Iced Varietea

Lately we’ve had the happy problem of too many teas in our house.

Yes, yes, it’s true. Some years ago I created a tea menu to list all the varieties in our tea cupboard. I always thought it overwhelming to verbally list all the options for our guests who would quickly lose track of the teas, coffees and hot chocolates, as we turned after dinner choices into almost a course of their own! This tea menu has been regularly updated as our collection grew and became a bit excessive.

It was too much. And I kept buying more.

"Enough!" my poor husband declared, and asked that we not buy any more teas until we had used up what we had.

Use it up,

Wear it out,

Make it do,

Do without.

Thanks to my late grandmother, this has become my mantra lately (echoed by my five-year-old son). But what do you do with endless varieties of random teas in the summertime?

You make the best. iced. teas. ever.

It is SO MUCH FUN to blend your own teas with Exodus 4:2a in mind: “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘What do you have in your hand?’”

So here is what I have been doing:

1. Boil a quart of water.

2. In a mason jar, put one family-size teabag (we use Lipton).

3. Add one spoonful (teaspoon or tablespoon, it doesn’t really matter) flavored loose-leaf tea or one individual teabag.

4. Add boiling water and let steep (or ignore it for as long as you want).

5. Strain, using fine mesh sieve, and toss used leaves/bags into compost container.

6. Sweeten as desired (I use a couple tablespoons xylitol for green tea or 3/8 cup sugar for black tea—a little sweeter than I like, but that’s how my husband likes it. Sometimes I cheat and cut back).

7. Pour into half-gallon pitcher and refrigerate.

We have enjoyed some marvelous flavors this way, and using one large teabag really stretches the flavored ones. Right now on my counter I have two jars brewing, one with black tea flavored with jasmine cream, the other green with peppermint leaves and a green citrus small bag. Some of our other favorites include:

• Teavana Almondina Biscotti (still available, but you have to ask—their Amandine Rose would be similar)
• Teavana Toasted Nut Brulee
• Black tea with one Earl Grey (delicious combination!)
• Black tea with one Constant Comment (a Virginia classic)

Yes, our collection is shrinking to make room for new discoveries and favorites. We still have a long ways to go before I buy new tea, but this practice has been a wonderful opportunity to make the most of the overwhelming selection of flavors, and to really share and enjoy them!

Afternoon Tea

Megan and I challenged each other to start having afternoon tea on a regular basis with our children. We both enjoy it, and our children do, too...but both of us were having trouble making it a regular part of the routine. I'm not sure how Megan's done this summer, but we are finally settling into a nice routine in this area--one I hope to continue during the school year.

We have our tea snack around 4, when my kids get up from their rest times. This is our only snack for the day. This works for us because we don't eat dinner until around 6:30 or 7:00.

Here's the thing, folks: it's NOT elaborate. Sometimes we make hot tea, sometimes we drink iced tea... and sometimes we have juice or water or milk. I predict some hot chocolate and hot homemade chai in the cooler months ahead. We sit down for about 20 minutes--just enough to chat, take the edge off late afternoon hunger, and rest Mommy's feet.

What do we eat? I've started making things right after lunch that are on the healthier end of the dessert spectrum and/or breakfasty--we eat a small portion for a snack and then we eat the leftovers for breakfast next morning! It's not always homemade, but I do make the tea snack something of a little "treat" in feel. We rarely have dessert after dinner, so this kind of takes that place. The key here is portion control; we don't need to feel full  (after all, I know dinner is coming in a couple of hours ☺). Here are some ideas:

• coffee cake
• fruit-based dessert
• cinnamon graham crackers with cream cheese and a side of fruit
• cheese, crackers, some fruit
• French bread spread with nutella and some fruit (this was a BIG hit)
• muffins with some nuts or fruit on the side
• quick bread (such as banana or zucchini or pumpkin) with some fruit or nuts 
• snack cake (many snack cakes are no different than their quick bread relatives in terms of sugar/fat!)
• rice pudding or bread pudding (using up those leftovers ☺)

What types of foods would you include on this list?

