The House of Tudor Tea

What to do when Georgia weather goes bad – stay warm and cozy inside and drink tea, of course.

One of my gifts at Christmas was a Keurig machine.  My husband is the coffee drinker of the family, but I thought I’d try brewing some K-cups of tea.  I tried the Bigelow Earl Grey, Tetley Green Tea and Chai Latte. Not bad and quite convenient for one quick cuppa. 

Then I wondered about using my own loose tea in the machine and so I purchased a Brew & Save Cup and some Simple Cups Filters.  While shopping at TJ Maxx recently, I found a tin of The House of Tudor green tea.  I had never heard of this company before – amazing how many tea companies are out there. 

This tea, packed in Sri Lanka, comes in a pretty tin and contains 250 grams of loose tea.  As you loose tea drinkers know, that is a generous amount of tea and seemed like a bargain at $5.99.

Turns out that this works great in the Keurig and to brew a quick cup of healthy green tea.  The company website claims that it is processed to retain the maximum amount of polyphenols and antioxidants.  Although, I’m not sure if you get all the health benefits when the tea is not prepared the traditional way (steeped in a pot).   

I wonder how many of you tea enthusiasts would prepare tea in a Keurig machine.  Would you?

Vintage Tea Party

Vintage Tea Party by Carolyn Caldicott was one of the “tea” gifts I received at Christmas.  This book contains lots of information on the history of tea, teatime food and drinks and tea parties.

The gorgeous photos alone are enough to tempt any tea enthusiast to add a copy to their library.  There are wonderful shots of teatime foods, tea ware, beautiful English gardens, quaint thatched roof cottages and seaside villages.

There are hints on where to find the vintage look and how to cheat in style for the non baker or time challenged cook.

This book covers lots of interesting subjects like the history of the tearoom, choosing tea, brewing tea, the history of the sandwich, and much more.

 

Included are more than a few recipes that I’d like to try.  Raspberry Millefeuilles, Potted Salmon, and Butterfly Cakes with Vanilla Cream for a start.

I’m so happy that my daughter gifted me with this new addition to my “tea” library.

Downton Abbey tea

The Republic of Tea  has introduced a tea line featuring Downton Abbey.  I’m a big fan of the show and have enjoyed the first two episodes of the 4th season.  The tins look very pretty with their photos of cast members.

There is the Estate Blend (This is an exclusive for Cost Plus World Market® and can be purchased at your local store!)  There is also an English Rose blend and Grantham Breakfast blend available online ($12 per tin of 36 teabags). 

The Grantham Breakfast blend sounds like a tea that I would really enjoy.  The Republic of Tea website describes it as:

“Full-bodied, malty, organic Assam black tea is infused with the spicy flavor of organic ginger root. Try with a splash of warm milk and sweetener for a flavor reminiscent of sticky ginger pudding. This energizing tea is perfect for an early morning foxhunt or preparing for the dramas of the day.”

This will be going on my wish list.  Maybe I’ll get some for my birthday in the spring.  I really need time to finish up all my Christmas tea first.  ☺

I’d love to hear if you have tried these teas and what was your favorite blend.

 

Christmas “Tea” Gifts

Isn’t it amazing how quickly the holidays come and go.  I received a new tea book and magazine (reviews to come) and three boxes of tea (two I haven’t tried).

I have been wanting some of this Taylors of Harrogate Tea Room Blend tea since a trip to Charleston in April 2007.

The pretty black and gold tin states on the back label:

“In India each tea garden has its own special blend, traditionally known as “bungalow tea”, which is served to visitors.  This inspired our blenders to create a Taylors signature tea, using top quality teas from India and Africa to give this blend a rich, full-bodied and deeply satisfying taste.”

A friend and I had afternoon tea at The Charleston Place Hotel where they served this blend.  It is a full flavored, robust black tea - perfect with a splash of milk.

Our tea at the hotel was served in The Thoroughbred Room.  The décor seemed masculine with dark wood paneling and an equestrian theme.  Full blown red roses on each table provided a feminine touch.  The traditional menu included egg salad, shrimp and cucumber sandwiches with cinnamon raisin scones and crumpets.  I wonder what taking tea at this hotel is like today, or if they still serve afternoon tea.