Tag-Archive for » Tea «

Jan

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company. ~Author Unknown

As if we need a reason to drink hot tea!!! It is only in the 20′s and snow is falling hard and fast. Be it tea or coffee, drinking something HOT is certainly a welcome choice right now. While I got out with the girls only once to play in the snow (and it was actually raining on Christmas Day here), it was a really fun time and we were plenty cold when we came in. This week, we may actually get snowed in if the snow falls the way they’re predicting!

It’s the perfect time for Hot Tea!!!

Over the holidays, I took to pouring tea from a teapot. Normally I just heat my water in the tea kettle, pour it over a tea bag and I’m good to go – but I thought that it might be a nice change of pace to actually pour from one of my teapots and enjoy a few cups of tea rather than just one.

It was really nice. It didn’t change the flavor of the tea, and I didn’t use a fancy porcelain teapot or china tea cup – but the ability to dress it up just a tiny bit did lift my spirits and made the whole experience “fancy.”

Sometimes I need Fancy…

How about you? Do you enjoy your cup of coffee or tea and just do whatever you can to get it ready quick, gulp it down quick, and get moving to your next “project”?

more…

Category: Food, Tea Tags: Hot Tea, National Hot Tea month, Tea, Tea for One Basket, teaporia 3 Comments

Oct

Jammin' Sandwich Cookies

queenmommy

Mmmm – jam cookies are so tasty! A buttery cookie filled with a deliciously sweet jam – Yum!!!

Jammin’ Sandwich Cookies

2 sticks butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp almond extract
2 1/4 cups flour
3/4 cup finely gound almonds
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup seedless berry jam

Cream together butter and 3/4 cup powdered sugar. Beat in almond extract. Set aside.

In another bowl, combine flour, almonds, and salt. Add milk and flour mixture to creamed mixture, alternating milk and dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly at medium speed between additions.

Knead gently and form into disc. Cover with plastic and chill 3 hours.

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift 1/4 cup powdered sugar in small bowl and set aside.

Cut dough in half, return unused portion to refrigerator. Roll out dough on a board lightly dusted with powdered sugar to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut using small cookie cutter (1 1/2″) and lay on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 18-20 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on racks. (Re-roll scraps and remaining dough until all is used.)

Spread jam on bottoms of cookies while still hot and join together to form sandwiches. Let cool colmpletely, and roll in powdered sugar to coat, dusting off excess.

Category: Recipes, Tea and Coffee Tags: cookies, Tea, tea cookies, tea treat Leave a Comment

Oct

Great Tea for Coffee Lovers

queenmommy

I really enjoy both coffee and tea. I prefer to have a nice medium roast during the morning hours, and enjoy a hearty black tea during the afternoon. The varieties of tea available now are so amazing, and can actually offer some competition for lattes and cappuccinos – at least, in my opinion.

Here’s a great homemade Chai recipe that might just substitute for your favorite cafe shop specialty:

Chocolate Chai

1 black tea bag (English Breakfast, Darjeeling, etc.)
1/2 cup boiling water
3 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. unsweetened Dutch process cocoa
2 cups milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
Whipped Cream
Cinnamon or Nutmeg

In small saucepan pour boiling water over tea bag and allow to stand 3-5 minutes. Remove tea bag. Stir in sugar and cocoa. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture just comes to boil. Stir in milk, vanilla, and spices. Heat through. Do not allow to boil.

Pour into mugs. Top with Whipped Cream and sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish.

***You can always select a decaffeinated tea bag, artificial sweetener, skim milk, or fat free Cool Whip to adjust to your taste and dietary needs.

Category: Recipes, Tea and Coffee Tags: Coffee, Tea 3 Comments

Oct

Taking Tea

queenmommy

I can’t go very long without a lovely cup of tea – especially in the afternoon. For some reason it’s the perfect pick-me-up, and I have taken to enjoying a little tea party at least once a week.

By party – I mean using a pretty cup and eating a goodie. LOL!

Honestly, if you have the time and the means and the company – you can go all out and set a pristine tea table using lace and linen, loose leaf tea and porcelain or china cups.

But that isn’t always an option – and it certainly is not required.

The point of “taking tea” is to slow down – or even stop – for just a few moments and enjoy some mental rest. In our fast paced world, it is easy to stay ON THE GO, ON THE RUN all the time!!!

For me, “taking tea” is an intentional slowing down and enjoying life. Whether I’m alone reading a book, or sipping pink (bubblegum) tea with my daughters – it’s stepping outside of all my responsibilities and remembering to actually breathe.

Teaporia has some lovely blends that I have enjoyed during these afternoon moments. I simply cannot go without mentioning Buckingham Palace Garden Party because it isjust a beautiful cup of tea. But there are others, like Cream Earl Grey, Chocolate Orange (yum!), or even Morning Sunshine.