A Teacup History

My mother-in-law has started a very cool teacup collection for my daughter. As a break from book-related posts, I thought I'd share this lovely idea.

In the photo, you will see an assortment of demitasse cups and saucers. Starting with the far left and moving clockwise around, they are (1) my great grandmother's fine china, (2) my grandmother's fine china, (3) one of the patterns from my mother-in-law's side, (4) my mother-in-law's china, (5) another pattern from my mother-in-law's side, and (6) another of my grandmother's. I need to track down my dad's mother's pattern. We also need to round up a cup in my pattern and my mother's. Ebay and Replacements, Ltd. have been the main sources so far.

Pretty neat, isn't it?! Whenever my mother-in-law decides to give these to my daughter, my daughter will have a tangible reflection of the generations of women who have come before her. It's a "teacup history."

Weekly Round-up: Tea in Children's Books

Although the lovely habit of teatime is primarily British, many books for children allude to it. Many of my favorite stories, especially picture books, include references to teatime or show a pot of tea with a plate of cookies in the illustrations. Even children (yes girls, but also my toddler and preschool-age sons) delight in hosting tea parties whether or not they witness their parents having tea on a regular basis. There is a whole series of posts just waiting on this topic! In the meantime, I've been slowly collecting titles that celebrate or mention tea.  Titles are scattered around in note form, but the following immediately come to mind.

How many can you add? (We'll add titles that come to our minds as well as those we hear from you!)

Alice in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll)
A Bargain for Frances (Russell Hoban)
The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig (Eugene Trivizas)
A Visitor for Bear (Bonny Becker)
May I Bring a Friend (Beatrice Shenk de Regniers)
Frog and Toad All Year (Arnold Lobel; "The Corner")
Mouse Tales (Arnold Lobel; parents drinking tea at end of book)
Miss Spider's Tea Party (David Kirk)
Annie and Snowball and the Teacup Club (Cynthia Rylant)


Cover image above from goodreads

A Visitor for Bear

A Visitor for Bear
Bonny Becker, author
Kady MacDonald, illustrator
2008

Bear is a curmudgeon who despises visitors. When his breakfast preparations are repeatedly disrupted by a "small and gray and bright-eyed" mouse who simply won't go away without a cup of tea, Bear finally gives in. A beautiful example of true friendship in children's literature that demonstrates how unlikely, yet genuine relationships can develop. Bear remains a curmudgeon throughout, but Mouse's cheerful persistence reminds the reader that in spite of appearances, everybody needs faithful friends. Features beautiful watercolor illustrations and teatime.

We have also enjoyed A Birthday for Bear and look forward to reading A Bedtime for Bear and The Sniffles for Bear.

The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig

The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig
Eugene Trivizas, author
Helen Oxenbury, illustrator
1993

Among fractured retellings of The Three Pigs, this is by far my favorite. It reverses traditional roles of predator and prey (why would a pig be bullying three mild-mannered wolves?) and goes beyond straw, hay and brick in such a natural voice that in a concluding twist, meekness and tea break down more resistance than force. Although the conflict resolution seems oversimplified, I as a Christian, friend and mother am reminded how much peace can be accomplished in the home through kindness.

Humorous, accompanied by great illustrations; another teatime book.

A Secret Garden Dinner Party

Our women's book club usually reads the "classics." This has been great fun because we often find that we either enjoy these classics much more as grownups (The Scarlet Letter is a good example) or we never read them in the first place (Ethan Frome is next on this list; I haven't read that one). I don't make many of the meetings anymore, but I must share what they did recently with The Secret Garden.

Mediocre Tea + Styrofoam Cup = Nastiness

I've done some traveling this summer and have been forced to confront this ugly truth over and over: NOTHING tastes good in styrofoam (unless it's instant hot chocolate mix and I'm sitting around a campfire...). But I digress.

I'm not sure if coffee tastes as terrible in styrofoam, but tea is downright undrinkable--even if you start with something halfway decent, like Twinings.

