One of the items for sale was a cider mix that was attractively coupled with a mug and cinnamon sticks. Needing a gift for a friend, I considered making the purchase, but quickly regained some of my frugal sensibility (I was still in a Starbuck's so I wasn't be totally frugal to begin with) and realized how I could put together the same gift for $1 or less.

Compiled here is an assortment of wonderful mixes that, when prepared, are sure to warm the soul. Pick your favorite and make some for yourself, or a friend!

Hot Cocoa Mix
Ingredients:
1 (8-qt.) box instant powdered milk
1 (16 oz.) jar non-dairy creamer
1 (2 lb.) box Nestle's Quik
1 (1 lb.) box confectioners' sugar

Directions:
Sift sugar and mix together. Add 2 cups miniature marshmallows, if desired. To use, fill a mug half full of mix. Add boiling water.

Cinnamon and Spice Beverage Mix
Ingredients:
2/3 cup instant coffee
1 1/3 cups sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. allspice

Directions:
Mix thoroughly and put into a blender a couple cups at a time, and blend to a fine powder. To use, add approximately 2 rounded teaspoons per cup of boiling water, or less, to suit your own taste.

Friendship Tea Mix
Ingredients:
1 (18 oz.) jar Tang breakfast drink (orange flavor)
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup presweetened lemonade mix (such as Country Time)
1/2 cup instant tea
1 (3 oz. box ) orange or peach Jell-O
2 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves

Directions:
Combine these dry ingredients and store in an airtight container. Use 1 1/2 tablespoons per cup of boiling water. Makes approximately 50 servings.

Malted Hot Cocoa Mix
Ingredients:
1 (25.6 oz.) box nonfat dry milk powder
6 cups miniature marshmallows
1 (16 oz.) container instant chocolate milk mix
1 (13 oz.) jar malted milk powder
1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
1 (6 oz.) jar powdered non-dairy creamer
1/2 tsp. salt

Directions:
In large bowl, combine all ingredients and stir until well blended. Store in an airtight container. Keep in a cool place. Makes about 20 cups or 10 gifts. To serve, pour 6 ounces of hot water over 1/3 cup cocoa mix, and stir until well blended.

Toffee Mocha Beverage Mix
Ingredients:
2/3 cup instant coffee
1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 cup brown sugar, packed

Directions:
Mix thoroughly and put into a blender a couple cups at a time and blend to a fine powder. To use, add approximately 2 rounded teaspoons per cup of boiling water, or less, to suit your own taste.

Swiss Mocha Beverage Mix
Ingredients:
1 cup instant coffee
1 cup sugar
2 cups nonfat dry milk
4 T. cocoa powder

Directions:
Mix thoroughly and put into a blender a couple cups at a time and blend to a fine powder. To use, add approximately 2 rounded teaspoons per cup of boiling water, or less, to suit your own taste.

Spiced Tea Mix
Ingredients:
1 (18 oz.) jar orange breakfast beverage crystals
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup red cinnamon candies
1/3 cup instant tea mix
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves

Directions:
Combine all ingredients; store in an airtight container. To serve, stir 1 1/2 tablespoons of mix into 1 cup hot water, stirring until candies dissolve.

Spiced Cocoa Mix
Ingredients:
2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
1/2 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

Directions:
Combine all ingredients, and mix thoroughly. For each serving, combine 1/3 cup Spiced Cocoa Mix and 3/4 cup boiling water. Stir to dissolve.

Mocha Cocoa Beverage Mix
Ingredients:
2 2/3 cups nonfat dry milk
3/4 cup instant cocoa mix
1/2 cup. instant coffee
1/4 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions:
Mix thoroughly and put into a blender a couple cups at a time and blend to a fine powder. To use, add approximately 2 rounded teaspoons per cup of boiling water, or less, to suit your own taste.

Fruity Cocoa Mix
Ingredients:
3 cups instant hot cocoa mix
1 pkg. unsweetened Kool-Aid mix, any fruity flavor

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a sealable container. Shake well until blended. Store in an airtight container. To use, stir 2 heaping tablespoons into a coffee mug of hot water.

Rachael Ray 365: No Repeats (A 30-Minute Meal Cookbook)



About the author: Brandie Valenzuela is a wife, mother of three and entrepreneur. If you like this article, you are sure to like other goodies she offers, including HomeMade Living -- a free ezine for stay-at-home mothers. Subscribe to her ezine at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/homemadeliving.