tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41795491754403273502024-03-12T02:26:15.991-04:00LisaKnowsTeaTea author takes you on a journey of tea, sip by sip.LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-37113053333531590122012-12-10T09:28:00.000-05:002012-12-10T12:17:10.760-05:00Tea Time Gluten-Free Baking for the HolidaysYay, I finished writing my manuscript for my new tea book so, I am now back to blogging! I hope to share the process of my book with you as I go through each step so stayed tuned. But, in the meantime, I couldn't think of a more perfect topic to write about during this holiday season than BAKING and pairing homemade treats with delicious teas!<br />
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I love to bake especially during this time of the year. Each year I always make homemade goodies to give to my neighbors, our mail lady, and friends. However, in the last few years, I found out from my doctor that I have a sensitivity to wheat. So, I <em>try</em> to maintain a gluten-free diet, but at the holidays I have always struggled. Therefore, I "cheat" and then I don't feel my best at all. But, for some of you cheating isn't even an option! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiO4HNEiv04pXm5RwTuCj8b9JBpkzqHl1koCNWhnh9XykI78aVmYLBBznanPscrTchZx3Q83ELPjCW-vxWkkMmah4XbDSu1p3d9yoRFruSrbXV8JBgvF6ksDjC0nWLAIIrdYoK7NAHPRbD/s1600/Gluten-Free+Baking+for+the+Holidays+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiO4HNEiv04pXm5RwTuCj8b9JBpkzqHl1koCNWhnh9XykI78aVmYLBBznanPscrTchZx3Q83ELPjCW-vxWkkMmah4XbDSu1p3d9yoRFruSrbXV8JBgvF6ksDjC0nWLAIIrdYoK7NAHPRbD/s200/Gluten-Free+Baking+for+the+Holidays+cover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Well I don't have to "cheat" anymore since I received Jeanne Sauvage's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Free-Baking-Holidays-Recipes-Traditional/dp/1452107017/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top"><strong><em>GLUTEN-FREE FOR THE HOLIDAYS</em>: </strong></a><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Free-Baking-Holidays-Recipes-Traditional/dp/1452107017/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top"><strong>60 Recipes for Traditional Festive Treats</strong></a><strong> </strong></em>cookbook. This book is way more than just a cookbook. It is what I would call a primer for gluten-free baking as well. Baking and enjoying homemade treats with my tea has a whole new outlook! <br />
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Jeanne and I share a few things in common such as the same literary agent and now the same publisher, <a href="http://www.chroniclebooks.com/"><strong>Chronicle Books</strong>.</a> I later discovered we also share a love of tea. When I was in Seattle last year teaching a tea class, she took me to a local tea shop and we had a great time chatting. Lucky for me, I even got to preview some of the photos for her now published book. <br />
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Being diagnosed gluten intolerant after her daughter was born over a decade ago, Jeanne didn't want to quit her love of baking, so she figured out a new way that fits her diet restrictions AND her taste buds! For those of you that need to stick with a gluten-free diet, you know that taste and texture can be a problem in baked goods. Well, not anymore. Here are two great recipes from <em>Gluten-Free Baking for the Holidays.</em> You will want to buy this book ASAP, to try out the other 58 recipes in the book plus read the primer that is included to help you navigate the gluten-free world of baking. She also includes some basics such as yummy yeast rolls and bread too!<br />
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To Get Started here is, <strong>Jeanne’s Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour</strong> (Makes 4½ cups / 660 g)<br />
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1¼ cups/170 g brown rice flour<br />
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1¼ cups/205 g white rice flour<br />
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1 cup/165 g sweet rice flour<br />
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1 cup/120 g tapioca flour<br />
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scant 2 tsp xanthan gum<br />
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In a large bowl, whisk together the brown and white rice flours, sweet rice flour, tapioca flour, and xanthan gum thoroughly. Transfer the mix to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to 4 months.<br />
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I used to make cutout cookies with my kids every year for Christmas when they were little. We used the same cookie cutters that I grew up with which made the baking even more special. It was always the cookies the kids left for Santa. This recipe would be great with a cup of green Japanese Sencha or a black first flush Darjeeling! I do think Santa would enjoy a little cup-of-pick-me-up with his cookies too! Here is Jeanne's gluten-free recipe perfect for all the gluten-free Santas.<br />
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<strong>Cutout Cookies</strong> (Makes About 30 cookies)<br />
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Cutout cookies are a must for the holiday season. The wonderful thing about this dough is that it can be cut into any shape or size that a particular holiday requires. I make the dough year-round and use cookie cutters that suit the occasion. The cookies are fun to decorate. When my daughter was a toddler, we painted the icing on the cookies instead of piping it. Painting the cookies was so much easier. Now that she is older, it is a wonderful way for both of us to get creative when decorating the cookies. Each cookie can be a masterpiece.<br />
