These recipes originally appeared in the October 2023 issue of HomeLife Magazine.
It doesn’t take much to cozy up to fall.
Over the past month, my husband, Thom, and I have spent our weekends well-clad in flannel, as we work to spruce up our lake house for the fall season. I must admit, it’s a labor of love. We’ve gathered and chopped wood for the fire ring, put a fresh coat of stain on the Adirondacks, and pulled our boat from its lift — stowing away the last remnants of summer. We take on these tasks not only for our family and friends, but for the many guests who will frequent our lakeside getaway as soon as there is a nip in the air.
You see, four years ago my love of hospitality merged with the short-term rental sector when we decided to share our beloved lake house with vacation seekers from across the country, and even abroad. The same energy and enthusiasm I offered my family and friends now transcends to those who book our space, looking forward to a getaway of their own, where they will find new adventures and create their own memories. I’ve always found great joy in making others feel well cared for, and hosting guests adds yet another limb to our tree of generosity.
Early one morning before the aforementioned sprucing had started for the day, I grabbed a moment to sit on the dock in our quiet cove to watch the orange, red, and yellow leaves gently make their way to their final resting place on the lake’s surface. As I sat in amazement, it wasn’t long before a craving for a chill-squelching beverage became a distraction from my serenity. Just like that, I found the inspiration to offer the guests who would be enjoying our home this fall a treat to enjoy during their stay. Soon my thoughts were running wild with a bevy of fall beverages and unique ways to present them as well. I envisioned the recipes framed and visibly displayed at the coffee/tea station with ingredients stocked and readily available in decorative jars. I came up with three versions of warm goodness for our guests to prepare for themselves, to help them unwind, relax, or reinvigorate. They range from a Chai Tea Latte made from Tazo® tea, spices, and milk; a decadent cup of Fire Pit S’mores Hot Chocolate; and my version of Starbucks’® Medicine Ball.
So, add a branch to your generosity tree this season and share a cup of cozy comforts with your loved ones and guests.
Chai Tea Latte
Makes 2-3 servings
Ingredients
2 Tazo Chai Classic® tea bags
1 c. water
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. allspice
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
3/4 c. whole milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
Cinnamon or star of anise for garnish
Whipped cream for garnish
Directions
In a small saucepan, bring one cup of water to a boil. Add the next five spices to the pot, and gently whisk until combined. Remove the pot of water from the heat and add tea bags. Allow them to steep for five minutes. Remove tea bags. Disperse the tea and spices into individual cups. Add the milk to the same pan along with vanilla and maple syrup. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Pour milk mixture into a frother or use an immersion blender in the pan. Add milk to the cups and garnish with cinnamon, star of anise, and/or whipped cream.
—Tip from Laura
In the absence of a frother or immersion blender, use a mason jar with a lid. Pour in warm milk and shake vigorously.
Fire Pit S’mores Hot Chocolate
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
1 Tbsp. honey
1/4 c. Graham crackers (crumbed)
2 c. milk
1/4 c. Hershey’s® chocolate syrup
a pinch of ground cayenne pepper (to taste)
marshmallow fluff (or mini marshmallows)
cinnamon (as garnish)
Directions
In a pan over medium heat, add the milk, chocolate syrup, and
cayenne pepper. Whisk together until well combined. Froth the milk in the pan with an immersion blender. Rim the cup with honey. Tip the cup upside down and place in the Graham cracker crumbs. Pour chocolate milk mixture carefully into the cups without disturbing the Graham cracker rim. Top with marshmallow fluff or mini marshmallows. Garnish with a pinch of cinnamon and drizzle chocolate syrup.
Medicine Ball Booster
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
2 c. water
1 tea bag Teavana® Jade Citrus Mint tea
1 tea bag Teavana Peach Tranquility tea
1 Tbsp. honey
1-1/2 c. lemonade
2 sprigs of mint (optional)
2 slices lemon (optional)
Directions
In a small saucepan over medium high heat, bring water to a boil. Remove from heat and add both tea bags. Allow to steep for one to two minutes. Add the honey and stir until it dissolves. Add the lemonade, then divide into two tumblers. Add a sprig of mint and a slice of lemon to each tumbler.
—Tip from Laura
This recipe is a great lift if you feel a little low or a cold coming on.
