What’s In Jacob’s Cup?

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#whatsinmycup, family, food, humour, tea, what's in my cup

Hello all! Today’s guest on What’s in My Cup is my beloved Eldest Son!

The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, lies in its loyalty to each other.

Mario Puzo

He’s my red-headed, hairy lumberjack, and often my partner in adventure. We’ve battled to save the world together and geek out as much as possible. And my I could write a series of books describing how wonderful and sweet he is, and how very much I love, but you’re hear to read about tea instead! So please give a warm welcome to J!

***

Years ago, a longtime friend sent me a care package with a ton of goodies, including a collection of loose leaf tea.

Mom had just started getting into the obsession hobby, and being a coffee drinker, I didn’t even own an infuser.

So it sat.

We’ve cracked a few vials since then, on vacation and an occasional cup at home. Judging from what’s left, the “berry fruit tea” flavour is a favourite, though there’s a hibiscus & lemon vial that’s been tried too.

Traditional vs. Non-Traditional…Whose is whose?

So what have I picked for this review? Computer…

Famous words from an idyllic future?

Full confession, I meant to do a review months ago and forgot, and my second go ’round was less flavourful than I remember, but we’re not sure if maybe I skimped on the tea leaves, or if it just aged on me.

So after a third and fourth attempt, we abandoned my batch of tea leaves and opened Mom’s packet. Mom’s tea was called Cream of Earl Grey by Puck.

The first sips reminded me of every other tea, but after a second, I noticed it is very flowery…so orange pekoe and flowers?

All told, it’s not bad, but probably not a “go-to”, but as Mom said, maybe ‘you’ve just never had a proper cup of Earl Grey tea’ before.

Sorry, Mom!

Happiness [is] only real when shared.

John Krakauer, Into the Wild

BTW: If you would like to share your favourite tea and tea mug on the last Monday of the month, please pass it on!

What’s In My Cup: Citrus Burst

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

I’m still recovering from the Death Flu (not covid, thank goodness), and it kinda stole my taste for tea. I’m sure it will come back, and it’s not all bad because it has cut my caffeine consumption considerably. I’m replacing it with plain old water, and the occasional cup of orange juice for the vitamin C.

Vitamin C is a natural diuretic, and is known for its cleansing properties. It’s vital to healing and as an antioxidant, protects cells against heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Vitamin C helps your body absorb and store iron, and is a  necessity for the formation of blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen in bones.

Citrus Burst, from T.Kettle, may not be high in Vitamin C, but it is lower in caffeine. It contains oolong tea, apple, grapefruit, hibiscus, pineapple, rose petals, papaya, and cornflower petals.

The colour was a bright yellow and the strongest aroma was grapefruit. I found it bright and invigorating, with the tart and slightly bitterness of citrus fruit, and in this particular case, grapefruit! I don’t like teas that taste like soap or perfume, but this had a lovel, light floral note that enhanced the citrus flavours. The second cup I made was steeped for a very long time (I got busy and forgot about it), so it was quite bitter, so maybe don’t do that unless you like your grapefruit strong and sour.

This tea was enjoyable both as hot and an iced tea (and I tried it as an iced tea, not just as the cold tea I left on the counter)! I think it will be quite refreshing in the summer months.

This tea was gifted to me by a sweet friend (actually, her Hubby shopped for it and he has excellent taste in tea…and women)! It reminds me of Tetley’s Citrus Kiss, which was lemon and grapefuit with a green tea base. Both were delicious but I think I prefer the unique pairing of grapefruit and floral with an oolong base because it had more depth to the tea overall. Plus none of the grassy notes that can come through in green tea, or the bitterness from oversteeping green tea.

Spring arrived while I was sleeping, but I’m wide awake now and soaking in the sunshine. At least I did this weekend. It’s raining today. Citrus Burst is definitely going in my summer favs list as my tastebuds turn to all-things fruity and fun! Happy Monday!

I’m gonna soak up the sun
I’m gonna tell everyone to lighten up

Sheryl Crow, Soak Up the Sun

Elena’s “What’s in My Cup”?

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#whatsinmycup, food, humour, tea, tea addict, tea lover, tea time, what's in my cup

It’s the last Monday of the month and time to share a cuppa with my friend, Elena. She is a talented bassoonist, incredible singer, and a great mom to two busy boys (three if you count her husband). Her great sense of humour and crazy-good storytelling make her a delight to hang out with. We usually hang out together at the church in worship and ladies’ craft and chat. She usually chats. But she has many artistic abilities, including cartoon family portraits!

