My seeds came yesterday, but I have not had time to look at them. I'll post later with the high points. Thanks MIchelle, for another successful swap. Finally had a chance to open my envelope. Everyone sent great seeds and I will be sowing a lot of them this season. The most creative referenced the poultry and egg garden, including several plumes, Turkey Craw pole beans, a couple of feathers and one Cranesbill, not to mention a couple of foxes in the hen house (Foxgloves). I am always surprised and delighted by some of the associations people make in this swap. Other themes got nice seeds too and poor Miss Lottie could not help but be encouraged by all the different kinds of Marigold. Thanks again! Alana This post was edited by poisondartfrog on Tue, Feb 25, 14 at 19:09

Yes, that's what my "instant" recipe calls for, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla non-dairy creamer, nonfat dry milk, and instant iced tea (no lemon). You end up with a bit of a spice slurry in the bottom of your cup. I don't make the mix anymore because I have found acceptable versions of chai tea mixes, (I like Tzazo tea) and then I just add my own hot milk, vanilla creamer and sugar to taste. I also have to limit my consumption of rich beverages like this. But here's the recipe. You can adjust the quantities to suit your own taste. Instant Chai 1 3/4 instant tea powder (plain) 1 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder 3/4 cup powderd non-dairy creamer 1 cup French vanilla flavored non-dairy creamer 5 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 1 1/2 tsp ground cardamom 1/4 cup raw sugar (turbinado sugar or whatever it is called) 1 1/4 cup confectioners sugar 1 tsp. ground dried orange peel (optional) Mix this all together in the food processor. Now, if only I had written on here how much for a cup of tea! I think it's one or two heaping TBLSP. I have not tried this cold. I don't think this mix would work with cold water, the ingredients wouldn't dissolve. You'd have to make it hot and then cool it down in the fridge. Might as well make the real thing with real loose leaf tea and whole spices in that situation. But in the winter this is quick and delicious. If my memory serves me right, I seriously cut back on the non-dairy creamer and sugar in this recipe. Anyway, if you Google "instant chai recipes" you will find a gazillion similar recipes online. The basic principle ingredients are all there. I also think you could make a highly spiced simple syrup (concentrated sugar syrup) and keep it in the fridge and use that to sweeten iced tea with milk.

A couple people have asked about the rice pilaf. I'm going to have to play around with an exact recipe...not for ingredients but how to have somebody else re-create the finished product from the jar's ingredients. We eat/cook from a food storage program. Some of my ingredients are not in average American pantries (actually, a lot of my ingredients). Here's the basics of what I've got in mind though... Ingredients: 2-3 Teaspoons Organic Dried Butter Powder 1 Tablespoon Freeze-Dried Chopped Onions 1 Tablespoon Home Dehydrated Chopped Red Bell Pepper 1 Teaspoon Homemade Lemon Salt 1-1/2 Cups Long-Grain White Rice 1 Pinch Saffron A Pinch of Home Dehydrated Orange Zest 1 Bay Leaf 2-3 Tablespoons Freeze-Dried Peas 1/4 Cup Freeze-Dried Apricots, Diced 2 Tablespoons Chopped Pistachios Plus about 3-1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth that the gift recepient will provide. I have to make this a few times to get the amount of liquid right. Needs to be enough to cook the rice plus rehydrate the veggies. When I make this type rice dish at home, I don't measure - just use a box of chicken broth & squeeze in enough liquid until it "looks" right. So, I've got to get it down to be more exact for a gift. Also have to play with the ingredient amounts to make sure there's enough but not too much to fit in the jar. Looks like we'll be having Med. Rice Pilaf for dinner soon. (smile) /tricia

Good question sayhellonow. Funny how we try to save on somethings, and then just blow it on something else. I try to save on gas for my car, but then drive all over town going to nurseries for plants! I also have energy saving light bulbs in the house, but then water my lawn and plants! I love having my coffee early in the morning, two cups, then I am set for the day. My regular coffee is a mixture of Yuban and a bit of Vanilla Nut. Every once in a long while when I meet a friend for lunch or dinner, I might have a cup of coffee, but only if I know for sure it is good coffee.