So I have been thinking for a little (or a whole lot) while about what constitutes a high tea and have come to the conclusion that really the sky is the limit, as long as the food is small and delicate. Finger Food.
Cupcakes and Cucumber Sandwiches aside - this delicious looking Asparagus recipe harks back to the good old days. Now where do I find a boat tin?
Asparagus Boats
Ingredients
Short Pastry
1 Cup Plain Flour
1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/4 teaspoon Salt
60g Shortening
2 Tablespoons Cold Water
2 Tablespoons Milk
1 Egg
Filling
2 Tablespoons Butter
3 Tablespoons Flour
1 small tin Asparagus Cuts
1 Cup Milk
Salt and Pepper
Parsely to garnish
Method
Short Pastry
Sift Flour Baking Powder and Salt into a bowl.
Rub Shortening through the Flour mixture with the tips of fingers.
Make a well in the centre and stir in water gradually to make a dry dough.
Turn onto a floured board and knead until smooth.
Line Boat Tins with Pastry and prick well.
Brush over with Milk and Egg glaze.
Bake in a moderate oven until very lightly browned.
Filling
Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in Flour and mix well.
Allow to thicken and cook well.
Add drained Asparagus and Salt and Pepper to taste.
Heat well then fill boats with the mixture.
Garnish with Parsley.
Serve at once on hot plates.
Recipe source "Day to Day Cookery, compiled by I. M. Downes"
Monday, April 4, 2016
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Afternoon Tea Party ideas
An Afternoon Tea Party is always open to your own interpretation. It could be a lavish, Formal affair or a more intimate and Casual gathering of friends.
You may like to set a theme for the occassion or you may simply love to share tea with your friends and set a table with gorgeous linen, fresh flowers in crystal vases and your Grandmother's pretty china.
The Afternoon Tea Party Setting
Incorporate your favourite things into the 'Tea Experience.'
You will need tea cups, saucers and teaspoons. Use your favourite China and don't worry if they're not matching. Sometimes the prettiest effect can be made by using gorgeous Teacup sets found in second hand shops. I love mixing florals, stripes and pastels.
Use your favourite Linen and Tea Linens & maybe even offer Cloth Napkins.
Use Teawares, Tableware & Servingware that define you.
Add vases of fresh flowers (I love tea and roses) to your tables or even single stems in interesting glasses.
Romantic nights
Create a sweetly romantic night time Tea Party and add candles or tealights for an added ambience.
Teas & accompaniments
Once you have your gorgeously decorated table & chinaware decided apon, set out any of the following of our ideas for your guests:
Assorted Teas
High quality Loose Leaf Teas - Black, Green, Oolong and Flavoured. An assortment of top quality Teabags.
Sugars
Various Sugars or sweeteners including Sugar Cubes, Demerara Sugar, Rock Sugar, White Sugar or even Sugar Swizzle Sticks. Other sweeteners can include Honey, Maple Syrup, Sugar Syrup and Molasses.
Milks
Adding Milk can be as simple as a dash to whiten or why not offer the following to take the tea experience to a whole new level - Sweetened Condensed Milk, Evaporated Milk, Coconut Milk, Whipped Cream or Pouring Cream.
Garnishes
Offer thinly sliced Lemons, Oranges or Limes. Wedges can also be used. Sliced or fanned Strawberries are sweet.
Spices
Use Cinnamon Sticks to add flavour or as actual stirrers for the teas. Fresh Mint Leaves, Cardomom Pods, Cloves, fresh or crystallized Ginger slices or whole Star Anise. Also offer ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg.
Afternoon Tea Party Food Ideas
You will probably be offering your guests finger foods to enjoy with their cups of tea, so here are some of our suggestions.
freshly Baked Scones
Nothing says 'Afternoon Tea' more than freshly baked Scones, straight from the oven.
Jams
Jams are so perfect for freshly baked Scones & Pikelets. Try Rosehip, Rose Petal, Strawberry, Lilac, Lavender, Violet or even Lemon Curd or Lemon Butter.
Creams
Clotted Cream, Whipped, Flavoured with Vanilla or even Chocolate flavoured cream for a decadant twist. Yum!
Butter
Little pats of Butter in gorgeous shapes, Butter Curls, Whipped or even Flavoured Butters are ideal.
Sandwiches
Tiny sandwiches cut into hearts, circles, anything but boring squares or triangles - use cookie cutters. Fill with the traditional Cucumber slices, Cold Meats, Savoury Spreads and baby Salad Ingredients.
Mini Treats
Make miniature everything, it's so adorable and kids will love it too. Little servings of delicious treats always look that extra special. Bake any of the following in mini size - muffins, cupcakes, lamingtons with pastel coloured icings, pikelets, petit fours, biscuits, scones, caramel and custard tarts.
Mini treats look so gorgeous served on a 2 or 3 tiered Cake Stand.
You may like to set a theme for the occassion or you may simply love to share tea with your friends and set a table with gorgeous linen, fresh flowers in crystal vases and your Grandmother's pretty china.
The Afternoon Tea Party Setting
Incorporate your favourite things into the 'Tea Experience.'
You will need tea cups, saucers and teaspoons. Use your favourite China and don't worry if they're not matching. Sometimes the prettiest effect can be made by using gorgeous Teacup sets found in second hand shops. I love mixing florals, stripes and pastels.
