Belated Solstice Wishes

I know I posted this image several days ago but I didn't get around to doing a Solstice post. As things are winding down and I am trying to calm the frantic hamsters in my brain I look to this image and feel a warm peaceful feeling. It could also be the herbal tea I have been drinking I suppose. I had intended on posting a couple of recipes I make for tea. I forgot and am so sorry Jenn! Here they are now, they are from this book
I recommend this book for the eye candy alone. The recipes are good although I would prefer a bit more substance. I have tried quite a few of them and enjoyed the results.
The first recipe is:
SPICY TEA

1/4 C DRIED LEMON VERBENA LEAVES
1/4 C DRIED CHAMOMILE
1/4 C DRIED ORANGE PEEL
2 TBSP DRIED ROSEMARY
1 3-inch CINNAMON STICK, CRUSHED

I play around with the amounts and sometimes throw in a little crushed nutmeg (a little goes a very long way)or Allspice or finely chopped dried ginger. I think this is a nice winter blend. I like it without sweetener but might try some of the ginger honey I made last week. The amount used to make a pot or cup varies on how strong a brew you want. Experiment with it. The recipe as posted above makes enough for about 30 cups worth.
The next one is:
AFTERNOON TEA

1/4 C DRIED HIBISCUS FLOWERS
1/2 C DRIED CHAMOMILE
2 TBSP DRIED ROSE HIPS
1 TBSP DRIED ORANGE PEEL
1 3-INCH CINNAMON STICK, CRUSHED

Again, I don't usually use sweeteners in this, but a little agave syrup or honey wouldn't go amiss.

I have a Christmas eve dinner to go to. Yeah! I am bringing the marinated Manchego cheese from here It is from her post on December 12th.
Anyway my fingers are freezing so let me offer my Solstice/Christmas/Human Light and any other religious OR non religious holiday for PEACE, UNDERSTANDING and COMPASSION now and in the new year.