SimplyJenW

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vanilla black + roasted yerba mate from Custom

SimplyJenW drank vanilla black + roasted yerba mate by Custom

Tea of the morning….

As I sit here, I am planning my teas for the day. Whoa. I should be planning what I need to get accomplished today, but instead, I am thinking Hot Cinnamon Spice and a blend of Harney’s Black Currant and Vanilla Black to make my own version of ‘Jane Austen Mafia’. Kudos to whomever blended that one. It almost made me consider buying more even though the tea base for flavored tea from that company is not my favorite. And then I remembered my dear Vanilla Black and Black Currant teas in my cupboard who are just begging to be blended together. I will be missing some cream, but maybe I will just have to add some real cream…well, half and half.

Anyway, Good Morning, Steepsterites! It is gonna be a Happy Tea Day!

2011-09-08 06:41:37 -0400

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ashmanra 2011-09-08 12:08:45 -0400

I must find some Yerba mate. Where do you get yours? I have never had any. I may have to drive to Chapel Hill to “see my son” and stop in at the tea shop while I am there. Heehee!

SimplyJenW 2011-09-08 12:22:12 -0400

I order mine from Upton (and I just ordered a big bag). But I would check vitamin stores and whole food stores. Just be sure to get roasted.

SimplyJenW 2011-09-08 12:33:15 -0400

I could always send you about an ounce to try, too!

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Tea enthusiast, trying to keep up my cardio for the zombie apocalypse. I have come to accept that I am a western brewing black tea drinker as that is where my ‘tea heart’ lies. I started on loose leaf as a way to have my dessert and not suffer the caloric issues. Once I tried it, I was hooked.

I drink what I like, which is mostly China blacks, traditionally scented blacks and Earl Greys, plus a few other flavored teas. I don’t mind spending a bit on premium varieties on occasion, but an expensive tea has to deliver. My favorite places to order are Harney & Sons and Upton Tea Imports. TeaVivre is great for Chinese tea.

My ratings are pretty subjective. If it falls under 70, I may not take the time to post about it unless I had something specific to say. If it is 70-80 I like it, but I will probably not rebuy. Favorites are over 80 and up, but sometimes the less expensive or more easily obtainable version of a similar taste will win out for my cupboard space.

Usual teapot steeping method: 24 oz teapot, 3 perfect scoops of tea (4 1/2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual mug steeping method: 15 oz mug, 1.5 perfect scoops of tea (just over 2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual pan method: 1 1/2 cups water, 2 perfect tsp chai (3 actual tsp). Simmer for 3 minutes. Add 2/3 cup skim milk. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Strain and sweeten.

Usual pitcher method:
5 or 6 Perfect Spoons of tea (this means about 7-9 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, brewed essentially double-strong in my 24 oz teapot for 4 minutes. Fill my Fiestaware Disc pitcher (about 60 oz.) halfway with ice. Add brewed double-strong tea to the pitcher. Stir it a little and enjoy. No additions.

(*SRP is my Sample/Stash Reduction Plan starting on April 12, 2012. I got so far, but just decided it was too fussy to keep track.)