Leftover Lunch - Spiced Orange Sweet Tea

Lots of thing can be salvaged in the kitchen.  Becoming proficient in using every bit of food purchased food takes a bit of patience and creativity. I truly hate throwing out anything.


Ingredients for this spiced orange syrup:

1 - 2 oranges.  I use ones that are not attractive and are a bit too mushy.
Spices
1 cup honey or 1/2 cup sugar

Thoroughly clean the orange.  Shave off any blemishes.
Slice the orange into rings.
1 Tab cinnamon
1 Tab ground cloves
1 family sized tea bag

Add 2 cups water to a 1 qt saucepan and add the orange slices, tea bag and spices only.  Simmer on low for 1 hour or until the orange slices become to soften.  Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Pour the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a bowl.  Try to squeeze out as much liquid from the orange slices as possible.  Discard the orange slices and spices.

Return the liquid to the saucepan and add the honey or sugar.  On medium heat, simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.  Allow to cool.

Add ice to a pitcher and pour the tea mixture over the ice.  Add more cold water to taste.  Garnish with orange slices, if wanted.