Another thought has occurred to me during my travels: why, oh why, don't fast food restaurants offer hot tea? Think about it: you don't have to do ANY prep. As long as you have a hot water dispenser, you simply need to have a stash of tea bags. That's it. No clean up. No wasted tea to throw out at the end of the day. No filters to buy. Nada. Zip. Maybe my favorite Chick-Fil-A will see this post and start offering hot tea. Then, there truly will be no competition to the great chicken sandwich (and bendy straws--CFA is the only one to wise up to this genius idea for kiddos!).

Any thoughts from the peanut gallery? Any places you've found suitable hot tea options (other than coffee houses and establishments like Panera)? (note that I said "suitable"--I'm not even asking for delicious here... just something drinkable)

Iced Tea: A Primer and Some Recipes

(Now, hush, y'all--some folks out there really don't know these things, but I'm a'fixin' to cure what ails 'em)

If you walk into most any ol' Southern restaurant--especially a "down home" meat and three type place or a BBQ joint--and order "tea," you will get what we call "Sweet Tea." This is different from "sweetened" tea and, of course, diametrically opposed to "Unsweetened Tea." Despite my Southern roots, I've developed quite a taste for Unsweet Tea, but I always have to specify "Unsweet" and emphasize the "un." Even at MacDonald's, if you don't specify, you will be served a tankard of Sweet Tea.

So, what is the difference between Sweet Tea and sweetened tea? Simple: when you make the tea, you put sugar in it... a LOT of sugar in it.... When it's cooled enough to pour over ice, you have "Sweet Tea." Now, if you merely add a touch of sugar to take the edge off when you first brew it or add sweetener of some kind once the tea is in a glass, you have "sweetened tea." Two very different drinks. If you've never had "Sweet Tea," think of a tea-flavored punch and you'll have it about right.

It's beginning to warm up enough that my afternoon cuppa is too hot. So, I've switched to iced tea. Since I like mine without the Kool-aid effect, I can brew some up in the morning and simply leave it on the counter all day until I'm ready to pour it over ice. (And I always brew mine in a teapot.) I'll let Megan give us a good recipe for Sweet Tea, since her current community is more Southern than is mine. Here are some of my favorite unsweetened iced tea concoctions--try them just once without added sugar! You'll be surprised by how refreshing they are.

(Oh, and be careful when you start talking iced tea with Southerners. Most have an attachment to a particular brand, such as Tetley or Luzianne. I'm a Tetley girl myself.)

Basic Unsweetened Tea
4 tea bags (or 1 family size tea bag--yes, they do make them that big!)
4 cups boiling water

Pour water over tea bags and let steep ~5 minutes. It will be strong, but the ice will help dilute it later.

Slightly Sweetened Tea (my mom's method and what I grew up drinking)
4 tea bags (or 1 family size tea bag)
4 cups boiling water
tablespoon or two of sugar

Pour water over tea bags and let steep ~5 minutes. Add sugar and stir to mix after removing tea bags. This is just sweet enough to take that edge off; most people who like Sweet Tea will still want to add quite a bit of sugar to their glass. We always added a sprig of mint to the actual glass and frequently added lemon or limes to it as well.

Unsweetened Mint Tea (how my mother-in-law makes it--very refreshing!)
4 tea bags (or 1 family size tea bag)
1 peppermint tea bag
4 cups boiling water

Pour water over tea bags and let steep ~5 minutes. Pour over ice when ready. (It's nice to add some sprigs of fresh mint to this)

Another truly delicious, and different, iced tea alternative is Rooibos Tropica tea served over ice. What are your favorite iced tea concoctions?

The Perfect Cuppa: Tetley British Blend

Now, we tea drinkers all know that certain teas are best at different times of day. Currently, my perfect cuppa in the morning is none other than Tetley British Blend. I was on a PG Tips kick there for a while but had to cut back in the ol' budget realm. I tried Tetley British Blend: perfect.