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2 cups / 280 g Jeanne’s Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour (please see separate recipe)<br />
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1½ tsp baking powder<br />
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¼ tsp salt<br />
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½ cup / 115 g unsalted butter, at room temperature<br />
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1 cup / 200 g granulated sugar<br />
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1 extra-large egg, at room temperature<br />
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract<br />
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½ tsp grated lemon or orange zest (optional)<br />
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Tapioca flour for dusting<br />
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Colored sugar for decorating (optional)<br />
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<strong>Icing</strong><br />
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2 cups / 225 g confectioners’ sugar, sifted<br />
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract<br />
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4 to 6 Tbsp heavy cream, or more if needed<br />
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Food coloring in various colors (optional)<br />
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In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.<br />
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In a large bowl, using a hand mixer on medium-high speed, beat the butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the granulated sugar and beat for 1 minute. Add the egg and beat for 1 minute. Add the vanilla and beat to combine. Add the lemon zest (if using). Add the flour mixture and beat until combined.<br />
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Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.<br />
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Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes, or for up to 3 days.<br />
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Preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C/gas mark 5. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.<br />
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Remove one dough disk from the refrigerator. If the dough is rock hard, let it warm up a bit. Place the dough between two pieces of waxed paper and roll to ⅛ in/3 mm thick.<br />
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Using cookie cutters dipped in tapioca flour, cut out as many shapes as possible. Using a spatula, place the cutouts on the prepared sheets, spacing them at least 1 in/2.5 cm apart. Roll out the dough scraps and repeat the process until all the dough is used or the cookie sheets are full. The dough is best cut when it is firm, so you may have to return it to the refrigerator before cutting more shapes.<br />
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Sprinkle the shapes with colored sugar (if desired or leave them plain and decorate with icing after baking). Bake until the edges of the cookies are lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool on the cookie sheets for about 2 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely. Let the sheets cool completely and repeat with the remaining dough.<br />
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While the cookies are cooling, make the icing. Place the confectioners’ sugar in a large bowl. Add the vanilla and 4 Tbsp of the cream. Whisk until all the ingredients are combined and smooth. If desired, add more cream to make the icing thinner. If you want to color the icing, divide it among small bowls and tint each bowl of icing with a different food coloring. Using a small paintbrush per color, decorate the cookies. Place the decorated cookies on the wire racks to let the icing set.<br />
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Store the cookies in an airtight container, between layers of waxed paper, at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.<br />
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Not everything in this cookbook is sweet. If you are looking for a savory tea time treat, how about trying these cheese crackers. They would pair nicely with a cup of malty astringent black Assam tea or if you like smokey black Lapsong Souchong that would also be nice!<br />
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<strong>Cheese Crackers and Straws</strong> (Makes 60 or more crackers or straws)<br />
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Cheese crackers and straws are terrific party snacks, especially for New Year’s Eve. They are simple to prepare and get rave reviews from guests. Sometimes I make them with cheese only, and sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne for a little kick. You can also experiment with your own choice of herbs and spices. The recipe here calls for both Cheddar cheese and Parmesan. If you like, you can use Cheddar alone, by replacing the Parmesan with the same amount of Cheddar.<br />
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1½ cups/210 g Jeanne’s Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour (please see separate recipe)<br />
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¼ tsp salt<br />
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1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)<br />
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½ tsp dried herb such as thyme or rosemary or ground spice such as cumin (optional)<br />
