Friday, December 30, 2011

Festive Favorites


picture from Asiasociety.org

Wishing you all a healthy and happy New Year!  If you're going to have a boozy party, why not try some tea infused cocktails? Here are a few resources for cocktails to try, both hot and iced:

http://www.drinksmixer.com/cat/19/
http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/June-2010/Cool-Tea-Cocktails/
http://www.thatsthespirit.com/en/drinks/articles/hot_tea_cocktails.asp
http://imbibemagazine.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-tea-cocktails.html
http://asiasociety.org/lifestyle/food-recipes/food/drinks/new-twist-summer-cocktails

Or you can also try one of my favorites, Oolong-Hai!

Of course you don't need the alcohol to have a joyful celebration. Blending tea with juices and other flavored drinks works well too. Do you have any festive favorites?

Enjoy, everyone!!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Reflection In Loss

Last week the world lost a treasured soul. My Mother-In-Law passed away after a courageous battle with ALS. She was the most fun-loving, optimistic person I've ever had the honor to meet.

Watching family around me grieve in their own individual ways, I noticed the common healing element revolved around food and conversation. Joyous and wonderful stories of our beloved matriarch were shared while new tears were shed over salty cheeks. A warm cup of tea held and consumed absentmindedly. Its warmth fueling the conversation, quietly comforting the mourner.

We gain strength from the family and friends supporting us. In the Jewish tradition we Sit Shiva, which is a time to reflect and remember. I look around and marvel at how many lives she touched and influenced. The feeling of love is overwhelming.

A seemingly trivial cup of tea amidst the sadness was actually a source of peace for me. A personal moment for reflection and remembrance. A small moment of warmth and comfort. Easing a burning throat and puffy eyes.

I will always keep her brightness with me, remembering just how much she influenced my life in the brief time she was a part of it. I will hold my family close and let the joy she felt in life influence all of our daily tasks. The sky has one new shining star watching over us.





Sunday, December 11, 2011

a Dragon Well fit for an Emperor

A few weeks ago I mentioned a generous tea gift given to me by my brother and sister in law. While vacationing China, they visited a tea plantation in Hangzhou. I am envious of their tour! They learned about how the tea was grown and processed.

They brought back a beautiful Dragon Well tea called the Emperor's tea. I decided to try brewing this tea in a gaiwan, as it seemed appropriate. I'm a novice at this method of preparation, but why not get some practice!
This tea has distinctive smooth, flat leaves which are a result of the pan-firing process. I wished I was there to see the leaves take shape! It must be an interesting process to watch.

My first couple of infusions smelled vegetal and toasty. The flavor was smooth and delicate with a strong roasted asparagus flavor. A delicate floral note was in the background. My third infusion was much more buttery, and still retained a hint of the roasted asparagus. 

I was also given dried orange peel and hawthorne to add to the tea. I want to taste the tea a few times without anything added to it. When I'm feeling more adventurous I will try the added ingredients. Apparently I will be healthier for it as the brew is supposed to reduce cholesterol.

This is such a lovely tea. It is a special addition to my daily rotation. I'm so grateful for the gift!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Steep Thoughts: The 'Thank you Universe for Giving Us Tea' edition

This afternoon I am steeping a Darjeeling from TeaGschwendner, eagerly anticipating the comfort of that first sip. After a long night with a sick baby and then a full morning, I have been craving the familiar taste of this tea. It always amazes me how flavors and scents can bring instant comfort (or do the opposite). Pure enjoyment or nostalgia, connecting the sensation to a favorite memory.

Playing a favorite song on Spotify and sipping this tea has given me a few minutes of peace. I feel my mood change almost instantaneously. Now on to the rest of this crazy day! How do you use tea to get through your busiest days?