Use your favourite Linen and Tea Linens & maybe even offer Cloth Napkins.
Use Teawares, Tableware & Servingware that define you.
Add vases of fresh flowers (I love tea and roses) to your tables or even single stems in interesting glasses.
Romantic nights
Create a sweetly romantic night time Tea Party and add candles or tealights for an added ambience.
Teas & accompaniments
Once you have your gorgeously decorated table & chinaware decided apon, set out any of the following of our ideas for your guests:
Assorted Teas
High quality Loose Leaf Teas - Black, Green, Oolong and Flavoured. An assortment of top quality Teabags.
Sugars
Various Sugars or sweeteners including Sugar Cubes, Demerara Sugar, Rock Sugar, White Sugar or even Sugar Swizzle Sticks. Other sweeteners can include Honey, Maple Syrup, Sugar Syrup and Molasses.
Milks
Adding Milk can be as simple as a dash to whiten or why not offer the following to take the tea experience to a whole new level - Sweetened Condensed Milk, Evaporated Milk, Coconut Milk, Whipped Cream or Pouring Cream.
Garnishes
Offer thinly sliced Lemons, Oranges or Limes. Wedges can also be used. Sliced or fanned Strawberries are sweet.
Spices
Use Cinnamon Sticks to add flavour or as actual stirrers for the teas. Fresh Mint Leaves, Cardomom Pods, Cloves, fresh or crystallized Ginger slices or whole Star Anise. Also offer ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg.
Afternoon Tea Party Food Ideas
You will probably be offering your guests finger foods to enjoy with their cups of tea, so here are some of our suggestions.
freshly Baked Scones
Nothing says 'Afternoon Tea' more than freshly baked Scones, straight from the oven.
Jams
Jams are so perfect for freshly baked Scones & Pikelets. Try Rosehip, Rose Petal, Strawberry, Lilac, Lavender, Violet or even Lemon Curd or Lemon Butter.
Creams
Clotted Cream, Whipped, Flavoured with Vanilla or even Chocolate flavoured cream for a decadant twist. Yum!
Butter
Little pats of Butter in gorgeous shapes, Butter Curls, Whipped or even Flavoured Butters are ideal.
Sandwiches
Tiny sandwiches cut into hearts, circles, anything but boring squares or triangles - use cookie cutters. Fill with the traditional Cucumber slices, Cold Meats, Savoury Spreads and baby Salad Ingredients.
Mini Treats
Make miniature everything, it's so adorable and kids will love it too. Little servings of delicious treats always look that extra special. Bake any of the following in mini size - muffins, cupcakes, lamingtons with pastel coloured icings, pikelets, petit fours, biscuits, scones, caramel and custard tarts.
Mini treats look so gorgeous served on a 2 or 3 tiered Cake Stand.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
How to Tea Dye Fabric
Using tea to dye your fabric is very easy and very affordable. This is our tea-dying guide to get you started. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your own ideas to really make your fabrics one of a kind.
You can achieve very beautiful ‘antiqued’ and ‘aged’ looking fabrics, very easily, for many different craft projects.
You can optionally pre-wash your fabric and allow to dry.
In a large bowl, place 5 - 10 teabags and half fill with near boiling water. Steep the teabags for 2 minutes to allow the tea to infuse. For colourfastness of the tea dye on your fabric, add a tablespoon of salt to the water.
Note: although the salt will make the tea dye virtually permanent, if you have to regularly wash your completed project this can not be guaranteed.
Leaving the teabags in the water, immerse your fabric, swirling it around lightly. Allow the fabric to steep until the desired depth of colour is achieved.
Dry fabric flat. Press with an iron while still slightly damp to prevent permanent creases.
You can achieve very beautiful ‘antiqued’ and ‘aged’ looking fabrics, very easily, for many different craft projects.
You can optionally pre-wash your fabric and allow to dry.
In a large bowl, place 5 - 10 teabags and half fill with near boiling water. Steep the teabags for 2 minutes to allow the tea to infuse. For colourfastness of the tea dye on your fabric, add a tablespoon of salt to the water.
Note: although the salt will make the tea dye virtually permanent, if you have to regularly wash your completed project this can not be guaranteed.
Leaving the teabags in the water, immerse your fabric, swirling it around lightly. Allow the fabric to steep until the desired depth of colour is achieved.
Dry fabric flat. Press with an iron while still slightly damp to prevent permanent creases.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
A Tea Party Bar
Imagine hosting a tea party where the focal point of the occasion is actually Tea. The perfect idea for entertaining at home, a Tea Party Bar can be easily set up indoors or outdoors and will really impress your guests.
Invite your Guests
The whole idea of this Tea Party Bar is for guests to help themselves. Invite them to make their own favourite brews and to explore new tea taste sensations. Of course you will be able to offer them your own delicious suggestions. You are really only limited by your imagination. Use your favourite Teacups and Plates.
This Tea Party Bar is a simply beautiful idea for a Baby or Bridal Shower Tea or Kitchen Tea and would make the perfect ending to any Dinner Party.
What to set out on your Tea Party Bar
On a gorgeously decorated table set out any or all of the following:
Assorted Teas
High quality Loose Leaf Teas - Black, Green, Oolong and Flavoured. An assortment of top quality Teabags.