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6 Tbsp/85 g cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces<br />
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2½ cups/175 g grated Cheddar cheese<br />
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1 cup/70 g grated Parmesan cheese<br />
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1 extra-large egg<br />
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¼ cup/60 ml milk<br />
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Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C/gas mark 5. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.<br />
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In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, cayenne (if using), and dried herb (if using).<br />
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Pulse a few times to mix. Add the butter and both the cheeses and pulse until evenly mixed with the dry ingredients, about 1 minute. The dough will look like wet sand with pebbles. Add the egg and pulse until incorporated. With the motor running, pour the milk through the feed tube and blend until the dough forms a ball. (Alternatively, you may mix the dough by hand, using a pastry cutter to combine the dry ingredients and the butter and cheeses. Then, with a wooden spoon, stir in the egg and milk. The dough will be very stiff.) Divide the dough into two equal portions.<br />
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To make cracker rounds / Place a portion of the dough between two pieces of waxed paper and roll to ⅛ in/3 mm thick. Using a 2-in/5-cm cookie cutter, cut out as many rounds as possible. Using a spatula, place the cutouts on a prepared sheet, spacing them at least ½ in/12 mm apart. Roll out the dough scraps and repeat the process until all the dough is used.<br />
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To make straws / From a portion of dough, pinch off a marble-sized piece of dough. Roll into a ball and then put on a piece of waxed paper and roll into an evenly shaped cylinder about 5½ in/14 cm long. Place on a prepared sheet. Repeat until all the dough is used, spacing the cylinders at least ½ in/12 mm apart.<br />
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Place the sheets on the middle and lower oven racks. Bake until the crackers or straws are brownish around the edges, 15 to 20 minutes. They will be moderately crunchy. Let the crackers or straws cool on the cookie sheets until you can pick them up, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.<br />
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.<br />
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<strong>The cookbook makes a perfect gift for your gluten-free friends or for yourself. Hurry so you have plenty of time to try lots of different recipes during the holidays. You might want to check out Jeanne's blog called</strong> <a href="http://www.artofglutenfreebaking.com/"><strong>Art of Gluten-Free Baking</strong></a> <strong>for more wonderful recipes. Let me know which recipe in the cookbook is your favorite!</strong></div>
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<strong>Happy Sipping and Baking, Lisa </strong></div>
LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-49150926139501892932012-06-12T12:02:00.000-04:002012-06-12T12:02:32.081-04:00Celebrate National Iced Tea Month with Ceylon Teas From Sri Lanka<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just returned from speaking events at <a href="http://www.worldteaexpo.com/">World Tea Expo</a> in Las Vegas and also in Sonoma. It was wonderful to "talk tea" with so many different folks. I am squeezing my blogs about Sri Lanka in between speaking and writing assignments so come along with me on a great summer escape! <br />
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June is National Iced Tea Month. Did you know that Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka makes GREAT Iced Tea? I hope as you read my blog, you will know much more about Ceylon tea.<br />
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I had the opportunity to visit the Colombo Tea Auction in Sri Lanka. I was a guest of the <a href="http://www.keells.com/">John Keells Group</a> which owns tea companies as well as beautiful hotels among other things. It was a fascinating experience listening to tea being traded for distribution all over the world. The auctioneers were hard to understand. The only way I knew they were done with one lot of tea and moving on to the next is the gavel went down. Each transaction took usually less than a few minutes.<br />
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After the auction, our group was taken to a John Keells hotel for lunch. The hotel was stunning and modern. Sri Lanka is vying to become a tourist destination and the John Keells group is leading the way with beautiful hotels. You will see a few more of their hotels in my travel tea blogs later. <br />
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The lunch buffet was laid out beautifully! Here is just a sampling of the fruit and refreshing desserts offered! </div>
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After our "arduous" time at the tea auction and lunch, we went back to the corporate tea office of John Keells for a nice cupping session of their teas. In the photo, a man is weighing out the teas using an antique scale and coins as the counter weight on the other side. Cupping is the professional way of tasting teas. In my next book, I explain this in much more detail! Can you guess how many times your teas are "professionally cupped" before you drink them at home? <br />
