Hot Ginger Coffee

Ingredients:
6 tablespoons ground coffee (not instant)
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1 tablespoon chopped crystallized or candied ginger*
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 cups cold water
Fat free whipped cream, cinnamon sticks and/or additional orange peel, optional

Directions:
Combine the coffee, orange peel, ginger and cinnamon; pour into a coffee filter. Brew according to manufacturer's directions. Pour into mugs; garnish with whipped cream, cinnamon sticks and orange peel if desired.

NOTE:
Look for crystallized or candied ginger in the spice or baking section of your grocery store.

Some fun and interesting ginger facts:
*Ginger, when crystallized or brewed as a tea serves as a remedy for quesy stomachs and motion sickness.

*Ginger may ward off the temporary unpleasant effects of alcohol i.e., healthy hangover relief!

*Ginger may invigorate tired muscles and joints when added to bath oils/salts.

*The scent of ginger is an instant mood booster.

*Ginger dates back to the Middle Ages, when women presented the treat as a favor to knights going into battle. The gingerbread was elaborately and ornately decorated, sometimes even with gold leaf!