Sugars
Various Sugars or sweeteners including Sugar Cubes, Demerara Sugar, Rock Sugar, White Sugar or even Sugar Swizzle Sticks. Other sweeteners can include Honey, Maple Syrup, Sugar Syrup and Molasses.
Milks
Adding Milk can be as simple as a dash to whiten or why not offer the following to take the tea experience to a whole new level - Sweetened Condensed Milk, Evaporated Milk, Coconut Milk, Whipped Cream or Pouring Cream.
Garnishes
Offer thinly sliced Lemons, Oranges or Limes. Wedges can also be used. Sliced or fanned Strawberries are sweet.
Spices
Use Cinnamon Sticks to add flavour or as actual stirrers for the teas. Fresh Mint Leaves, Cardomom Pods, Cloves, fresh or crystallized Delicious Treats for Afternoon Tea Parties. Ginger slices or whole Star Anise. Also offer ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg.
Luxury Items
To have an indulgent time, have small pieces of Chocolate, Caramels, After-Dinner Mints and even fresh Rose Petals. (These are all for putting into your tea)
Spirits or Liqueurs
A selection of your favourite Spirits or Liqueurs. Present them in crystal or cut-glass Decanters. Delicious examples are Drambuie, Rum, Scotch, Creme de Menthe.
The Teawares
You will need tea cups, saucers and teaspoons. Use your favourite China and don't worry if they're not matching. Sometimes the prettiest effect can be made by using gorgeous Teacup sets found in second hand shops. We love mixing florals and pastels.
Tea Infusers
Provide individual Tea Balls or Infusers so that your guests can make their tea in their own Teacups.
Freshly Boiled Water
This is the other essential ingredient to a great cup. You could set up Urns with the freshly boiled water, but another idea that I like is to provide it in pretty Teapots set up along the table.
The Finishing Touches
This Tea Party Bar idea is open to your own interpretation. It could be a lavish, Formal affair or a more intimate and Casual gathering of friends. Incorporate your favourite things into the Tea Experience.
Use your favourite Linen and Tea Linens, maybe even offer Cloth Napkins. Use Teawares and Tableware & Servingware that define you. Add vases of fresh flowers (I love tea and roses) to your tables or even single stems in interesting glasses. Create a night time Tea Party and add candles or tealights for an added ambiance.
Tea Party Food Ideas
You will probably be offering your guests finger foods to enjoy with their cups of tea. Here are some suggestions to carry on the theme. Set these up on a separate table as Luxurious Extras.
Jams
For freshly baked Scones. Try Rosehip, Rose Petal, Strawberry, Lilac, Lavender, Violet or even Lemon Curd or Lemon Butter.
Creams
Clotted Cream, Whipped, Flavoured with Vanilla or even Chocolate.
Butter
Little pats of Butter in gorgeous shapes, Butter Curls, Whipped or even Flavoured Butters are ideal.
Sandwiches
Tiny sandwiches cut into hearts, circles, anything but boring squares or triangles - use cookie cutters. Fill with the traditional Cucumber slices, Cold Meats, Savoury Spreads and baby Salad Ingredients.
Mini Treats
Make miniature everything. Little servings of delicious treats always look that extra special. Bake any of the following in mini size - muffins, cupcakes,lamingtons with pastel icing, pikelets, petit fours, biscuits, scones, caramel or custard tarts.
Now all you have to do is show your guests a few of your new recipes for a delicious cup of tea, keep the freshly boiled water topped up and the rest will all fall into place. Remember, half the fun of this Tea Party Bar idea is that your guests can help themselves. So sit back, relax and have a fun time drinking tea with your friends.
Invite your Guests
The whole idea of this Tea Party Bar is for guests to help themselves. Invite them to make their own favourite brews and to explore new tea taste sensations. Of course you will be able to offer them your own delicious suggestions. You are really only limited by your imagination. Use your favourite Teacups and Plates.
This Tea Party Bar is a simply beautiful idea for a Baby or Bridal Shower Tea or Kitchen Tea and would make the perfect ending to any Dinner Party.
What to set out on your Tea Party Bar
On a gorgeously decorated table set out any or all of the following:
Assorted Teas
High quality Loose Leaf Teas - Black, Green, Oolong and Flavoured. An assortment of top quality Teabags.
Sugars
Various Sugars or sweeteners including Sugar Cubes, Demerara Sugar, Rock Sugar, White Sugar or even Sugar Swizzle Sticks. Other sweeteners can include Honey, Maple Syrup, Sugar Syrup and Molasses.
Milks
Adding Milk can be as simple as a dash to whiten or why not offer the following to take the tea experience to a whole new level - Sweetened Condensed Milk, Evaporated Milk, Coconut Milk, Whipped Cream or Pouring Cream.
Garnishes
Offer thinly sliced Lemons, Oranges or Limes. Wedges can also be used. Sliced or fanned Strawberries are sweet.
Spices
Use Cinnamon Sticks to add flavour or as actual stirrers for the teas. Fresh Mint Leaves, Cardomom Pods, Cloves, fresh or crystallized Delicious Treats for Afternoon Tea Parties. Ginger slices or whole Star Anise. Also offer ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg.