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The special cups used are called cupping sets. Here's our cupping sets laid out to taste delicious Ceylon teas. The tea leaves are steeped in the cup with the handle and the lid is placed on top. After steeping, the tea is poured into the bowl shaped cup and the leaves are inverted and placed on the lid for visual inspection. Then, let the tasting begin. It is always a treat to be able to cup so many teas at one time. If you think "tea is just tea," you wouldn't after cupping so many side-by-side. <br />
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After a great day of tea education, we headed back to the <a href="http://www.gallefacehotel.com/html_regency/facilities.htm">Galle Face Hotel</a> for dinner and relaxation time. I mentioned in my last blog about a museum in the hotel and thought I would tell you a little about one item in it. <br />
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Yes, this is a car in the hotel, but not just any car. Prince Phillip of Greece was in the Royal Navy and was stationed in Sri Lanka in 1940 where he bought his first personal car It is a 1935 model Standard Nine. Prince Phillip of Greece returned later to Sri Lanka in 1952 as the Duke of Edinburgh after marrying Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the II. The car is in pristine condition and quite a treasure for the hotel.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAO-idF6B-3N3Aq8XZqLX-M7xrE034Ucc7Dml0QUiwRDzzR6p64OXVdGeL1SZBCJ5TElsR9-OvQQ2bYQcWovr5yVeaKZz4uxnMSfNMhjfqAuiEbJqJoBK7zMITwQKIQRg-LEwrBFMYqIwS/s1600/Day+2+sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAO-idF6B-3N3Aq8XZqLX-M7xrE034Ucc7Dml0QUiwRDzzR6p64OXVdGeL1SZBCJ5TElsR9-OvQQ2bYQcWovr5yVeaKZz4uxnMSfNMhjfqAuiEbJqJoBK7zMITwQKIQRg-LEwrBFMYqIwS/s320/Day+2+sunset.JPG" width="240" /></a>It was a wonderful second day in Sri Lanka filled with tea education, interesting and delicious food, and meeting new Sri Lankan tea friends. A nice evening stroll along the Indian Ocean was a great way to end the day. Isn't it beautiful?</div>
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<strong>Please follow along with me, as I take you to some interesting tea plantations in my next blog that produce cinnamon and rubber too! Have I inspired you to visit Sri Lanka yet?</strong></div>
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<strong>Happy Sipping, Lisa</strong></div>
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</div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-2925410940795361052012-05-22T10:37:00.000-04:002012-05-23T09:36:33.931-04:00Welcome to Sri Lanka-Land of Ceylon TeaI have been so excited to tell you about my trip to Sri Lanka to discover the land of Ceylon teas that I took in January . I am finally sneaking in a few minutes to share a little about it in between writing and deadlines for my new tea book.<br />
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Sri Lanka is a beautiful island surrounded by the Indian Ocean. For those of you that don't know where it is, it is located off the southeastern coast of India. I flew from London to Sri Lanka and spent New Year's day lost in time somewhere high in the sky. I landed early in the morning and made it just in time to the hotel to watch the sunrise over the Indian Ocean with a cup of Ceylon tea in hand.<br />
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The island was occupied by the British until the 1940s, so much of the architecture and design elements reflect a British Colonial look which I love! The first hotel I stayed at was the <a href="http://www.gallefacehotel.com/html_classic/srilanka.htm">Galle Face Hotel</a>. Here are the large wooden carved doors that are original to the building! My first day there I spent wondering about this historic hotel as I tried to get acclimated to my new time zone. My wondering led me to the hotel's interesting royal museum which I will tell you about in my next blog! </div>
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Sri Lanka is ten and half hours ahead of east coast time of the United States and five and half hours ahead of London. So with the plane ride and time change, some acclimating was necessary. What could be a better way to fight jet lag than by sitting at this pool with the gorgeous ocean view. I think I could get used to any new timezone like that!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5M_nDPBVUIl_gASTj7tpAGHWZxA8iFPspoVPkZDn5OXX2QFGAVxHZCorJz7qNYNz-HB35feq_Yy4Cqaz2LEQ1GuJS4YEzntQYScVnfhZj_d4VdsrMTQznVU0UrCsGtoAUMJwptgG0oTZ/s1600/Day+one+afternoon+tea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5M_nDPBVUIl_gASTj7tpAGHWZxA8iFPspoVPkZDn5OXX2QFGAVxHZCorJz7qNYNz-HB35feq_Yy4Cqaz2LEQ1GuJS4YEzntQYScVnfhZj_d4VdsrMTQznVU0UrCsGtoAUMJwptgG0oTZ/s320/Day+one+afternoon+tea.JPG" width="240" /></a>All of our meals were served on this large veranda that faced the ocean. The cool breeze was so inviting. My first day there of course included afternoon tea which is another great way to adjust! The choices were endless and stretched as far as the width of the veranda. Some of the selections included things I was familiar with such as finger sandwiches and some were unique to this tropical island's Indian influences. It was a food adventure to try the unknown. I also loved the assortment of fruit that was available with all of our meals such as bananas, pineapple, mango, and passion fruit. Most of them tasted much better than what I was used to because of their freshness!</div>
