture is thickened and dark brown.

Uncover and continue cooking on low for 1 hour.  Stir with a whisk if desired, to increase smoothness.  Or you can use an immersion blender if you want to make it extra smooth after its finished cooking.  Personally I prefer it a little chunky.

Spoon the mixture into sterile containers, cover and refrigerate or freeze.   This makes about a quart total.

I have found that if you put this into hot canning jars and with hot lids they will seal and then there isn’t a need to freeze or refrigerate.  If you want to be absolutely certain you could run them through a pressure canner like you would applesauce.

This is one of my favorite recipes for Rosh HaShannah. L'Shanah Tovah to all our family and friends.

Glazed Fresh Apple Cookies
(from cooks.com)

1/2 c. butter
1 1/3 c. brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
2 c. flour
1 tsp. soda
1 c. raisins, plumped in 3 tbsp. water
1 c. apples, unpeeled, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 c. milk

 Mix shortening, sugar, egg, vanilla and salt. Add one half of dry ingredients. Add raisins, apples, milk and remaining flour. Drop by teaspoons on cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees about 12 minutes.

 GLAZE FOR APPLE COOKIE:
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
2 1/2 tbsp. milk
1 tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Melt butter and add to other ingredients. Frost cookies when warm.