Let’s hear a cheer for Elena!

(you can do better than that!)

***

I confess I am not a true tea connoisseur; coffee has always had a starring role in the hierarchy of my caffeine addiction. I do enjoy a black or green tea paired with the right meal, or as an after-dinner cup with company. But herbal teas are my everyday go-to. They keep me toasty on a cold afternoon, act as a warm and steamy balm for a dry throat, or as a method of surviving a dastardly cold. While I am always open to trying new things, I mainly enjoy simple flavours like peppermint, or Earl Grey.  I do not recommend the “Mom Special” I recently enjoyed where, upon looking down into the last dregs of my coffee, I discovered this morning’s mint tea bag (I thought it tasted off, though in my defense I was enjoying a mint-chocolate chip cookie as I imbibed). 

But today, my cup is filled with one of the only blends I enjoy partaking in regularly: Celestial’s Sleepytime tea with its characteristic sleeping bear on the box, cozied up by the fire with tea and scones nearby.  It’s a combination of chamomile and spearmint with just a dash of lemongrass.  I must say lemongrass is not something I usually enjoy, though it doesn’t stand out in this blend for which I am thankful. The spearmint fills out the flowery chamomile, and well, it pairs well with honey, I find this tea to be just sweet enough to forgo any add-ons. The chamomile serves to soften and round out the mint, taking away that dry aftertaste that can accompany it when left to its own devices.

Of course how one enjoys their tea is often just as much a part of the comfort of the beverage.  I recommend a fancy tea cup if the mood is right, or in a comfy, oversized mug! Today, I offer to you my most unique mug in my collection.  It was gifted to me from a lovely little cafe/community art gallery out in Edmonton called The Carrot.  The blue dipped glaze is best appreciated in the sunlight, so as to reflect its many shades, and the thick walls do well to keep the tea steamy.  Most unusually, it is built to be an on-the-go mug, with its rim rolling in at the top and sealed in the middle with a large, rough cut cork.  Three small holes adorn either side of the rim for sipping, and the indented thumb hold on the handle allows for this mug to be comfortably held in either the right or left hand! A well built handle is an often overlooked, but wonderfully key feature in any good mug.

And so, may your tea experience today be one of steam, good flavour, and a comfy handle to boot!

What’s In My Cup: Irish Breakfast

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#whatsinmycup, tea, tea addict, tea lover, tea review, tea time, what's in my cup

I don’t have a problem with caffeine. I have a problem without it.

Breakfast teas are a blend of assam, and ceylon tea, black teas with higher caffeine levels to help you start your day.  And some days, we need that extra that kick to get going!

Irish Breakfast tea has a high concentration of Assam tea leaves in its blend, which gives it a vibrant, reddish colour and is known as a full bodied, malty and strong tea. The maltiness is a result of being grown in a very rainy, hot and humid climate in the Assam region of Northeastern India.

Irish Breakfast Tea by Twinings…plus a homemade hot cross bun. Perfect way to start the day!

It’s believed that Assam tea, was discovered growing wild in 1823 by Scottish adventurer, British Army Major Robert Bruce. The first packaged Assam tea was made available for purchase in England.

Though it has less caffeine than coffee, assam tea has a higher caffeine level than other black teas, making it the perfect type of tea in a breakfast blend. Some studies also suggest it boosts the immune system, and may provide stress relieving benefits.

Give me enough tea and I can change the world dress myself and use my adult manners.

Nanu Hoffman

Nicole’s “What’s in my Cup?”

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#whatsinmycup, tea, tea addict, tea cups, tea lover, tea time, teacup, what's in my cup

I’m thrilled to introduce my third guest “What’s in my Cup” from my sassy friend, Nicole. Nicole has a great sense of humour, a big heart, and a boisterous laugh! She is an amazing singer, a great guitar player, and super cool aunt!! For years, Nicole and her sister have led rowdy opening and closing sessions at Vacation Bible Camp, with silly songs and skits. I have been in some of those skits and I definitely had more fun than the kids! We share many of the same passions, including music, worship, and tea!

(Are you excited? Because I’m excited!!)

***

I’m not a coffee drinker and have always been jealous of the look coffee drinkers have on their face while they drink their first cup in the morning. I didn’t think tea could be a substitute, but I was so wrong!