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Any afternoon tea that includes chocolate mousse is a hit for me! How about you?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41dPOWVI4Mixqdsw6DOJs9fj4eABQEFETODu0EECdAYL7CdjdqSze4yh2_GeQWESaWUOr3yz5-5RB78hSsbaeWosVT5bRQhZNx8PDjLYFxSwkaMtPrAuxc34S3deSC9CEXygUSLrb52CT/s1600/wedding+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41dPOWVI4Mixqdsw6DOJs9fj4eABQEFETODu0EECdAYL7CdjdqSze4yh2_GeQWESaWUOr3yz5-5RB78hSsbaeWosVT5bRQhZNx8PDjLYFxSwkaMtPrAuxc34S3deSC9CEXygUSLrb52CT/s320/wedding+2.JPG" width="240" /></a>This hotel seemed to be an oasis for weddings which was intriguing to observe. It was an introduction to some of the cultural differences and styles of dress for their formal affairs. I was captivated by this bride and her wedding party. The dresses were ornate and so different than that of what I see in America. The flowers in this simple bouquet were beautiful. Does anyone know what they were? I wonder if I could find them in the states. (Thanks to a reader, I found out they are <span dir="auto"><i>Nymphaea lotus</i></span> that may also be called Egyptian White Water Lily or white lotus) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3N_X5YtLpY7ZS_O_n5tQNBH0epOSKPwMTLL_lHnvaAEPV1dEQhTadyDA6BT9QOOgdteRvBSBKzG9Dbr9S87b7jC2RQf6dJpELuWYSrEesIDAontu60cjt4KeRjYY0SHlqnnq-K3yAO2s/s1600/wedding+on+the+beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3N_X5YtLpY7ZS_O_n5tQNBH0epOSKPwMTLL_lHnvaAEPV1dEQhTadyDA6BT9QOOgdteRvBSBKzG9Dbr9S87b7jC2RQf6dJpELuWYSrEesIDAontu60cjt4KeRjYY0SHlqnnq-K3yAO2s/s320/wedding+on+the+beach.JPG" width="240" /></a>I took a walk alongside the ocean in the evening and happened upon the same bride and groom getting their pictures taken while the sun was setting over the Indian Ocean! What a wonderful beginning to my trip as I observed this special occasion from afar! </div>
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This bowl of floating flowers is what greeted me as I made my way down to the spa for a massage to ease my body of the eleven plus hour flight from London. I was told that the small white flowers are called temple flowers. I think they are just beautiful floating in the large bowl.</div>
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<strong>Since I started my blog with the lovely sunrise, I thought I would end it with the stunning sunset that concluded my first day in this new land full of adventures that awaited me! </strong></div>
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<strong>Come with me as I take you to Sri Lanka. I will show you some wonderful tea plantations, interesting foods, and beautiful scenery! </strong></div>
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<strong>Happy Sipping Ceylon Tea, Lisa</strong></div>
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<strong>Side Note: Next week, I will be speaking in Sonoma wine country for a private event and then off to Las Vegas for the World Tea Expo</strong>. <strong>I would love to meet up with you in Vegas if you are attending this trade-only event.</strong></div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com2Colombo, Sri Lanka6.9270786 79.8612436.8640276 79.782279 6.9901295999999995 79.940207tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-45769405154376399862012-04-09T10:52:00.000-04:002012-04-09T10:52:48.159-04:00New York City Tea Tour and other New York City Tea Places<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR2uWZHRlia2b_1wPugcc4Ppg2o8oW5R13Ft3ZSffbx4vmfrICI" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="rg_hi" data-height="183" data-width="275" height="183" id="rg_hi" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR2uWZHRlia2b_1wPugcc4Ppg2o8oW5R13Ft3ZSffbx4vmfrICI" style="height: 183px; width: 275px;" width="275" /></a>New York City is a great place for all different types of tea experiences. I just returned home from the <a href="http://www.iacp.com/">International Association of Culinary Professionals </a>National Conference which was held there. A colleague and tea friend of mine <a href="http://www.teafoodhistory.com/">Judith Krall-Russo</a> and I were chosen to lead a tea tour for the conference. We had a great group of new tea enthusiasts that were eager to learn. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>We toured the "World of Tea" without ever leaving Manhattan! Our first stop was Chinatown for a Gongfu Chinese Tea Ceremony. It was wonderful to have the attendees experience tea in this way with the small Chinese teapots and many infusions of oolong.<br />
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Our next stop was to visit Soho for some more tea education. Judith and I taught for about an hour about tea as the attendees tasted Chinese white tea, Japanese green tea, Taiwanese oolong, and Sri Lankan (Ceylon) black tea. We of course needed to cleanse the palate in between tastings and what would be more befitting, but some yummy scones. <br />
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As we left Soho, we waved goodbye to China, Taiwan, Japan, and Sri Lanka. We then walked to our next stop which was France. We organized a tea inspired lunch at <a href="http://bosienyc.com/">Bosie Tea Parlor</a> in Greenwich Village. We had a three course lunch there along with a bit more education on caffeine and antioxidants. <br />