Luxury Items
To have an indulgent time, have small pieces of Chocolate, Caramels, After-Dinner Mints and even fresh Rose Petals. (These are all for putting into your tea)
Spirits or Liqueurs
A selection of your favourite Spirits or Liqueurs. Present them in crystal or cut-glass Decanters. Delicious examples are Drambuie, Rum, Scotch, Creme de Menthe.
The Teawares
You will need tea cups, saucers and teaspoons. Use your favourite China and don't worry if they're not matching. Sometimes the prettiest effect can be made by using gorgeous Teacup sets found in second hand shops. We love mixing florals and pastels.
Tea Infusers
Provide individual Tea Balls or Infusers so that your guests can make their tea in their own Teacups.
Freshly Boiled Water
This is the other essential ingredient to a great cup. You could set up Urns with the freshly boiled water, but another idea that I like is to provide it in pretty Teapots set up along the table.
The Finishing Touches
This Tea Party Bar idea is open to your own interpretation. It could be a lavish, Formal affair or a more intimate and Casual gathering of friends. Incorporate your favourite things into the Tea Experience.
Use your favourite Linen and Tea Linens, maybe even offer Cloth Napkins. Use Teawares and Tableware & Servingware that define you. Add vases of fresh flowers (I love tea and roses) to your tables or even single stems in interesting glasses. Create a night time Tea Party and add candles or tealights for an added ambiance.
Tea Party Food Ideas
You will probably be offering your guests finger foods to enjoy with their cups of tea. Here are some suggestions to carry on the theme. Set these up on a separate table as Luxurious Extras.
Jams
For freshly baked Scones. Try Rosehip, Rose Petal, Strawberry, Lilac, Lavender, Violet or even Lemon Curd or Lemon Butter.
Creams
Clotted Cream, Whipped, Flavoured with Vanilla or even Chocolate.
Butter
Little pats of Butter in gorgeous shapes, Butter Curls, Whipped or even Flavoured Butters are ideal.
Sandwiches
Tiny sandwiches cut into hearts, circles, anything but boring squares or triangles - use cookie cutters. Fill with the traditional Cucumber slices, Cold Meats, Savoury Spreads and baby Salad Ingredients.
Mini Treats
Make miniature everything. Little servings of delicious treats always look that extra special. Bake any of the following in mini size - muffins, cupcakes,lamingtons with pastel icing, pikelets, petit fours, biscuits, scones, caramel or custard tarts.
Now all you have to do is show your guests a few of your new recipes for a delicious cup of tea, keep the freshly boiled water topped up and the rest will all fall into place. Remember, half the fun of this Tea Party Bar idea is that your guests can help themselves. So sit back, relax and have a fun time drinking tea with your friends.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Liqueur Tea Recipes
Indulge your tastebuds with Tea to which your favourite Liqueur or Spirit has been added. Liqueur Teas are really nice to serve to your friends as a decidely different After-Dinner Tea drink.
Add the Liqueur to your Teacup or tall heatproof Glass, first. Then add your freshly brewed Tea.
Liqueur teas are a delicious alternative to the usual 'nightcap'. Favourite additions include Grand Marnier for a mellow orange taste, various Flavoured Schnapps including Butterscotch and Peppermint and of course Creme de Menthe. Almost any Spirit or Liqueur can be added to your Teas.
After-Dinner Mint Tea
To liven up your palate after dinner, why not serve an After-Dinner Mint Tea. Simply add Creme de Menthe or Peppermint Schnapps to your cup. Top with Black Tea - delicious. Use Sugar Syrup, Honey or Milk to taste.
Mmm... Chocolate & Tea
Add a few pieces of good quality Chocolate to your Teapot when brewing your Tea. Use this Chocolate Tea to make a Choc Mint Tea or even serve it just as it is. Want more decadence with your Chocolate Tea? Serve it in a tall Glass with Kahlua and top with swirls of whipped Cream and Chocolate curls - who says Tea is boring.
A Hot Shot
Pour a shot of your favourite Liqueur into a Liqueur glass. Add a dash of hot Black Tea. This will add that extra zing and slightly warm it up.
Green or Black Tea Liqueur
This recipe will make a strong Tea Liqueur that is nice to sip on those cold nights, preferably in front of a crackling fire with a special friend.
ingredients
5 heaped Tblspns of Green or Black Tea Leaves
1 Cup of freshly boiled Water
1/2 Cup Sugar Syrup
1 Cup of good quality Vodka
method
Place the Tea Leaves in a teapot and pour over the boiling water. Allow to steep for 5 mins. Strain the Tea and allow the resulting Tea Essence to cool. Add the Sugar Syrup and Vodka. Pour into a sterilised bottle and store in a cool dark place for 2 weeks. It is then ready to drink.
Tea Nightcap
This recipe will serve two
ingredients
2 tspns Green Tea leaves
2 tspns Sugar Syrup
1 Cup boiling Water
60ml Brandy
1 Cup warm Milk
method
Place Tea Leaves in your teapot along with the Sugar Syrup. Pour over the boiling Water and steep for 10 mins.
Serve the Tea by straining it into Teacups to which 30ml of Brandy has already been added. Top up with warm Milk.
~Sweet Dreams~
Add the Liqueur to your Teacup or tall heatproof Glass, first. Then add your freshly brewed Tea.