It's robust and gets too strong almost immediately--you have to keep an eye on it. One tea bag will make a nice, strong, large mugful (only a bone china one, right?) or even a small, 4-cup potful. It begs for milk, which adds to the morning charm. Mmmmm... I'm becoming quite addicted. I'm even gravitating to it in the afternoons as well. (Shows partly how tired I am these days, but also that it's just one of the most comforting, soothing black teas ever.) It's hard to describe, but in comparison to other quality black teas, especially some loose leaf teas we have, Tetley British Blend is more full-bodied; the others taste "thin" without tasting weak.... does that make sense?

Anyway, if you're looking for a nice, strong cup of tea in the morning, give Tetley British Blend a try!

Teacups, Teapots, and Tea Sets

From the time I was a little girl, I've loved tea sets: the matching cups and saucers, the fancy tea pots, the coordinating creamer and sugar.... I was destined to be a collector. I know Megan shares my sentiments exactly--that's part of what drew us together! In fact, the reason I wanted Lenox fine china was because I liked the shape of the teacups in their classic china collections.

We've both come to a disturbing realization lately--disturbing but freeing at the same time: we have too many tea pots and tea cups (gasp!). Is that possible? Unfortunately, yes, it is. Megan has been inspired to write an amazing short story that hopefully will published--one that reflects our dilemma and provides a wonderful solution. In the meantime, whilst we all wait with baited breath for the publication of said story, here's what I've come up with (giving credit where credit is due--this is all thanks to Megan's inspiration!).

My number 1 criterion for keeping various teapots and teacups:

Do I enjoy using it?

If it doesn't meet that criteria, then, no matter how attractive, how sentimental, how priceless, I need to consider getting rid of it. This has prompted some interesting reflection. For instance, I was using a teapot that I enjoyed using, but which had no value other than I simply liked the way it looked. A recent kitchen redo took away some of my storage, and I was forced to part with at least one teapot. I got rid of that very one because the others were all more sentimental in some way, and I simply decided to start using them! It's akin to using the good china instead of letting it linger unnoticed year after year. I'm sending a precious tea cup to a friend of mine who's going through a hard time. We both spent time in Scotland, so I know a teacup from Scotland will mean a lot to her. I don't enjoy actually using that teacup--I just like the way it looks and knowing its origin. Now, it's on its way to a mission much more spiritually uplifting than gracing my teacup shelf. And, oh, the pleasure of "using the good stuff"! If it gets chipped along the way, oh well--at least I'll have enjoyed its tenure in my possession.

Speaking of having "enough" teacups, I have 26 teacups (or nice china mugs) that coordinate with existing sets of china, so I'll never be short for a normal tea party. Thus, it's purely up to my enjoyment of the extras as to whether they'll "make the cut." I have teacups I've collected from different countries--the fun part is trying to figure out if I actually like drinking out of them. If not... then they're on to a new mission. This is where the freeing part comes in--if I don't enjoy actually drinking out of it, I need to find another use (small vase? coin/change holder? Goodwill box?).

I'm hopefully going to inherit a teaset from my mother. It sits on a small table at my mother's house, and I've never seen it used. It's the tea set that started me on my love affair with tea sets when I was a little girl (that and my voracious appetite for British literature). Will I use it when I get it or sit it on display? Probably both--after all, tea sets are meant to be used. Will I enjoy drinking out of those diminutive cups? You betcha! Will I be sad when and if one breaks? Of course, but I'll know that it was fulfilling its mission in life: to be filled with tea and to bring joy to someone.

On a final note: I let my kids drink out of some very sentimental tea cups I got in the Czech Republic. They're quite small and the perfect size for little hands. My daughter, especially, loves drinking out of "real" teacups. And I've been drinking out of my all-time favorite tea cup every day for the past 2 weeks.... (pictured above and purchased in London)

Rooibos Tropica

While we're on the subject of Teavana's divine teas, I must review my family's favorite: Rooibos Tropica. I don't like plain Rooibos (aka the African Red Tea to many), but this concoction is perfection!