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Not only is their food amazing, but their pastries are just as good. Many of them are tea infused to add to the uniqueness. The problem was which one to choose. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBl3_32j3ynqTzAPg06vQvfeG0DsKPZShG4aixewOfpSc4_iFZqjbegnh-N6IXVS-t9RrgSUL2223FSekh4z2BNuSh5aJrOu55V4l1P2fVuKcr3kJeeYOqx5y8FCveNqrix4u3faWn9hw/s1600/bosie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBl3_32j3ynqTzAPg06vQvfeG0DsKPZShG4aixewOfpSc4_iFZqjbegnh-N6IXVS-t9RrgSUL2223FSekh4z2BNuSh5aJrOu55V4l1P2fVuKcr3kJeeYOqx5y8FCveNqrix4u3faWn9hw/s400/bosie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_e-ng6ORuZDhBrVLNINNuB1ZBDHxwO3U5dTGnRs9t-S2lthi447L-Q4mQwTZHv83rwh957YFohRs6WF-bKjuvSROYf0tGXlbxBp_SKMe1pL_Q5f-NVMpSVUssT58EP0dKIIoGc5xzblMF/s1600/david%2527s+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_e-ng6ORuZDhBrVLNINNuB1ZBDHxwO3U5dTGnRs9t-S2lthi447L-Q4mQwTZHv83rwh957YFohRs6WF-bKjuvSROYf0tGXlbxBp_SKMe1pL_Q5f-NVMpSVUssT58EP0dKIIoGc5xzblMF/s200/david%2527s+tea.jpg" width="200" /></a>Just down the street from Bosie is a new tea chain that has just opened up in the US. <a href="http://www.davidstea.com/">Davids Tea</a> is from Canada and has just opened two stores in New York City. The vibe in the store is contemporary and the clientele was young. It was great to see middle school kids still in their uniforms ordering tea at the counter!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Our last stop around the world was right here in the USA. We stopped in at the oldest running tea and coffee shop. They have been in the same location since 1895. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4AE5O84hhAsvF2ZgkwPltNobcPkGDeuxsgTxKFBPKY7lciHeKp75_mCBNSWyFx1BDYpOptfYxFK1a8epa4KBo7DcYgor0uxuBYPSKmuMXTv1Y637wb-aOxhWG8nq7eCb-PURR588D6BX/s1600/mcnulty%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4AE5O84hhAsvF2ZgkwPltNobcPkGDeuxsgTxKFBPKY7lciHeKp75_mCBNSWyFx1BDYpOptfYxFK1a8epa4KBo7DcYgor0uxuBYPSKmuMXTv1Y637wb-aOxhWG8nq7eCb-PURR588D6BX/s400/mcnulty%2527s.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We want to thank IACP for allowing us to share our love of tea with its members. We had loads of fun planning, taste testing, and leading the tour. I just thought I would share a few bonus tea places that we couldn't include on the tour.<br />
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Judith and I decided to do a private Japanese tea excursion the next day since we both had traveled to the tea fields of Japan together in 2010, Our tour included Kinokuniya Books. It is not just a bookstore, but has a lovely selection of Japanese gifts. If you have time, go upstairs for a cup of tea. <br />
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We also stopped off for a authentic Japanese breakfast. Doesn't that look good? It was....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrrBLyX6SU9LOjtapghHUtJqzL3-oeFFxI7GGPEarqeg6mLzUsAyZZ35dU74Z8MWSbw8KP3LKBsfbwe3PM3ZRm4iTpl7bVZFSeVQs3N56XM8T_wQORbv0KM-FCvbWKHvz1SxUyQ3bVBBO/s1600/panya+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrrBLyX6SU9LOjtapghHUtJqzL3-oeFFxI7GGPEarqeg6mLzUsAyZZ35dU74Z8MWSbw8KP3LKBsfbwe3PM3ZRm4iTpl7bVZFSeVQs3N56XM8T_wQORbv0KM-FCvbWKHvz1SxUyQ3bVBBO/s400/panya+food.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3tRXzMchu_PXwGR2xPxq4l-XkqDyzCQgWdUhHN8iGDMaOUJKj9RrFTcSg1EleK4M3pY7TtHDSH0zQozPfiQ-rqOqqvyCmSAYBEvnKp-M1FyVgqCABpSibTJeySslUObCOfIVn6eRrXNv/s1600/cha+an+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3tRXzMchu_PXwGR2xPxq4l-XkqDyzCQgWdUhHN8iGDMaOUJKj9RrFTcSg1EleK4M3pY7TtHDSH0zQozPfiQ-rqOqqvyCmSAYBEvnKp-M1FyVgqCABpSibTJeySslUObCOfIVn6eRrXNv/s200/cha+an+sign.jpg" width="200" /></a>Next on the our list was <a href="http://www.chaanteahouse.com/">Cha An Tea House</a>. If you get the chance, you won't want to miss Cha An. It only seats 12, so get there early. We spent the afternoon with another tea friend eating, laughing, and drinking tea! After all, isn't that what having tea is all about?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong>I hope you enjoyed the tour of New York City's tea places. There are many more to share, but that is for another blog. Follow me as I take you to Sri Lanka next-the land of Ceylon Tea which I toured in January! </strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong>Happy Sipping from New York City, Lisa</strong></div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-3737168816816665782012-03-27T10:54:00.000-04:002012-03-27T10:54:04.661-04:00Tea in London Day 4 The Borough Market and Buckingham Palace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My last full day in London, was a tasteful one indeed. I hopped on the tube Saturday morning to the <a href="http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/"><strong>Borough Market</strong></a> which is said to be London's most renowned food market full of British and International delights. It wasn't just any Saturday, it was New Year's Eve, so the market was full of people shopping for an evening of partying! Again, I must warn you that you should not be hungry while viewing this blog!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMP3cuzPU0lNrbUXk3dKRiaMSS-RmiASDC4aPhTxCcjuvW7H7KnS_7qWOPe-LIzpqQZ3A6OwnjNLS_x6XGd35biZHwwY3-WUFcHswfUeKSqxn0XUoWbkC5P_P409l88EJ1yjXCy0KyuRdP/s1600/Day+4+Borough+Market.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMP3cuzPU0lNrbUXk3dKRiaMSS-RmiASDC4aPhTxCcjuvW7H7KnS_7qWOPe-LIzpqQZ3A6OwnjNLS_x6XGd35biZHwwY3-WUFcHswfUeKSqxn0XUoWbkC5P_P409l88EJ1yjXCy0KyuRdP/s400/Day+4+Borough+Market.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My first stop was for a cup of tea to warm up. I love that in London, they ask you if you want your tea white or black. I was first confused at this question thinking they were asking if I would like white tea or black tea. However, I figured out that they mean, do you want your black tea served with or without milk-hence making the color white or black! Then it was off to browse, sample, and choose lunch and dinner for the day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP766XVObebN-QHATyfigARoq40Fsk2S87g88wcmhjdjwhoczTKTKbKd2JRJ1uLPlJhP51cGeoxELC2r7sXojWuDhpWQ_88iENg-XT0L8No7DB44BobaDgFSLFW5Jm6wiFOgOFnXCOwx5x/s1600/Day+4+borough+rabbit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP766XVObebN-QHATyfigARoq40Fsk2S87g88wcmhjdjwhoczTKTKbKd2JRJ1uLPlJhP51cGeoxELC2r7sXojWuDhpWQ_88iENg-XT0L8No7DB44BobaDgFSLFW5Jm6wiFOgOFnXCOwx5x/s400/Day+4+borough+rabbit.JPG" width="225" /></a>Since I was at the market for the Holiday season, there were many holiday treats such as turkeys, goose, and rabbit! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cheese selections were in no short supply. This was just one of many vendors sampling and selling their cheese. Just to let you know, I love cheese! How about you?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-dAbyYOnG7nG-31FwBsWG562-8i374cH4LaH_CDBBnBq9k_c38x0kKen4ng4C22MhkWrjtPmlRkuE9wbIxUGH6dYR5No1OcRdYGnRak-Gy0En8IbMgc4Nikzxy7kVhhWwYFzTu3xNPYw/s1600/Day+4+Cheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-dAbyYOnG7nG-31FwBsWG562-8i374cH4LaH_CDBBnBq9k_c38x0kKen4ng4C22MhkWrjtPmlRkuE9wbIxUGH6dYR5No1OcRdYGnRak-Gy0En8IbMgc4Nikzxy7kVhhWwYFzTu3xNPYw/s400/Day+4+Cheese.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is just a sampling of the many pastries that were for sale in the market. How nice it would have been to have bought some of these for New Year's Day. However, I would be flying all day to Sri Lanka so I had to pass these by....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNCmW_uyjxAjmf9TK9pTgLf_JLGtYWBruePyOKzhyphenhyphenXamu8pbi2cPLP_LHZw9DNk8FWpFKNGCpwD-oX8P9BamPzaIbfhkyESfvM5uhGHtvy-sW9eQcZMG8S4UDusasfYl4x73w3O-7tj-3/s1600/Day+4+desserts+in+case.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNCmW_uyjxAjmf9TK9pTgLf_JLGtYWBruePyOKzhyphenhyphenXamu8pbi2cPLP_LHZw9DNk8FWpFKNGCpwD-oX8P9BamPzaIbfhkyESfvM5uhGHtvy-sW9eQcZMG8S4UDusasfYl4x73w3O-7tj-3/s400/Day+4+desserts+in+case.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Olives anyone?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUL3c6IB65x_cpYX7lN66MiapRzezD39XC-pcHqkKV8UJISPLEVs8g0Kpf_XbCT8GRAo8YhI6U8WtAf768CTeIdpRUupySWBOj1j-2y68Vj9cRmmoH3mIKbzam1kcyS6EKN3RksAjU3Ey/s1600/Day+4+olives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUL3c6IB65x_cpYX7lN66MiapRzezD39XC-pcHqkKV8UJISPLEVs8g0Kpf_XbCT8GRAo8YhI6U8WtAf768CTeIdpRUupySWBOj1j-2y68Vj9cRmmoH3mIKbzam1kcyS6EKN3RksAjU3Ey/s400/Day+4+olives.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How about some pig in many forms? The sausages from this booth were spectacular! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Uq3qPhYLOkabQYKz3mZdGXisNIHoi4VjlyBxPSLaGkl4d5mZwRWBLwyqbPl_mRBlEKGWH7drqCylLm0VXA97j-jjNDMDLqj2cn5mIMfy7yFn_78LBbBNfnUP4ITNUF6Ow96u96UrAq6t/s1600/Day+4+borough+market+sausage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Uq3qPhYLOkabQYKz3mZdGXisNIHoi4VjlyBxPSLaGkl4d5mZwRWBLwyqbPl_mRBlEKGWH7drqCylLm0VXA97j-jjNDMDLqj2cn5mIMfy7yFn_78LBbBNfnUP4ITNUF6Ow96u96UrAq6t/s400/Day+4+borough+market+sausage.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is what I chose to take home for my dinner at the hotel while I was packing up for my Sri Lanka trip-Wild Boar Pie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6xyBBtY2MNNn3H77KnNBlC1kXXrVlt9dGQIYzy3w5MgVHyFehFHWh4KtI5kZff9hvX9RpRx0N1bzDNKXwEitBwEiSE4kI8V_pAuimcX74Ptf79roywtlCi-8EtIpBuwJtvSbRH3Z006B/s1600/Day+4+Wild+Boar+Pie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6xyBBtY2MNNn3H77KnNBlC1kXXrVlt9dGQIYzy3w5MgVHyFehFHWh4KtI5kZff9hvX9RpRx0N1bzDNKXwEitBwEiSE4kI8V_pAuimcX74Ptf79roywtlCi-8EtIpBuwJtvSbRH3Z006B/s400/Day+4+Wild+Boar+Pie.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Now, back to the important choice for lunch. For those of you that don't know, along with being a tea lover, I am also a confirmed chocoholic. So, I could not resist this when I came upon it. <br />
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<a href="http://www.rabotestate.com/boroughmarket.html"><img alt="Borough Market" border="0" height="279" src="http://www.rabotestate.com/Images/rabothomeimagejpg.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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I don't think it was my healthiest choice in food I have every made, but it was New Year's Eve after all. I couldn't resist getting something from this "all about cacao" place sourcing from a single origin and single estate cacao grower in Saint Lucia! Just look at the <a href="http://www.rabotestate.com/Images/Rabot%20Take%20Away_new.pdf"><strong>menu choices</strong></a> from <a href="http://www.rabotestate.com/"><strong>The Robot Estate</strong></a><strong>. </strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJIIhYhHZ-kTUUqX8neOlqYeKSLWVgkKwSO9tQgc9T-i8cxw9tydC_5k1eTX4IjFaHb7_2r08aDs-zQ9_91LZP-syzpBvfKF9ptWfc3nCuchRjlZas3lJ6shroJNr3n61jMoGqWpDQxMa/s1600/Day+4+Cacoa+Menu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJIIhYhHZ-kTUUqX8neOlqYeKSLWVgkKwSO9tQgc9T-i8cxw9tydC_5k1eTX4IjFaHb7_2r08aDs-zQ9_91LZP-syzpBvfKF9ptWfc3nCuchRjlZas3lJ6shroJNr3n61jMoGqWpDQxMa/s400/Day+4+Cacoa+Menu.JPG" width="400" yda="true" /></a></div><br />
I chose the Marche de Quarier which is a chocolate wrap filled with duck confit, Rabot Estate dark chocolate, dried cherries, coriander, roasted cacao nibs, and creme fraiche! The best part is they make it right in front of you! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgbqw0UB1OXhMTFxWXAJlNy5i_bau6vDm4O82bHrQAaUS8ywwN67cBFt9BJ-yZ8nRiuW4MT65mI5gDMbbCfYVZOw2DRsF07B1xDLw2LuvYzt9HTrBU1qejIpVhgjwcSt5TbzzGGv1rIu-/s1600/Day+4+Making+Chocolate+Crepe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgbqw0UB1OXhMTFxWXAJlNy5i_bau6vDm4O82bHrQAaUS8ywwN67cBFt9BJ-yZ8nRiuW4MT65mI5gDMbbCfYVZOw2DRsF07B1xDLw2LuvYzt9HTrBU1qejIpVhgjwcSt5TbzzGGv1rIu-/s400/Day+4+Making+Chocolate+Crepe.JPG" width="400" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My chocolate-loving-self couldn't resist ordering the chocolate pot for dessert! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVuwrV-0d54oMUQPY9fEQkVwoQUaHaUZDuc-CBSed4uZNKYs7UFD2jy7A90ZdhUZc-l6m9fQEuZBKiMkCyi3ezznUeEsSUiC_g6FTpB-Dx8PGBV82qKiT2aJr-93UrldHW4hAyUAsRPPd/s1600/Day+4+Chocolate+crepe+and+pots.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVuwrV-0d54oMUQPY9fEQkVwoQUaHaUZDuc-CBSed4uZNKYs7UFD2jy7A90ZdhUZc-l6m9fQEuZBKiMkCyi3ezznUeEsSUiC_g6FTpB-Dx8PGBV82qKiT2aJr-93UrldHW4hAyUAsRPPd/s400/Day+4+Chocolate+crepe+and+pots.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVuwrV-0d54oMUQPY9fEQkVwoQUaHaUZDuc-CBSed4uZNKYs7UFD2jy7A90ZdhUZc-l6m9fQEuZBKiMkCyi3ezznUeEsSUiC_g6FTpB-Dx8PGBV82qKiT2aJr-93UrldHW4hAyUAsRPPd/s1600/Day+4+Chocolate+crepe+and+pots.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
