Life Is Simply Bliss

ALL THINGS TEA

 

 

What a wonderful month September is!  The heat and humidity of summer have gone away.  September has brought us back to a normal lifestyle,  the children have returned back to school and life for a short time has begun to mellow.  I sense the feel of Autumn in the air.  The trees start their gorgeous parade of reds,  yellows,  and oranges.  Our thoughts go to crackling fires in the fireplace,  shorter days,  and more time for cozying up on the couch to immerse yourself in a good book.  Even those who do not typically sit with a cup of tea will find themselves longing to sit with friends while sipping this soothing balm for the soul.  Delicious Autumn!!

 

 

 

HOW TO BREW PERFECT TEA

Afternoon tea may be presented in an informal or formal service, as tea for two, or a dance for five hundred. Whether the settling is in your home, a tearoom, Inn, restaurant or grand hotel, there are no limits as to how one can entertain with this wonderful format. Occasions of all kinds may be celebrated in this manner including weddings, engagements, showers, birthdays, anniversaries, a new home, a new baby, picnics, holidays, office and theme parties. Tea can be as unique as your imagination will allow.

 

HOW TO BREW PERFECT TEA

Remember good tea begins with good water.

 

FOR HOT TEA

1. Preheat a teapot or hot the pot by rinsing it out with hot water. By insulating the teapot, it keeps the tea hot during the brewing process.

2. Bring the fresh cold water to a full rolling boil. Remove from the heat quickly as to not allow the oxygen to escape from the water. Water that has been reheated gives tea a flat taste. Only boiling water can extract the full flavor and benefit from the leaves.

3. Use one teaspoonful of tea or one tea bag per cup {about 5 or 6 ounces} of water. Pour boiling water over the tea.

4. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes or the recommended brewing time as per the instructions of your blend. Do not judge the strength of your tea by its color. It takes time for the leaves to unfold and release their flavor. If you prefer your tea less strong, add hot water after the brewing period. Always decant the tea before serving.

 

FOR ICED TEA

Follow the same rules as for hot tea, but use 50% more tea to allow for melting ice cubes.

Allow to cool and pour over ice into a tall glass.

 

 

 

A LOVING RECIPE FOR A PERFECT CUP OF TEA

One willing friend who loves to sit and share.

One grateful heart to have a friend that cares.

One beautiful garden to show us God is near.

Many wonderful memories of times shared throughout the years.

Lots of smiles and laughter to brighten up our days.

Many prayers that we prayed for each other along the way.

 

 

WHAT’S A TEA PARTY WITHOUT SCONES?

SCONES resemble baking powder biscuits and are served with tea. Devonshire or clotted cream and strawberry jams at a  “cream tea.”  No tea party is complete without scones!

 

 

BASIC CREAM SCONE RECIPE

 

2 cups of flour

1 T. baking powder

1/4 t. salt

4 T. sugar

6 T. butter

2 eggs, beaten

1/3 cup cream, milk or half & half

 

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. With a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, combine eggs and cream until well blended. Stir cream mixture into dry ingredients until they are moistened. Divide the dough into 2  8-inch rounds on a greased baking sheet. Cut the dough with a sharp knife into 8 wedges. Brush the top with milk and sprinkle on sugar. Bake at 400* for 10 to 15 minutes or until the scones are golden brown.

 

 

 

TASTY ADDITIONS TO BASIC SCONE RECIPE

2 t. orange or lemon zest

1/2 c. semi sweet chocolate chips

1/2 c. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 to 3 green onions, minced

1/2 c. chopped nuts

1 to 2 t. chopped fresh herbs

Fruits- cranberries or pumpkin

 

 

HOW DO I END UP WITH TENDER SCONES?

 

Thoroughly mix dry ad liquid ingredients in separate bowls before combining together. Don’t overmix when adding dry and liquid ingredients and don’t over handle the dough. You will have tough scones if you do. Over baking will result in dry scones. Oven temps may vary, so check your scones about 5 minutes before baking time is up.

 

 

HOMEMADE DEVONSHIRE CREAM

 

1 cup whipping cream

2 t. powdered sugar

1/2 cup sour cream

Beat whipping cream until soft peaks form.  Blend in sour cream and powered sugar. Chill and serve. ( will keep no longer

than 4-6 hours in refrigerator.)