Tang and Beyond: Surprising Ways to Use Your Drink Powder

Introduction to the World of Tang

Tang! Just hearing the name brings back memories of astronauts and the early days of space exploration. This famous orange flavored drink powder was initially developed in 1957 by William A. Mitchell, a food scientist, at General Foods Corporation. However, it wasn't until the Mercury astronauts chose it for their missions in the 1960s that Tang gained popularity, becoming synonymous with the excitement and innovation of the Space Age.

Tang’s appeal goes beyond its space association. It has become a staple in households due to its convenience, shelf life and delightful citrusy flavor that has delighted taste buds throughout generations. However, what many people don't realize is that Tang can be used for more than a refreshing beverage. Its unique taste and versatility have made it a secret weapon in the world offering a twist to various recipes.

Unexpected Recipes Infused with Tang

1. Flavorful Citrus Glazed Chicken

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Garlic
• Soy sauce
• Honey and
• Tang.

Instructions:

• Combine Tang with honey, garlic and soy sauce to make a glaze.
• Coat the chicken with this mixture and bake until it becomes juicy and tender.

Complemented by:

• Steamed vegetables and rice for a rounded meal.

2. Orange Spice Tea

Ingredients:

• Black tea
• Tang
• Cinnamon and
• Cloves.

Instructions:

• Brew the tea with cinnamon and cloves then stir in Tang until it dissolves.

Serve with:

• Enjoy this tea with ginger snaps or shortbread cookies.

3. Tangy Fruit Dip

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese
• Marshmallow fluff and
• Tang.

Instructions:

• Blend all the ingredients until smooth and serve as a dip for a variety of fruits.

Pair with:

• Apple slices, grapes or strawberries for a snack.

4. Citrus Poppy Seed Muffins

Ingredients:

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Tang
• Milk
• Eggs and
• Poppy seeds.

Instructions:

• Combine the dry ingredients separately from the wet ingredients.
• Then mix them together.
• Bake until they turn brown.

Serve with:

• These muffins are more delicious when enjoyed with a dollop of butter or citrus curd.

5. Tang Infused Pancakes

Ingredients:

• Pancake mix
• Tang and
• Water.

Instructions:

• Add some Tang to your pancake mix before cooking them as usual for a breakfast treat.

Pair with:

• These pancakes are best served with maple syrup and fresh berries.

6. Orange Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients:

• Chocolate
• Heavy cream
• Butter and
• Tang.

Instructions:

• Melt the chocolate, with cream and butter then mix in Tang.
• Chill the mixture and shape it into balls.

Recommended pairing:

• Enjoy these truffles with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.

7. Tangy Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients:

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Vinegar
• Tang spices.

Instructions:

• Combine all the ingredients and simmer the sauce.
• Brush it on meats or tofu while grilling.

Recommended pairing:

• Serve this barbecue sauce with grilled veggies and cornbread.

8. Orange Scented Rice

Ingredients:

• Rice
• Water
• Tang
• Pinch of salt.

Instructions:

• Cook the rice with Tang and salt until it becomes fluffy.

Recommended pairing:

• Serve this rice with grilled chicken or fish.

9. Refreshing Tang Sherbet

Ingredients:

• Tang
• Milk
• Sugar
• Lemon juice.

Instructions:

• Mix all the ingredients together.
• Freeze until set.

Recommended pairing:

• Enjoy this sherbet with fresh fruit or a light cookie.

10. Citrus Salad Dressing

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Vinegar
• Tang
• Mustard
• Honey.

Instructions:

• Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Tang, mustard and honey.
• Drizzle over greens.

Recommended pairing:

• A crisp garden salad or grilled vegetables.

11. Zesty Lemon Bars

Ingredients:

• Flour
• Sugar
• Butter
• Eggs
• Lemon juice and
• Tang.

Instructions:

• Create a crust with flour, butter, and sugar.
• Then top with a mixture of eggs, lemon juice, and Tang.

Pair with:

• A cup of tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

12. Glazed Carrots with an Orange Twist

Ingredients:

• Carrots
• Butter
• Brown sugar and
• Tang.

Cooking instructions:

• Cook the carrots until tender.
• Then glaze them with a mixture of butter, brown sugar and Tang.

Perfect pairing:

• These delicious glazed carrots go well with roast chicken or pork chops.

13. Tangy Popcorn Delight

Ingredients:

• Popcorn
• Melted butter and
• Tang.

Preparation instructions:

• Drizzle melted butter over the popcorn and sprinkle it with a dusting of Tang.

Ideal pairing:

• Enjoy this tangy popcorn treat alongside a soda or as a delightful movie night snack.

14. Zesty Citrus Cured Salmon

Ingredients:

• Salmon fillet
• Salt
• Sugar and
• Tang.

Instructions:

• Cure the salmon using a mixture of Tang, salt and sugar.
• Once cured, thinly slice it for serving.

Ideal accompaniment:

• For a brunch option serve this zesty citrus cured salmon alongside cream cheese and bagels.

15. Orange Jelly

Ingredients:

• Tang
• Water
• Sugar and
• Gelatin.

Instructions:

• Mix gelatin and sugar with water until dissolved then add Tang.
• Pour the mixture into molds.
• Allow it to set.

Serve with:

• Toast or enjoy as a sweet treat.

Conclusion

Tang goes beyond being a beverage; it's an ingredient that brings a burst of citrusy flavor and sweetness to dishes. Whether you're preparing main courses, desserts or refreshing drinks, incorporating Tang into your creations can add an unexpected twist and evoke nostalgic feelings. As you explore these recipes let your imagination guide you and savor the flavors that Tang can bring to your table. Whether you're reminiscing about the space age or simply looking for a way to elevate your cooking game, Tang offers versatility and excitement that's sure to leave a lasting impression.