Liqueur teas are a delicious alternative to the usual 'nightcap'. Favourite additions include Grand Marnier for a mellow orange taste, various Flavoured Schnapps including Butterscotch and Peppermint and of course Creme de Menthe. Almost any Spirit or Liqueur can be added to your Teas.
After-Dinner Mint Tea
To liven up your palate after dinner, why not serve an After-Dinner Mint Tea. Simply add Creme de Menthe or Peppermint Schnapps to your cup. Top with Black Tea - delicious. Use Sugar Syrup, Honey or Milk to taste.
Mmm... Chocolate & Tea
Add a few pieces of good quality Chocolate to your Teapot when brewing your Tea. Use this Chocolate Tea to make a Choc Mint Tea or even serve it just as it is. Want more decadence with your Chocolate Tea? Serve it in a tall Glass with Kahlua and top with swirls of whipped Cream and Chocolate curls - who says Tea is boring.
A Hot Shot
Pour a shot of your favourite Liqueur into a Liqueur glass. Add a dash of hot Black Tea. This will add that extra zing and slightly warm it up.
Green or Black Tea Liqueur
This recipe will make a strong Tea Liqueur that is nice to sip on those cold nights, preferably in front of a crackling fire with a special friend.
ingredients
5 heaped Tblspns of Green or Black Tea Leaves
1 Cup of freshly boiled Water
1/2 Cup Sugar Syrup
1 Cup of good quality Vodka
method
Place the Tea Leaves in a teapot and pour over the boiling water. Allow to steep for 5 mins. Strain the Tea and allow the resulting Tea Essence to cool. Add the Sugar Syrup and Vodka. Pour into a sterilised bottle and store in a cool dark place for 2 weeks. It is then ready to drink.
Tea Nightcap
This recipe will serve two
ingredients
2 tspns Green Tea leaves
2 tspns Sugar Syrup
1 Cup boiling Water
60ml Brandy
1 Cup warm Milk
method
Place Tea Leaves in your teapot along with the Sugar Syrup. Pour over the boiling Water and steep for 10 mins.
Serve the Tea by straining it into Teacups to which 30ml of Brandy has already been added. Top up with warm Milk.
~Sweet Dreams~
Friday, August 15, 2014
Cooking with Tea & Tea Leaves
Just as there many different types of teas, there are also many different uses for tea, especially in your cooking and recipes.
Tea is not just for drinking from a tea cup. Think of tea as a herb and use it everyday instead of other more traditional herbs. Add it to your Ice-Cream, marinade chicken or even use it dry-roasted.
Make your own Green Tea Icecream
For a delightful dessert idea, why not sprinkle some powdered Matcha Green Tea over vanilla ice-cream, or soften your vanilla ice-cream and fold the Green Tea through it.
How to make a Dry-Roasted Green Tea Crumble
Dry roast Green Tea in a hot, dry pan, until it becomes slightly crisp. Cool and store in an airtight container. The uses for these delicious tea crumbs are limited only by your imagination.
Add to butter for Green Tea Butter
Use Green Tea Butter to make a delicious and different Herb Bread. Sprinkle over baked vegetables as a garnish. Top pasta dishes with a sprinkling before serving. Scatter over your favourite green salad.
Tea used as a Garnish or that special 'Secret Ingredient'
Using dry-roasted Green Tea in your special hot and cold dishes and keep your guests guessing as to what that delicious ingredient is. This dry-roasted Green Tea is delicious sprinkled over your baked vegetables just prior to serving.
Tea used in Steaming, Marinades and Rice
Add Tea Leaves to the water prior to steaming fish or vegetables to impart a delicate flavour.
Make a pot of Black Tea, allow to cool and marinade your meat prior to cooking. Wonderful for chicken.
Add a pinch of chopped Green Tea Leaves to your water prior to boiling pasta, rice or noodles.
The Japanese have always used Green Tea...
Traditionally, Japanese have always enjoyed Green Tea flavoured ice-cream. The Japanese also add Green Tea Leaves to many dishes including noodles, rice, sauces, tempura batters, sweets, cakes and pastries.
Delicious Scones
Use cold tea to soak all your dried fruits in prior to baking them in scones, biscuits, cakes and puddings. Not only does this plump up the dried fruits, but also imparts a delicious flavour.
Flavour for Fruit Salads
Make a pot of fresh Jasmine Green Tea or Black Rose Tea. When making fresh fruit salads, add a little of the cold tea to the syrup. This delicious idea will give you double the dose of health benefits - both from the fruits and the tea
Tea is not just for drinking from a tea cup. Think of tea as a herb and use it everyday instead of other more traditional herbs. Add it to your Ice-Cream, marinade chicken or even use it dry-roasted.
Make your own Green Tea Icecream
For a delightful dessert idea, why not sprinkle some powdered Matcha Green Tea over vanilla ice-cream, or soften your vanilla ice-cream and fold the Green Tea through it.
How to make a Dry-Roasted Green Tea Crumble
Dry roast Green Tea in a hot, dry pan, until it becomes slightly crisp. Cool and store in an airtight container. The uses for these delicious tea crumbs are limited only by your imagination.