It's got a floral, fruity aroma and taste--sweet without any added sugar. It makes a wonderful iced tea as well, especially if you're trying to cut back on sugar. It doesn't have a "sweet tea" flavor when iced, but it does have a faint sweetness that precludes the need for added sugar. It's a favorite of both mine and my husband's, hot or iced. Since Rooibos is naturally caffeine free, we can enjoy this tea any time, day or night.

I also enjoy rose tea (similar to rose hip or hibiscus); Teavana carries a Rooibos Rose tea that is quite similar to the Tropica and just as delightful.

What Smaug would drink?

I’m catching up on describing some of the interesting teas I have tried lately. My next Revolution tea sample is Dragon Eye Oolong, a very unusual and distinctively flavored tea. It tasted green, flowery, fruity, smoky and dignified, just what I can imagine Smaug drinking while he hoarded his treasure. I don’t have much experience with Oolong yet so I’m not sure how this compares to others (I’ll let you know). It’s a bold, wild tea, not quite calming for evening or meditative for Scripture reading and prayer, but worth experiencing if you’re ready for something really different.

Tea review: Teavana Almond Biscotti

We’ve been considering books for a while here on LiterariTea, but I don’t want to overlook the teas we love to enjoy with our reading!

Since Betsy introduced me to Teavana, one of the first teas I ordered was Almond Biscotti. Now, it’s definitely more expensive with shipping (unless you happen to be walking down the street in Charleston and see a Teavana store right there!), but a wonderful treat if you’re looking for one. Now for flavored teas, I’m a fan of Celestial Seasonings’ herbal Dessert teas after dinner when I don’t want the caffeine. I especially like Almond Sunset because my Grandma served me “cambric” Almond Sunset tea with milk and sugar when I was growing up, but Almond Biscotti is a unique choice for the beverage connoisseur who divides their choice of pleasure between good coffee or good tea, preferably in a choice location, while reading a good book.

Almond Biscotti tea is just different. It has a nutty taste (probably because of the chopped almonds mixed in with the leaves), and with a little sugar, definitely reminiscent of a good cookie (without the chocolate). But it’s still an excellent tea, and you can’t miss that, and shouldn’t.

Definitely one to try.

Recipes for an English Tea

(Oh, poor, neglected little blog of ours.... )

My aunt picked up a delightful little book for me when she was in England with my cousin this past year. It's a tiny book with the alluring title: Recipes for an English Tea. Perfect! I'll be trying out some of these little recipes hopefully and posting any that seem worthy, but for now, I'll leave you with the wonderful opening quotation:

"Tea, though ridiculed by those who are naturally coarse in their nervous sensibilities...will always be the favorite beverage of the intellectual."

~Thomas de Quincy 1785-1859

p.s. I've now looked through my little book... I won't be making these recipes, but they are charming examples of a Victorian tea! We don't even use measurements/ingredients like this anymore, so I'll have to find some modern interpretations.

Inexpensive Loose Tea

Recently, my husband and I ventured into a small Asian market. In addition to being a great source for all things Chinese he remembered eating when he was in China, it had an abundant supply of loose tea. This was very ordinary tea--plain green tea and oolong. I'm learning to like oolong, so I thought I'd give it a try. The bag I bought was $3.99: at home, I filled almost 3 quart-sized canning jars! The bags were simply plastic bags someone had filled with tea; no brand name, ounce equivalent, or anything like that. If you enjoy fresh loose tea, check out your local Asian/ethnic grocery stores. You might find a deal! (And, since I'm not an oolong connoisseur, I don't really know if the tea is outstanding, but it's definitely fresh.)

"Mighty" Good Tea at a Chain Bakery?!

I put my tea snobbery to rest last weekend. Or, rather, I refueled it by finding a genuinely good black tea at the Corner Bakery last weekend (in Chicago). I stopped by on a Saturday morning with some friends; we were all in town for another friend's wedding. They all wanted coffee and were convinced that the Corner Bakery would provide both coffee and vittles. I kept my mouth shut, planning to either drink the expected inferior tea in silence or abstain from caffeine all together.

