Serendipi-tea

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art, food, photography, tea, tea addict, tea lover, tea photography, tea quotes, tea time

My tea drinking will never be “should”.
When I drink tea, it is all about a moment of indulgence – a little surprise in the every day.

Unknown

Every day may not be good, but there is good in every day. Don’t forget to play!
Happy Monday!

What’s In My Cup: Orange & Cinnamon Spice

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#whatsinmycup, food, tea, tea addict, tea cups, tea lover, tea photography, tea quotes, tea time, whatsinmycup

The shift between Summer and Fall seemed to happen overnight. One day I was wearing cotton sundresses and the next, flannel shirts and leggings. This sudden shift in season reminds me that pretty soon I’ll be “denning up” inside, and while each season has things that make it special, summer will live always in my heart.

Thank goodness some things never change – like my love of a good cup of hot tea!

It was gray and dreary most of last week. It rained…a lot! I no longer craved Summer’s fruits, but Autumn’s spices, and what better spice than cinnamon. I paired my homemade cinnamon waffle with fresh apple, and poured myself a cup of Twinings Orange & Cinnamon Spice tea.

This tea has only 3 ingredients: rooisbos leaves, vietnamese cinnamon, and orange peel. There are different types of cinnamon and vietnamese cinnamon is a stronger, spicy/sweet cinnamon, usually used to add warmth and depth of flavour. Cinnamon has some health benefits, but like any number of things, should be consumed in moderation. Since this Twinings tea is a rooibos-based tea, it is naturally caffeine-free.

I found the cinnamon warming on this chilly afternoon, but I think the orange peel tricked my brain into thinking it was orange pekoe, and as a result, I was disappointed that it wasn’t more robust. But it is an herbal and they are often more delicate than a black-based tea. Even so, it had an inviting aroma and a pleasant citrusy taste.

I have also tried Tetley’s Warmth: Cinnamon Spice tea, which is also a rooibos-base, and contains cinnamon, sweet blackberry leaves, orange peel, licorice root, cardamom, cloves, orange blossom and star anise. Pregnant women should avoid licorice root. I found it had a much stronger spice flavour and reminded me more of chai or a holiday blend. Certainly, in terms of availability and cost, Tetley wins!

While I usually think of pairing apple with cinnamon, the orange was a charming change. Hopefully it will help me to ease into the Fall season gently, and encourage me to embrace the changes.

Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit,
and resign yourself to the influences of each.

Henry David Thoreau

Happy Monday!

What’s in My Cup: Japanese Sencha

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garden, photography, tea, tea addict, tea cups, tea lover, tea photography, tea quotes, tea time

Sencha green tea is one of Japan’s most popular drink. It’s purported to be an energizing and detoxifying organic beverage, filled with antioxidants. Green tea leaves come from the Camelia sinensis plant. Once leaves are picked, they are pan fired or steamed, then quickly oven dried to avoid oxidization and retain fresh flavour. It can be served on its own or blended with other organic materials, such as fruits, nuts or other leaves. Green tea leaves plucked in morning can be steeped by evening.

David’s organic and kosher steamed green tea is from Mount Fuji, Japan. Unlike most green teas, it is high in caffeine. When I first opened the package, I noticed it had a strong grassy smell and it was also slightly peppery. So I expected the smell to translate into the taste. I was careful to steep it for only 2 minutes in a large tea mug because oversteeped green tea can easily become bitter.

The tea actually had quite a mild vegetal or grassy flavour but it was also a little bit sweet. I’m not a fan of green tea generally, preferring it to be flavoured or mixed with black tea, but this was pleasant. In fact, I steeped the same tea leaves twice. I sipped it while reading a book and enjoying the heady scent of lilac, in my backyard.

But indeed I would rather have nothing but tea.

Jane Austen, Mansfield Park

Happy Monday!

What’s In My Cup: Hibiscus Splash

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tea, tea addict, tea lover, tea quotes, tea time, teacup

Plan for today: Drink tea and stay beautiful!

A friend shared just enough for one cup and I’ve saved this jewel to add colour on a rainy day.

Hibiscus Splash is a fruit infusion from David’s tea with a glorious ruby colour. It contains apple, pineapple, hibiscus, fig, rose pepper, cranberries, cornflowers and stevia extract. Their website accurately describes it as a sweet, tart cherry popsicle. This caffeine-free infusion was ok but it was a bit artificial and reminded me of hot fruit punch. I think it would be lovely as an iced tea or an iced tea popsicle/ice-cube on a hot summer day.

It’s still raining outside, and I think that’s my cue to curl up in bed with a good book, and when I get sleepy, to dream of warmer, sunnier days. Maybe in Paris…

A rainy day is a good day to be in bed with a good book — or with someone who has read one.

T.K. Lucas

Happy Monday!

Tea Time Thought (TTT): Pearls

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photography, tea, tea addict, tea quotes, tea time, teaaddict, teacup

The heart of man is very much like the sea, it has its storms, it has its tides and in its depths, it has its pearls too.