Add to butter for Green Tea Butter
Use Green Tea Butter to make a delicious and different Herb Bread. Sprinkle over baked vegetables as a garnish. Top pasta dishes with a sprinkling before serving. Scatter over your favourite green salad.
Tea used as a Garnish or that special 'Secret Ingredient'
Using dry-roasted Green Tea in your special hot and cold dishes and keep your guests guessing as to what that delicious ingredient is. This dry-roasted Green Tea is delicious sprinkled over your baked vegetables just prior to serving.
Tea used in Steaming, Marinades and Rice
Add Tea Leaves to the water prior to steaming fish or vegetables to impart a delicate flavour.
Make a pot of Black Tea, allow to cool and marinade your meat prior to cooking. Wonderful for chicken.
Add a pinch of chopped Green Tea Leaves to your water prior to boiling pasta, rice or noodles.
The Japanese have always used Green Tea...
Traditionally, Japanese have always enjoyed Green Tea flavoured ice-cream. The Japanese also add Green Tea Leaves to many dishes including noodles, rice, sauces, tempura batters, sweets, cakes and pastries.
Delicious Scones
Use cold tea to soak all your dried fruits in prior to baking them in scones, biscuits, cakes and puddings. Not only does this plump up the dried fruits, but also imparts a delicious flavour.
Flavour for Fruit Salads
Make a pot of fresh Jasmine Green Tea or Black Rose Tea. When making fresh fruit salads, add a little of the cold tea to the syrup. This delicious idea will give you double the dose of health benefits - both from the fruits and the tea
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Chai Tea Recipe
Chai Tea is traditionally an Indian method of making tea. The tea is usually brewed in a pot and made with milk, water and a selection of wonderful additions like spices.
There are various ways to make your own Chai Tea by adding spices and other ingredients. Ready blended Chai Tea can also be purchased from tea suppliers.
Chai Tea Latte
Made with milk, Chai Tea could best be described as like having a wonderful Tea Latte. Serve your hot Chai Tea in a tall glass for a classic touch. Make your own Chai Tea Recipe. Try using all milk, evaporated milk or even condensed milk when making your Chai Tea, for a full and creamy tea drink sensation.
How to make a cup of Chai Tea
Ingredients
Per Person
1 - 2 heaped teaspoons of Chai Tea Leaves
1/2 Cup of Milk
1/2 Cup of Water
Method
Add all of the above ingredients to a saucepan and place on the heat.
Bring to just-about-to-boil, immediately take off the heat, fit the saucepan lid, and steep for 2-4 minutes.
Strain into your tea cup or tea glass. Add sugar as desired.
This Chai Tea is a great warming and comforting tea.
There are various ways to make your own Chai Tea by adding spices and other ingredients. Ready blended Chai Tea can also be purchased from tea suppliers.
Chai Tea Latte
Made with milk, Chai Tea could best be described as like having a wonderful Tea Latte. Serve your hot Chai Tea in a tall glass for a classic touch. Make your own Chai Tea Recipe. Try using all milk, evaporated milk or even condensed milk when making your Chai Tea, for a full and creamy tea drink sensation.
How to make a cup of Chai Tea
Ingredients
Per Person
1 - 2 heaped teaspoons of Chai Tea Leaves
1/2 Cup of Milk
1/2 Cup of Water
Method
Add all of the above ingredients to a saucepan and place on the heat.
Bring to just-about-to-boil, immediately take off the heat, fit the saucepan lid, and steep for 2-4 minutes.
Strain into your tea cup or tea glass. Add sugar as desired.
This Chai Tea is a great warming and comforting tea.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Rose Petal Tea
Tea and Roses always seem to conjure up the romantic images of afternoon garden tea parties and delicate Spring days. Add some romance to your next tea party with the beautiful colours and fragrances of rose petals and fresh roses in bloom.
Rose Tea with Rose Petals
The delicate rose fragrance of this tea make it a delight for all your senses and a pleasure to drink. This tea is perfect for serving at special occasions like afternoon teas, baby shower teas, kitchen teas, bridal shower teas, or even at a garden wedding. Match the colour of the rose petals to the theme colours of your special occasion. Pure romance in a tea cup.
Blend your own Rose Petal Tea Mix
Add 1 Cup of Black Tea Leaves to 1/4 Cup of dried Rose Petals. Combine and store in an airtight tea caddy.
To Make the Tea
per cup: Add 1 heaped teaspoon of the Rose Petal Tea Mix to 1 Cup of freshly boiled water. Steep for 5 minutes. Strain and enjoy.
Rose Petal Tea Punch
This recipe is a delightful version of traditional punch. It is a gorgeous idea for many special events, including tea parties, engagements, garden weddings and shower teas. Of course you can replace the alcohol with Ginger Ale or extra Lemonade.
Method
In a large jug mix together 500ml cold Ceylon Tea, 150ml Brandy and 200g of Caster Sugar. Refrigerate.
To Serve the Rose Petal Tea Punch;
Pour the cold tea mix into a large punch bowl and add 1 litre of Lemonade and 1 bottle of chilled Dry White Wine. Add Ice Cubes, thinly sliced Strawberries and float fresh Rose Petals. Add Rose Petal Ice Cubes for that extra touch of romance.
Sugared Rose Petals
Use these beautiful Sugared Rose Petals for decorating Cakes, Cupcakes and other Afternoon Teatime delicacies.