There are so many different teas that I love but my go to is a concentrate Tazo Chai Tea. It might be cheating, in a way, compared to steeping, just adding milk and heating, but it’s quick to make on those early mornings before work or worship practice (isn’t the weekend for sleeping in?). It gives me something to look forward to getting up in the morning, especially since I’m not a morning person!

After a long day of work, I will sit in my favourite spot on the couch, curl up and have my cup of tea and feel the stress of the day leave me. It has become almost ritualistic!

Sharing a cup of tea with my mom while visiting makes me feel like a real grown up! At almost 51, maybe one day I actually will become one!!

The cup is as important as well! A tiny tea cup will not do! I love a large cup of tea, one that might mean I’m sipping it over a couple of hours (I’m not afraid of it cooling off a bit). My favourite is one I made myself, matching one my sister made as well.

My cup of tea is a comfort to sip on a cold afternoon. It’s awesome cold in the summer! It somehow makes me feel better when needed. Life is just better with any tea really!

What’s In My Cup: Licorice Spice

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#whatsinmycup, family, food, tea, what's in my cup

Roller disco, bushy sideburns, bell bottoms, and funk were all popular in the 1970s…and some of them are trends that are better left in the past.

December 1978

But the trend of licorice tea has endured the test of time. My Dad and I both like black licorice, so this Christmas, my Dad picked me up a box of Stash Licorice Spice tea.

Licorice Spice is an herbal tea. It has no added sugar or sweetener, yet it possessed a light and sweet flavour. It is also moderately spiced with cinnamon, orange peel and oil, star anise, sarsaparilla, clove bud oil, and cardamom oil. If I hadn’t read the ingredients, I would have said this was a chamomile-based tea, (or even fennel tea) with that tell-tale grassy note. Instead, its main component is licorice root. but the licorice flavour, while present, is certainly not predominant. It’s a good blend licorice and spices…if you like licorice! 😉

When reading ingredients, keep in mind that licorice root and star anise are not the same thing, though they may taste similarly. They come from different plant families. Licorice root do not belong to the same plant family. Anise or anniseed is a fruit, from an umbellifier, a fragrant, flowering plant, the same as celery and fennel. Licorice root is also a flowering plant, alongside beans and legumes. The root is used because it contains a sweet-tasting acid that is purported to be 50 times sweeter than sucrose or cane sugar.

While both licorice root and cinnamon have a lot of health benefits, however, but both should only be consumed in small quantities. Pregnant and nursing women, and people with heart disease or high blood pressure should avoid licorice root completely. Licorice root and anise are not the same thing, although they taste similarly.

There’s nothing quite like the bond between a father and his little princess.

Anonymous

Happy Monday!

What’s In My Cup: Bellini

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#whatsinmycup, food, herbal tea, tea, what's in my cup

It’s the day after the time change and our annual autumn ritual of turning the clocks back took effect yesterday. Did you “fall” back into bed too? That extra hour snuggled under the covers is magical somehow, but it can bite you the next day. The trick is to go to bed an hour “earlier” than the clock now says because otherwise, you lose that “extra hour” and you suffer for it. I warned Little Guy but I don’t think he believed me, until I cheerfully dragged him from sweet slumber in time for math class.

I’d like to say the extra sleep made me chipper but that would be wishful thinking. However, it doesn’t mean that I won’t enjoy something chipper and magical in my cup…later today. I need my caffeine first thing in the a.m.

I discovered Tetley’s “bellini” peach orange herbal tea several years ago, and stockpiled it when it became hard to find. It seems the popularity of some flavours waxes and wanes faster than the moon, but I’m seeing it again on shelves and I’m thankful because it’s been a staple in my tea cupboard!

A bellini is a cocktail of prosecco, champagne, or other sparkling wine and peach juice or puree. It’s thought that it was named after Venetian artist, Giovanni Bellini, inspired by its pink colour which resembled the same pink used in one of his paintings. Since Giovanni Bellini died in 1516, I can’t really confirm that.

I find this a light and refreshing tea. It isn’t sickly sweet or have an artificial aftertaste like a lot of peach teas. It’s a blend of apple, orange peel, licorice, rosehip, beetroot, chicory, citric acid, hibiscus, ginger and peach granules. Typically ginger and licorice can overwhelm delicate flavours, but not here. If anything, it just add brightness the flavour. The colour is indeed a soft, warm pinky-peach, like the rosy hue of a winter sunset. Perfect for curling up under a blanket, with a good book!

Tetley Canada believes in sustainability and supports the Ethical Tea Partnership, the Rainforest Alliance and the Tea 2030 Coalition. They recommend using this tea in a homemade sorbet! I prefer this tea hot to cold (unless I add sugar to the iced tea), but a sorbet sounds delicious! I may just have to try this!