Vincent Van Gogh

A great life is nothing more than a series of days well lived, strung together like a string of pearls.

Robin S. Sharma

Keep living well. Start by putting the kettle on! 😉

Blessings, friends.

What’s In My Cup: Bee the Change

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#whatsinmycup, flatlay, food, food photography, honey, tea, tea addict, tea cups, tea lover, tea quotes, tea time, what's in my cup

Did you know….
16 oz. of honey takes 1152 bees to travel 112 000 miles and visit 4.5 million flowers?

http://www.hivetracks.com

I believe there’s a degree of goodwill in all us. An innate desire to join with others to contribute to our world in a way that blesses. It may be in your local community or the global community, a grand or complex legacy for the next generation, or as simple as tending a garden for the birds and the bees.

In the tea community, there are organizations that promote fair business practices, safe working conditions, and sustainable resources. Right now, David’s Tea is donating 10% of the proceeds from their “Bee The Change” tea, to The Bee Conservancy, a non-profit organization that creates bee habitats in Canada & the US.

It’s a drop in a bucket, but as you add drops, the bucket fills up.

“Bee the Change” tea is a delight for all the senses too. Vibrant petals of echinacea, rose, marigold, pink cornflower, and red clover are combined with rooisbos and honeybush leaves, apple, rosehips, natural honey flavouring, and natural flavouring with stevia extract. Many of these ingredients are said to stabilize blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. The aroma is a bright perfume of sweetness and flower, from the time the tin is opened to the very last drop!

“Bee the Change” is a kosher, caffeine-free infusion. It’s a light honeyed colour (not surprising) that intimates warmth. I found this floral, honeyed elixir to be vivid and cheerful. Would it be weird if I called it “sunny”? The honey is identifiable and sweet, but not provocative or cloying. I’m not a fan of floral teas for the most part, but I found this coupling beautifully balanced.

Not only have I helped my buzzy besties in a small way, but it’s my new favourite indulgence on a gray afternoon or a chilly evening.

The key to nature’s therapy is feeling like a tiny part of it, not a master over it. There’s amazing pride in seeing a bee land on a flower you planted – but that’s not your act of creation, it’s your act of joining in.

Victoria Coren Mitchell

Happy Monday!

Tea Time

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#whatsinmycup, food, food photography, tea, tea cups, tea quotes, tea time, teaaddict, what's in my cup

This morning, as I write, it is starting to snow lightly. I am writing this and sipping tea from a Royal Albert tea cup. Meanwhile, a chainsaw whines down the street. Life is like that. A mixture of tranquility and activity rolled up together, and it’s important that we find some balance between the two. Time with tea can help.

“Tea time” is a time meant to be savoured. It’s a time to slow down, gather your thoughts, regain your strength. Whether it’s a visit with a friend, an escape into a good book, or simply time to sit down and draw up your to-do list, we ought to leave it with a renewed sense of peace.

Our “tea time” may not always be formal. Let’s face it – long gone are the days when proper ladies deferred most of the household and childcare duties to their staff, and so engaged in more formal tea times. These days I’m swilling tea “on the go”, leaving a trail of tea rings and empty china mugs all around the house.

There are different types of “tea time”. Let’s begin with the 2 most familiar : High and Low Tea.

High Tea, or Meat Tea, is a meal served when the family is home from their daily activities. It is, in fact, more like a light supper and may include meat dishes and sweets, along with tea. Its name originated from the height of the table, that is to say it was served at a table. In the lower classes, high tea and the evening meal were essentially the same thing because the main meal would be eaten mid-day in order to sustain them during the long working hours.

High Tea and Low Tea are often confused. When we delight in finger sandwiches, dainty biscuits, and buttery scones, we are, in fact, partaking of Low Tea or Afternoon Tea. Yes, we are ordinarily seated at a table. Originally, low tea would be served on low tables beside comfortable arm chairs, and tea cups held in the hand. Again, the height of the table determines the name. Loose leaf tea and delicacies would be served from a cart or a tray, rather than on a table, and Tea would be taken in a reputable hotel, or in the garden or formal parlour of a lady.

Tea might also be determined by the terms “Light” and “Full”. Light tea is a lighter version of Low Tea served with only scones or a few sweets. Full Tea, however, includes a 4-course menu of finger sandwiches, scones, sweets, and a rich dessert. The finger sandwiches are really what separate these two.

Cream Teas are similar to Low Tea in the fare that is served, with the prominant addition of devonshire or clotted cream. Fresh cream, which is denser and creamier than whipped cream, is spread on scones, often accompanied by fresh berries or preserves. Clotted cream is non-pasteurized milk that is heated to form creamy clots on the top, which are spooned off once the cream cools.

Nursery Tea is pretty obvious! It’s a late afternoon meal for the children and caregivers that included bread or toast, honey and jam, and scones. Milk or apple cider may be served, rather than tea.