You will need
Rose Petals
Egg White
Caster Sugar
Method
Simply lightly whisk the Egg White.
Dip each Rose Petal into the Egg White.
Remove and then dip into the Caster Sugar, ensuring both sides are fairly evenly coated.
Air dry the Rose Petals on a cake rack until dry. This will take a number of hours. They will store well in a dry, airtight container.
NB When using Rose Petals ensure the Rose Petals that you use for your rose tea recipes are pesticide-free.
Rose Tea with Rose Petals
The delicate rose fragrance of this tea make it a delight for all your senses and a pleasure to drink. This tea is perfect for serving at special occasions like afternoon teas, baby shower teas, kitchen teas, bridal shower teas, or even at a garden wedding. Match the colour of the rose petals to the theme colours of your special occasion. Pure romance in a tea cup.
Blend your own Rose Petal Tea Mix
Add 1 Cup of Black Tea Leaves to 1/4 Cup of dried Rose Petals. Combine and store in an airtight tea caddy.
To Make the Tea
per cup: Add 1 heaped teaspoon of the Rose Petal Tea Mix to 1 Cup of freshly boiled water. Steep for 5 minutes. Strain and enjoy.
Rose Petal Tea Punch
This recipe is a delightful version of traditional punch. It is a gorgeous idea for many special events, including tea parties, engagements, garden weddings and shower teas. Of course you can replace the alcohol with Ginger Ale or extra Lemonade.
Method
In a large jug mix together 500ml cold Ceylon Tea, 150ml Brandy and 200g of Caster Sugar. Refrigerate.
To Serve the Rose Petal Tea Punch;
Pour the cold tea mix into a large punch bowl and add 1 litre of Lemonade and 1 bottle of chilled Dry White Wine. Add Ice Cubes, thinly sliced Strawberries and float fresh Rose Petals. Add Rose Petal Ice Cubes for that extra touch of romance.
Sugared Rose Petals
Use these beautiful Sugared Rose Petals for decorating Cakes, Cupcakes and other Afternoon Teatime delicacies.
You will need
Rose Petals
Egg White
Caster Sugar
Method
Simply lightly whisk the Egg White.
Dip each Rose Petal into the Egg White.
Remove and then dip into the Caster Sugar, ensuring both sides are fairly evenly coated.
Air dry the Rose Petals on a cake rack until dry. This will take a number of hours. They will store well in a dry, airtight container.
NB When using Rose Petals ensure the Rose Petals that you use for your rose tea recipes are pesticide-free.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Tea Trivia part 2
Forgot to clean your teeth? Tea contains flouride. It has been suggested that 1.5 cups of Black Tea or 1 cup of Green Tea, consumed daily, contains enough flouride to reduce tooth decay.
The Life of Tea
Black Teas, if properly stored, may retain their flavour for up to 2 years from the time it was picked. Green Teas are unfermented and are best consumed within 6 months.
Can you Believe this...
It was the year 1744 in Scotland. There was a proposal to lock up tea drinkers in jail. People in various parishes and towns started to think that tea caused certain illnesses and wanted to seperate those that drank tea from everyone else.
As an aside for this story- The people of England, at this exact same time, were embracing tea as a national drink for everyone.
Iced Tea in a Can
Canned Ice Tea was introduced to the USA in the 1990's. Iced Tea is the no. 1 selling beverage in the USA today. Its' popularity is steadily rising worldwide.
Iced Tea began at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St Loius, USA in 1904. Richard Blechynden, a Britain, working in Calcutta, held a booth at this Expo to show Americans the 'proper' way to make tea. The weather at this time in St Loius was hot and humid and each day visitors would by-pass his stand in favour of those vendors selling cool refreshments.
Finally, in desperation, Richard filled tall glasses to the brim with ice and then added his hot tea. Iced Tea was a big hit then and there. His customers found it to be a cool and refreshing drink. Iced Tea became one of the most popular drinks at the Expo.
How much Tea can a Tea Plucker pluck?
Tea bushes are plucked every week or fortnight during the growing season. The top two freshly grown young leaves and buds, otherwise known as tips, make the best tea. (and the most expensive) A 'tea-plucker' can pluck 35kg of leaves per day which equates to 3,500 cups of tea. N.B. 'Tea-Plucker' is a real term given to people employed to hand pick or pluck the leaves from the tea bushes.
The Tea Rose
The term Tea Rose was originally the name for a rose whose perfume closely resembled that of the aroma of tea.
Tea in an Instant
Instant Tea mix (a water soluble tea) was first introduced in 1956 by Nestle Company & Standards Brands.
Tea Leaf Reading
Tea leaf Reading is also known as Tasseography. By studying the various 'symbols' or patterns left in your tea cup by the tea leaves, your fortune may be forecast. Tea Leaf Reading is actually illegal to practice in many states of Australia.
Tea Trivia part 1 >
The Life of Tea
Black Teas, if properly stored, may retain their flavour for up to 2 years from the time it was picked. Green Teas are unfermented and are best consumed within 6 months.
Can you Believe this...
It was the year 1744 in Scotland. There was a proposal to lock up tea drinkers in jail. People in various parishes and towns started to think that tea caused certain illnesses and wanted to seperate those that drank tea from everyone else.
