Chocolate, Hazelnut & Strawberry Honeybush

Last night it was 79 degrees in my room and it was 77 when I woke up. I had the blessed window open, so I don’t know why it was so hot. I didn’t sleep much so I got up late for church, feeling slimy with sweat. I ran around all day today packing up stuff at the old place to bring to my room at mom’s. Pretty soon I won’t be able to move in here! My brother gallantly watched me parading in and out with multiple loads, and he never offered to help. Ggrrrrr. Of course, I never asked for help. Maybe he thought I could handle it.

Anyway, a few more loads to bring home and then I get to start packing for putting stuff in storage.

Last night was hotter than blazes but tonight it is comfortable. I decided to have a cup of hot tea. I thought this one was done a while ago, but I was digging around in the tea box for an evening cup and this one floated up to the top. Nummy. I will miss you, delicious tea, but I have lots more to sip down before fall, and I’m sure Anne and Amethyst will come up with more teas to entice me to break my No Tea Buying vow.

Grab bag from a while ago! I’ve tried this a couple times and there is such an abundance of cocoa shells (YAY!) that this results in the main flavor of the blend. Nothing really hazelnut or strawberry about it, despite seeing strawberry pieces. I’m not sure if the strawberry pieces are the only strawberry element here. I don’t mind a cocoa honeybush blend though… it could be worse. :D
Steep #1 // 1 1/2 teaspoons for a full mug// few minutes after boiling // 3-4 minute steep
Steep #2 // just boiled // 4-5 minute steep

Delicious, as always. I’m almost out, so I’m trying to weight saving it for a special moment or choosing it over all the other teas in my cabinet because it is so tasty. So much hazelnut and cream, then that cocoa blends with the hazelnut. mmmm

Sipdown (322)

When this is not made as a latte, the peppery honeybush comes out more. There is also an alcohol quality to this with a touch of strawberry. It’s not bad but not a favorite either.

This is this week’s tea of the week: I was inspired to create this blend because one of my favorite summertime indulgences is heating up a little bit (or sometimes a lot!) of chocolate hazelnut spread (ie: Nutella or Justin’s – which I prefer) and then dipping strawberries in the warmed chocolate-y hazelnut-y goo.

I’m happy with the result of my attempt to recreate those flavors in this tea. Now, mind you, it IS a tea and not the thick, wonderful goodness that is that chocolate hazelnut spread – so you’re not going to get that same thick, rich texture that is almost as satisfying as the flavor. But the flavors are definitely there.

I like this without sugar too – but just a little bit of sugar (I use about 1/2 teaspoon of raw sugar) will enhance the overall chocolate/hazelnut/strawberry flavor.