Sunrise paints the sky with pinks and the sunset with peaches. Cool to warm.

Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration

Happy Monday!

What’s in My Cup: Coco-Rooibos Chai

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#whatsinmycup, food, food photography, humour, photography, tea, tea addict, tea lover, tea time, what's in my cup

Friends who buy you tea are friends for life!

OK, so a friend didn’t buy it for me, but she shared and that’s close enough! She knows I like Rooisbos tea and Chai seasonings! In this case, it was cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. This tea also has coconut flakes, and pink peppercorns!

Pink Peppercorns are actually members of the cashew family and get their name from it’s pink berries. So while its flavour resembles black pepper, it’s actually sweeter and  slightly citrus-y, rather than hot and spicy. As with many spices, it’s a great way to add punch without pounds.

This particular tea is from David’s Tea and is back from retirement, baby! It’s a Kosher, caffeine-free rooibos base, which gives it a lovely golden colour. It’s also a Fair Trade tea so can feel warm inside too. The aroma from spices delivered what was promised, a warming with a rewarding spicy kick. My only disappointment was that I could barely taste the coconut flakes, which would help to set it apart from other chai. I think I’ll stick with one of my favorites, Rooibos Cinnamon Chai! Or maybe chocolatey S’more Chai or Chocolate Chai, or  the delicious Baked Apple Chai…so many to choose from…

David’s website suggests infusing Coco-Rooibos Chai with hot milk for a chai latte. I’m lactose intolerant, so if you try it, let me know what you think!

Finding friends with the same mental disorder – priceless!

Cheers! Happy Monday!

Another “OO” for Oolong

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#whatsinmycup, tea, tea addict, tea lover, tea time, what's in my cup

It’s neither black tea nor green tea, even though it comes from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis. Tea Masters can create a different flavours by even the slightest modifications in the process.

Oolong tea undergoes a more complex process than black or green tea. Black tea is fully fermented and oxidized; oolong tea is fermented but only partially oxidized.  Freshly picked tea leaves are withered, bruised and rolled, before being rolled a second time, roasted, and left to dry completely. The length of time in each process will influence the final product. Oolong tea will tend to have a lighter colour than black tea because the heating processes stops the fermentation process. 

Since the leaves are twisted or rolled twice in the process, they dry curled or are rolled in tiny balls. As the leaves steep, they unfurl. It’s fascinating to watch; David’s Tea shares a short video on their website. When we steep, osmotic diffusion occurs. Chemical compounds need time to diffuse into the water until the compounds in both the leaf and the water become equal. It’s important, therefore, that when you are steeping ooling tea, you choose an infuser that leaves space for the leaves to unfurl, giving you a more flavoursome and robust tea!

Another contributing factor to taste in oolong tea is when the leaves are harvested. Normally tea is grown year round but is not harvested in winter. Therefore, leaves in Spring can absorb floral notes around it, and in Fall, woody and malty notes. Generally, green tea and oolong are harvested in the Spring.

Maple Syrup Oolong

Be infused today with tea, love and joy!

Happy Monday!

Resources:

Oolong: Green or Black

7 Things You Need to Know About Oolong

Somewhere there’s tea…

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#whatsinmycup, Bible, faith, tea, tea addict, tea lover, tea photography, what's in my cup

I’m not really a “stick my head in the sand” kind of person, but it’s true. I don’t watch the news. I hear enough in general conversation, or something on Facebook will tweak my interest and I’ll investigate, but I don’t often seek it out. There are thing I’ve known a long time. I know there is evil in the world. There is hatred and discrimination, and a terribly long history of it.

It breaks my heart.

It makes me anxious.

And afraid.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.

1 Timothy 1:7

So while I live in this world, I keep myself separated from it by not immersing myself in every thought that Kim Kardashian has (most of them are not golden!), or filling my head with images of death and destruction.

I am also not oblivious to the world. I mourn and pray. I teach my children to live with integrity and love. I endeavour daily to be an active minister of reconciliation for the past, a person of peace in the present, and a harbinger of hope for the future. It’s not enough, but it’s a place to start. And if we never start, we will never move forward.

There are worlds out there where the sky is burning, where the sea’s asleep and the rivers dream, people made of smoke and cities made of song. Somewhere there’s danger, somewhere there’s injustice and somewhere else the tea is getting cold.

Sylvester McCoy