Ham Teas are small meals consisting of tea and hearty sandwiches. This would be my husband’s first choice, the sandwiches, not so much the tea! 🙂

Royal Tea is a full tea time that includes champagne or sherry at the end. (Sweets and champagne – yes please!)

And finally, one of my favourites: Elevenses! I first heard the term when reading Lord of the Rings. Having just left the Shire, connected with Aragorn, and began a rather long journey into the wild, the Hobbit, Pippin first whines, then laments all the meals he’s going to miss. Including Second Breakfast or Elevenses, which is a late morning snack of tea and pastry, similar to a coffee break.

I think I enjoy elevenses at more than just 11:00 o’clock. I hear the kettle calling!

There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea. Henry James

Happy Monday!

Nectar of the Gods

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food, tea, tea cups, tea quotes

Our top secret formula is automatically color-corrected, scent-adjusted and bubble-contoured into this soothing sweet syrup with its distinctive golden glow you know as…honey!

Busy bees collect nectar from different flowers. Nectar is broken down into simple sugars stored inside the honeycomb.  The honeycomb design and  fanning from the bees’ wings causes evaporation, creating sweet liquid honey. Wax made by the bees seals the honey in each cell.

Beekeepers harvest honey by removing the wax seal and extracting the honey, which is strained and stored in jars, ready for things like “lad-dee-da human tea-time snack garnishments” (Barry B. Benson, The Bee Movie). 

Honey’s color and flavor varies based on the nectar collected by the bees.

High quality honey contains antioxidants, which helps reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and some types of cancer. It may help reduce blood pressure and triglycerides, as well as improve cholesterol . Honey may also promote eye health and topical honey treatments promote healing for burns and abrasions. Honey will help suppress coughs in children Buckwheat honey is one of the best types (& my personal favourite)!

High quality honey is better because lower quality may add syrups, increasing the sugar content. And while it may be a healthier option for sweetening your tea time treats,  it still contains sugar and should be consumed in moderation. Nutritionally, 1 tablespoon of honey (21 grams) contains 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar, including fructose, glucose, maltose and sucrose.

When adding honey to your tea, starts with 1 teaspoon of honey, which is slightly sweeter than sugar. Stir well and add more honey if necessary. When baking, substitute honey for granulated sugar in recipes by substituting honey for up to half of the sugar in the recipe and reduce any liquid called for by 1/4 cup for each cup of honey used and add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda for each cup of honey used. Finally, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F to prevent overbrowning.

A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside. A.A. Milne

Happy Monday!

Resources: www.honey.com

Irish Hospitality

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family, st .patrick's day, tea, tea cups, tea quotes

In Ireland, you go to someone’s house, and she asks you if you want a cup of tea. You say no, thank you, you’re really just fine. She asks if you’re sure. You say of course you’re sure, really, you don’t need a thing. Except they pronounce it ting. You don’t need a ting. Well, she says then, I was going to get myself some anyway, so it would be no trouble. Ah, you say, well, if you were going to get yourself some, I wouldn’t mind a spot of tea, at that, so long as it’s no trouble and I can give you a hand in the kitchen. Then you go through the whole thing all over again until you both end up in the kitchen drinking tea and chatting.

In America, someone asks you if you want a cup of tea, you say no, and then you don’t get any damned tea.

I liked the Irish way better. – ― C.E. Murphy, Urban Shaman

I can say by experience, I behave the same way, asking if my guest is sure, and assuring them it’s no bother. My Irish mother-in-law, was just the same, quickly learning that I would never decline tea at any time, and so we always got along just grand!

Happy Monday & Happy (early) St. Patrick’s Day!

 

Lustreware Tea Cup

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tea cups, tea quotes, teacup

Lustreware is a type of porcelain with a metallic glaze which creates an iridescent effect. It was first developed in Iraq, and was first produced for the royal courts. This cup and saucer was made by the Japanese company, Nippon Yoko Boeki Co., which continues to operate. The distinguishing mark on the bottom is a wreath with a bow at the bottom and a clover, with “Japan” printed in black. This particular clover mark was used from 1891, but it would appear that this particular cup dates closer to the late 1910’s to 1920’s.

This teacup has a full o-ring handle, but with an additional semi-circle on top, which is an uncommon feature. In fact, I could not find any like in my research on tea cup handles.

It is a pedestal-footed tea cup. Tea cup styles matched the times, and designers were always looking for new ways to help sophisticated tea drinkers impress their guests and create “conversation pieces”. One way to do this was to add to the height to a delicate teacup, and a pedestal was an easy and stable way to do so.  It’s hard to see in my photo, but this is actually a larger tea cup than most in my mother’s cupboards.

If you are cold, tea will warm you;
if you are too heated, it will cool you;
If you are depressed, it will cheer you;
If you are excited, it will calm you.
― William Ewart Gladstone

Happy Monday!