As far as “goodies” go – it can be as simple as a few crackers and cheese as a small snack – or finger sandwiches with fruit and cream. Whether you like to bake or not, you can purchase mixes to make things quick – especially for an unexpected guest or for family coming to stay for a day or two. You may be able to find them at a local tea shop or coffee cafe, and Teaporia has some delicious mixes, too: Cranberry Orange, Lemon Poppy Seed, or White Chocolate Raspberry…

Whether you drink your tea from a chunky mug or a dainty tea cup, whether you only have 5 minutes or 5 hours – Taking Tea can be an experience that refreshes your mind and spirit – and body!

October is the perfect month to try Teaporia teas! It’s our 3rd anniversary, and you will receive 30% off your tea or children’s tea sets order through the end of the month. Click on the link below and use coupon code 3ANNIV
during checkout:

Category: Tea and Coffee Tags: taking tea, Tea, teaporia Leave a Comment

Oct

Tea-Time Thursday…

queenmommy

Mmmmm – Fall is just another reason to cozy up with a good book and a great cup of tea.

I grew up drinking iced tea. My mom made it by the GALLON while we were kids. LOVE the stuff! She used sugar until sweetener came along, and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve switched to honey as often as possible for sweetening my tea.

Even moreso, I’ve grown to really enjoy tea. It’s a “me” thing in my house – although my girls enjoy our Princess Tea Party (as long as we have Bubblegum tea!) – but for the most part – it’s something that I can enjoy, especially during nap time – while I’m working on the computer, studying homework, or watching a “chick flick” by myself.

It’s what drew me to Teaporia in the first place. I looked at a few direct sales Tea companies – and several were really great – but had a pricey startup or a serious quota requirement, and Teaporia now only has minimal requirements (one sale of any size every 3 months…).

Teaporias Buckingham Palace Garden Party

Not only that, but they also offered the best tea I’ve ever tasted – Buckingham Palace Garden Party – as I’ve mentioned before. It is such a beautiful cup of tea – a blend of Earl Grey, Jasmine, Assam, and Ceylon teas.

There’s something so lovely about savoring a cup of tea. While I LOVE my coffee on an almost daily basis, tea is something of a treat – something leisurely – something that brings to my mind tranquility.

Teaporias Butterfly Cup & Saucer

It’s surely my attitude about tea, as I drink a variety of teas: black tea, herbal teas, white tea, english tea… And the whole idea of “taking tea” brings to mind quiet afternoons – so I relish the moments when I can enjoy a full cup of tea and drink it to the last drop while it’s still hot from a lovely cup & matching saucer!

The cool mornings and evenings that require sweaters and coverlets are so cozy with a thermos of freshly brewed tea. At a football game, or while my 4 year old is playing soccer – a cup of tea would do me just right – even in a styrofoam cup… (Yep, I’ve got to get a thermos!)

There’s a process to making great tea – it isn’t just left alone to “do its thing” so much as it requires some attention and timing – but oh, it is so worth the wait…

Do you love tea? What’s your favorite blend or flavor? Do you have a favorite or memorable experience with tea?

Teaporia is celebrating it’s 3rd Anniversary during October and we have some amazing specials going on (COUPON CODE REQUIRED):

30% discount off ALL teas
Children’s Teasets are 30% off (perfect for Christmas!)
Try-Me Special - 1-24 oz infuser teapot, 2-2oz pkgs of tea, 6 honey sticks, & a honey spoon for just $24.06! It comes prepackaged in cellophane for gift giving!
Anyone hosting one or more tea parties with over $250 in sales will receive a $30 gift certificate!

Children's Ladybug Tea Set

If you are interested in placing an order OR hosting a tea party in October, please contact me and I’ll be happy to provide your COUPON CODE and link for ordering!!!

Category: Family, Favorites, Food, Home, Tea Tags: taking tea, Tea, teaporia, teatime 2 Comments

Aug

Tea Party Suggestions from The Past

queenmommy

credit:MrsLogic

In serving tea, the table should be arranged before any visitors arrive. Its cover may be a linen tea cloth embroidered or trimmed with lace, while the cups and saucers, with the spoon resting in each saucer, the thin slices of lemon, the small wafers, cakes or sandwiches on plates or pretty doilies, should be artistically arranged upon it. The teakettle should be in its place, the teapot just in front of it. The cream pitcher and sugar bowl should be within convenient reach. If the hostess pours the tea, she allows the guest to put in the sugar and cream for themselves. If she expects many visitors, then there will be wisdom in asking a friend to pour the tea for her.

~ Ladies Home Journal, 1897

Category: Uncategorized Tags: etiquette, how to serve tea, old fashioned, Tea, tea party Leave a Comment

Aug

Princess Tea Party 101

queenmommy

credit:mystarfalling

If you are the mother, grandmother, aunt, big sister, father, favorite babysitter, etc., of one or more special “Princesses” hosting a Princess Tea Party can be a breeze! Not only can it be a fun way to practice etiquette and celebrate accomplishments, it also provides a perfect setting for spending quality time with your favorite girl(s). Boys can be included if they’re willing to put up with a bit of girly behavior and participate in the decorum of the party…

You don’t have to be an expert in hospitality, a connoisseur of teas, or even a collector of the finest china. All you really need is a love for your girls and an enjoyment of tea and special time together.

Practically speaking, here’s what you need: more…