making your food taste like the restaurant food

If you want to enjoy the convenience of a Keurig coffee maker without creating a lot of excess waste, then buying a refillable Keurig K cup is a good compromise. When you use a refillable K-cup, you also have more control over the ingredients in your favorite brew. You can definitely just scoop in your favorite coffee, tea, or hot chocolate mixture and let it brew -- but if you're feeling creative or are craving something special, try making one of these tasty, homemade drink mixes for your refillable K-cup.

Spiced Chai Coffee

This flavored coffee drink will taste like a specialty drink served up at your favorite cafe. Add the following ingredients to the refillable K-cup:

• 1 tablespoon ground, medium-roast coffee of your choice (Kenyan and Ethiopian varieties taste lovely in this mix)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch ground ginger

Place the K-cup in the coffee maker, and turn it on to brew. If you have the Keurig coffee maker with the multiple cup size settings, opt for the medium-sized cup. When the coffee has finished brewing, add about 1 tablespoon of cream and a spoonful of sugar. Enjoy!

Triple Dark Coffee

Dark roast coffee, cocoa, and dark chocolate come together for this indulgent beverage. In your reusable K-cup, combine:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons dark roast or French roast coffee
• 1 teaspoon Dutch cocoa
• 1 tiny pinch of salt

Place about 1 teaspoon of grated, high quality dark chocolate in the bottom of your mug before placing it under the coffee dispenser portion of the Keurig machine. Brew the coffee into the cup (using the medium sized setting if possible). Add cream and sugar to taste, and sip away.

Mint Mocha

This chocolaty drink might be best served for desert! Topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, it is super indulgent and will please those who don't like a strong coffee flavor. Add these ingredients to the K-cup:

• 2 teaspoons ground, medium-roast coffee of your choice
• 2 tablespoons of your favorite hot cocoa mix

Pour 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract into a mug before placing it under the coffee dispenser. Brew the coffee (using the large cup setting if possible) into the mug. Top the drink with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy cane before sipping.

Caramel Hot Cocoa

There's no coffee to be found in this sweet hot chocolate drink. If you're having trouble finding caramel flavored, powdered coffee creamer, check your local specialty foods store. Some of the more high-end coffee brands carry it. Add these ingredients to the reusable K-cup:

• 2 tablespoons of your favorite hot chocolate mix
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon caramel flavored, powdered coffee creamer

Add 2 tablespoons of milk to a coffee mug. Place it under the coffee dispenser and brew the mixture (on the medium size setting if possible) into the mug. Top with some whipped cream and caramel sauce for a special touch.

Citrus Tea

If you've never made tea in your Keurig before, you're in for a treat. This homemade, loose leaf mix creates a refreshing beverage. Add the following to your refillable K-cup:

• 2 teaspoons loose leaf white tea of your choice
• 1/4 teaspoon dried orange peel (often sold in the spice aisle)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried lemon peel (often sold in the spice aisle)

Brew the tea into a mug (using the large size setting if possible). Sweeten with honey if desired, and enjoy.

Spiced Chamomile Blend

Another personalized, loose leaf tea blend, this tea is perfect for bedtime since chamomile is known to be calming. Add these ingredients to your refillable K-cup:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons loose leaf chamomile tea
• 1/2 teaspoon loose leaf black tea of your choice
• 1 small pinch nutmeg
• 1 small pinch cinnamon

Brew the tea into a mug (using the large size setting if possible). Add a little milk and sugar for a traditional, soothing drink, or drink plain for a stronger flavor.