As an aside for this story- The people of England, at this exact same time, were embracing tea as a national drink for everyone.
Iced Tea in a Can
Canned Ice Tea was introduced to the USA in the 1990's. Iced Tea is the no. 1 selling beverage in the USA today. Its' popularity is steadily rising worldwide.
Iced Tea began at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St Loius, USA in 1904. Richard Blechynden, a Britain, working in Calcutta, held a booth at this Expo to show Americans the 'proper' way to make tea. The weather at this time in St Loius was hot and humid and each day visitors would by-pass his stand in favour of those vendors selling cool refreshments.
Finally, in desperation, Richard filled tall glasses to the brim with ice and then added his hot tea. Iced Tea was a big hit then and there. His customers found it to be a cool and refreshing drink. Iced Tea became one of the most popular drinks at the Expo.
How much Tea can a Tea Plucker pluck?
Tea bushes are plucked every week or fortnight during the growing season. The top two freshly grown young leaves and buds, otherwise known as tips, make the best tea. (and the most expensive) A 'tea-plucker' can pluck 35kg of leaves per day which equates to 3,500 cups of tea. N.B. 'Tea-Plucker' is a real term given to people employed to hand pick or pluck the leaves from the tea bushes.
The Tea Rose
The term Tea Rose was originally the name for a rose whose perfume closely resembled that of the aroma of tea.
Tea in an Instant
Instant Tea mix (a water soluble tea) was first introduced in 1956 by Nestle Company & Standards Brands.
Tea Leaf Reading
Tea leaf Reading is also known as Tasseography. By studying the various 'symbols' or patterns left in your tea cup by the tea leaves, your fortune may be forecast. Tea Leaf Reading is actually illegal to practice in many states of Australia.
Tea Trivia part 1 >
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Tea Trivia
Everything you wanted to know about tea but were afraid to ask. I've put together some of the least known inspiring tea trivia.
Where did the saying 'Tea for Two' come from?
In the late 1800's two gentleman, named Lyons and Gluckstein were contracted to sell tea to the visitors of the Newcastle Exhibition.
They only charged two-pence for a pot which was far cheaper than the usual three-pence for a cup. Thus, the saying 'Tea for Two' came into being - meaning tea for two-pence.
The History of the Teabag
The teabag was unintentionally invented by Thomas Sullivan, a New York City tea merchant in 1908.
When sending out his various tea leaf samples to prospective retailers he sewed them in tiny individual silk bags instead of using the usual tins.
When these retailers received his tea samples they poured their boiling water straight over the bags rather than cutting them open and emptying the tea leaves into a teapot.
The ease and convenience of these tiny tea packages was quickly recognised and Thomas Sullivan was inundated with orders for what we now know as the teabag.
Teas are blended after normal manufacturing processes. The best tea is unblended and will come from single tea estates.
They started out as....
Tetley started life as a tea-packing house. Originally, two Tetley brothers sold salt and tea on horseback throughout the villages of Yorkshire.
In 1907 Thomas Twining, a weaver, opened Tom's Coffee House and used a variety of different teas to attract the aristocrats to his coffee shop. In 1717 Tom's Coffee House is converted to the first English tea shop named The Golden Lyon. Thomas Twining boldly invites women to shop at his Tea Shop. Coffee Houses of the time were frequented by men only.
Cadburys & Harrods of London were originally tea blenders
Tea Cups originally had no handles
It wasn't until Afternoon Tea and High Tea became popular with the aristocracy that handles were actually added to tea cups.
The added handles prevented ladies from burning their fingers when 'taking tea'.
Tea Trivia part 2 >
Where did the saying 'Tea for Two' come from?
In the late 1800's two gentleman, named Lyons and Gluckstein were contracted to sell tea to the visitors of the Newcastle Exhibition.
They only charged two-pence for a pot which was far cheaper than the usual three-pence for a cup. Thus, the saying 'Tea for Two' came into being - meaning tea for two-pence.
The History of the Teabag
The teabag was unintentionally invented by Thomas Sullivan, a New York City tea merchant in 1908.
When sending out his various tea leaf samples to prospective retailers he sewed them in tiny individual silk bags instead of using the usual tins.
When these retailers received his tea samples they poured their boiling water straight over the bags rather than cutting them open and emptying the tea leaves into a teapot.
The ease and convenience of these tiny tea packages was quickly recognised and Thomas Sullivan was inundated with orders for what we now know as the teabag.
Teas are blended after normal manufacturing processes. The best tea is unblended and will come from single tea estates.
They started out as....
Tetley started life as a tea-packing house. Originally, two Tetley brothers sold salt and tea on horseback throughout the villages of Yorkshire.
In 1907 Thomas Twining, a weaver, opened Tom's Coffee House and used a variety of different teas to attract the aristocrats to his coffee shop. In 1717 Tom's Coffee House is converted to the first English tea shop named The Golden Lyon. Thomas Twining boldly invites women to shop at his Tea Shop. Coffee Houses of the time were frequented by men only.
Cadburys & Harrods of London were originally tea blenders
Tea Cups originally had no handles
It wasn't until Afternoon Tea and High Tea became popular with the aristocracy that handles were actually added to tea cups.
The added handles prevented ladies from burning their fingers when 'taking tea'.
Tea Trivia part 2 >
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