Jodie Bailey's Russian Tea

Jodie Bailey writes novels about freedom and the heroes who fight for it. Her novels include Freefall and Crossfire, from Love Inspired Suspense, as well as Quilted by Christmas, from Abingdon Press. Her devotions have appeared in Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home and Sweet Freedom with a Slice of Peach Cobbler. She is convinced a camping trip to the beach with her family, a good cup of coffee, and a great book can cure all ills. Jodie lives in North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and two dogs. Learn more about Jodie and her writing HERE. 

Jodie's Latest Book Release - Quilted by Christmas 

Taryn is keeping a secret she never should have kept.

You’re needy. Manipulative. You used me. In Taryn McKenna’s last conversation with high school sweetheart Justin Callahan, his angry words rooted themselves deeply into her heart. After Justin abandons her to join the army, Taryn vows to never love again. And she decides to keep a closely guarded secret from him—forever.

Focused on being completely independent, Taryn pours herself into teaching high school in Hollings, North Carolina and helping her spunky Grandma Jemma. But when Jemma’s health takes a turn for the worse, and Justin reappears, Taryn’s emotions get more tangled than a knotted piece of thread. A hand-stitched Irish chain quilt holds the message of healing Taryn needs. But will she realize the depth of God’s unconditional love for her? Purchase the book HERE. 

Jodie's Recipe for Russian Tea

When I was growing up, my Aunt Shirley and my grandmothers mothered me. One of the things I remember is Aunt Shirley teaching me how to make Russian Tea. It’s a super simple recipe, but I make it nearly every year. It’s the perfect blend of spice and warmth and just something that tastes like home. When I was writing Quilted by Christmas, I wanted Taryn to have a simple memory of her mother, much like I have of my Aunt Shirley, who died so young at 43. In one of the early scenes in the novel, Taryn is talking to her grandmother and searching for comfort. She reaches for the Russian Tea her mother taught her to make.

1 cup instant tea powdered mix (WITHOUT lemon or sweetener)
2 cups of Tang or another orange flavored drink mix
1 packet of unsweetened lemonade mix
2 cups of sugar
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
½ teaspoon of cloves

Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container. To serve, mix 3 tablespoons (or more to taste) in a mug of hot water. I always add more, because I like mine strong.