The Corner Bakery carries Mighty Leaf Tea instead of the usual Republic of Tea or Tazo that is generally offered in similar establishments, so I thought I'd give it a whirl. It was great! I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful tea, and the tea bag was cool to boot. This had genuine black tea flavor--clean with no off flavors (no dusty or musty overtones). It tasted fresh and was the perfect strength.

I've done a little research and since discovered that this tea is a touch more expensive than something like Twinings or Celestial Seasonings, but you can indeed find it in some grocery stores (I saw it in Whole Foods) and online. It's worth a try for a good, bagged tea.

The Best Scones Ever

(post also published simultaneously at full tummies)

I realize that's a pretty boastful recipe title, but these scones are the best I've ever tasted or made (and I've made a lot of scones over the past 10 years or so and eaten my fair share actually in England/Scotland). In fact, a British lady I knew used to pay me to make these for her because she liked them better than any she could find in the local coffee shops here in the Southeast (U.S.).

The original recipe is from Country Baking, but I've made a few wee changes. I'll include my variations first in each case.

2 1/2 cups flour (white, white whole wheat, or combination--I've done all)
2 t. grated orange peel (~the zest of one medium-sized orange)
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. craisins, raisins, or currants
1/2 c. plain yogurt or sour cream
1/3 c. honey
1 egg, slightly beaten

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease baking sheet*; set aside.
2. Combine flour, orange peel, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in large bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in craisins/raisins/currants. Combine yogurt/sour cream, honey, and egg in medium bowl until well blended. Stir into flour mixture until soft dough forms. Turn out dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead dough 10 times. Shape dough into 8-inch square. Cut into 4 squares; cut each square diagonally in half, making 8 triangles. Place triangles 1-inch apart on baking sheet.
3. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean (scones will have risen slightly and will begin to split every so slightly along the sides when done). Remove from baking sheet. Cool on wire rack 10 minutes. Serve warm or cool completely. These also freeze well once cooled. To thaw, simply remove from freezer the night before. You can also underbake them slightly and then freeze (once they've cooled). Once thawed, pop them back in the oven for a minute or two to finish browning and to warm up.
4. Serve with butter, lemon curd, strawberry jam, or...to be really authentic...clotted cream. Mmmm.... These are perfect for breakfast or tea time.

*I highly recommend a stoneware baking sheet (which does not need to be greased); it has made a big difference for me with these scones. They rise higher and seem to cook better all the way around on a stone sheet.

Another "Revolution" sample

(What I'm reading: The Dark Hills Divide by Patrick Carman)

I’m catching up on describing some of the interesting teas I have tried lately. My next Revolution tea sample is Dragon Eye Oolong, a very unusual and distinctively flavored tea. It tasted green, flowery, fruity, smoky and dignified, just what I can imagine Smaug drinking while he hoarded his treasure. I don’t have much experience with Oolong yet so I’m not sure how this compares to others (I’ll let you know). It’s a bold, wild tea, not quite calming for evening or meditative for Scripture reading and prayer, but worth experiencing if you’re ready for something really different.

I'll post book reviews soon, I promise!

Republic of Tea, bottled and iced

I know this is not Betsy's favorite brand of tea, but it still works for me.

Malls create a natural environment for indulgence, and after several hours visiting one overgrown shopping center, I needed cold, unsweetened refreshment. I happened to stop by one store that carried bottles of Republic of Tea Passionfruit Green Tea, which just hit the spot that day. Although I’m not usually a green tea fan (though I might learn to adjust, given the right inducements and varieties), this did not have a strong “green” flavor. It tasted more like light, unsweetened fruit juice, with the right amount of tea-ness I desired. I am also fond of several Celestial Seasonings herbal iced teas, and this was a similar experience. It is expensive (over $3.00 for 12 oz. at this venue), but perfectly suited to my need. Definitely one I’ll try again (or maybe another flavor next time…).