I do many tea and chocolate pairings, but this time,I paired up my chocolate pot with a glass of Prosecco to ring in the new year early. I love the warning sign about drinking Prosecco, how about you? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWR8p1yPfPChKE4Gb0wD0ejLJbT3lD-AwYAtAb2jYPcCUmw17HjmTfHPCsRiam-totjuBFNeVBELTSuH1BDdkEMThCBih-2Oy39_gOj3rwO4qUyZt_Pjbo0x-6oBhoc4gvj7_eP1B5fKJe/s1600/Day+4+lisa+at+market.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWR8p1yPfPChKE4Gb0wD0ejLJbT3lD-AwYAtAb2jYPcCUmw17HjmTfHPCsRiam-totjuBFNeVBELTSuH1BDdkEMThCBih-2Oy39_gOj3rwO4qUyZt_Pjbo0x-6oBhoc4gvj7_eP1B5fKJe/s400/Day+4+lisa+at+market.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
One of the other delights at the Borough Market is the sound of the church bells ringing throughout the day. These bells were ringing in the new year, but we can now have them ring in spring! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6xyBBtY2MNNn3H77KnNBlC1kXXrVlt9dGQIYzy3w5MgVHyFehFHWh4KtI5kZff9hvX9RpRx0N1bzDNKXwEitBwEiSE4kI8V_pAuimcX74Ptf79roywtlCi-8EtIpBuwJtvSbRH3Z006B/s1600/Day+4+Wild+Boar+Pie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzFJilPnTO5K-5kl3BwR3eEbJEZg9wTVaXIT6-niNPbsKF9yVCB7RTusG3rf4t6gLhvt_jCivTnTKAryOA5nw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On my way back to my hotel, I stopped by Buckingham Palace. I could tell the Queen was in by the flag raised at the top of the palace, but she didn't come out for a wave! The palace and the large monument in front of it are quite spectacular. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJuTbMxfwHTNPyZPjTZ4xzmc99WhfXjvkIUmLBHLXoPuiYMG5nt22pFqX2Qn_m4zyCWr8uY3hdUHmB9B7O09O-GD_QpCG0SS0-0vF2ja7WZInpfR0Lyeh4hRZBtATuOxIn2WRpqbtXKG2/s1600/Day+4+Buckingham+Palace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJuTbMxfwHTNPyZPjTZ4xzmc99WhfXjvkIUmLBHLXoPuiYMG5nt22pFqX2Qn_m4zyCWr8uY3hdUHmB9B7O09O-GD_QpCG0SS0-0vF2ja7WZInpfR0Lyeh4hRZBtATuOxIn2WRpqbtXKG2/s400/Day+4+Buckingham+Palace.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>I spent New Year's Eve, packing up for my exciting tea adventure to Sri Lanka-home of Ceylon Teas! Follow along in my blog as I virtually take you to the British Colonial Island of tea! </strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Happy Sipping and Saying Goodbye to London for Now, Lisa</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For a scheduling note: I will be in New York City this week giving a tea tour for the International Association of Culinary Professional's National Conference. I hope to share some of the highlights with you in my blog in the near future.</div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-89774956971251331202012-03-21T08:59:00.001-04:002012-03-24T12:31:22.271-04:00Tea in London Day 3 Afternoon Tea at the Museum and the Lanesborough Hotel<strong>Disclaimer: You should probably have a good cup of tea and a fabulous tea snack to read any further!</strong><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNm4ucyJqZbpa3ZDWjkx2IPgTr5wmfr6jSTjiJn_iaspHDjEvgQDvu5uqX-NnUtPlyFsqzaIGfCINqmkj-WPfUrlBasXQ_IRDemSVzsaVcyBCxE4NycU8HJR_2BIfm_bMEi3yL94hQSukd/s1600/Day+3+Food+at+museum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_trinep="421" height="400" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNm4ucyJqZbpa3ZDWjkx2IPgTr5wmfr6jSTjiJn_iaspHDjEvgQDvu5uqX-NnUtPlyFsqzaIGfCINqmkj-WPfUrlBasXQ_IRDemSVzsaVcyBCxE4NycU8HJR_2BIfm_bMEi3yL94hQSukd/s400/Day+3+Food+at+museum.JPG" width="225" /></a>As promised, I am taking you on a culinary tour of tea and tea snacks first from the cafe inside the <strong><a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/visit-us/eating-and-drinking-at-the-vanda/">Victoria and Albert Museum</a></strong>. I have to say I have never seen so many delicious items housed in a museum. I had to walk around several times before deciding on what I would have. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Would you like muffin or a croissant? </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrTR2zBZjwIiX8J19Puiu0sL7SaSDiEgqZlvzPcpPkEJaMs7LfKJabCs5eOp5CS1XcOk6b18ckvgzb3-A7hWi0mP31QGZCYxhPOseJ2W-fX6NO4J8cymg_T2yXJJj49TpaLEKoslQ2S1F/s1600/Day+3+museum+scones+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrTR2zBZjwIiX8J19Puiu0sL7SaSDiEgqZlvzPcpPkEJaMs7LfKJabCs5eOp5CS1XcOk6b18ckvgzb3-A7hWi0mP31QGZCYxhPOseJ2W-fX6NO4J8cymg_T2yXJJj49TpaLEKoslQ2S1F/s400/Day+3+museum+scones+2.JPG" width="225" /></a>Or, perhaps scones are what you would prefer? If so, now you have to choose which kind!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You better not choose yet, because just across the walkway is another table full of more scones, quiches, and croissants! Oh, which to choose....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeC0Zv4l3ri6nf6_LGgRjWAV4zso_eSIvvJcB_P1frH6R9XBRZ8rIxbvfzGf0gdQCbuiIugVtnt7PCZC1ZpQ-4ScDk0XvgKmccI6DCPIXOXtaYLTeCJ4h-033HY0g20mMOkRzBqPxyaLh/s1600/Day+3+more+scones+at+museum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeC0Zv4l3ri6nf6_LGgRjWAV4zso_eSIvvJcB_P1frH6R9XBRZ8rIxbvfzGf0gdQCbuiIugVtnt7PCZC1ZpQ-4ScDk0XvgKmccI6DCPIXOXtaYLTeCJ4h-033HY0g20mMOkRzBqPxyaLh/s400/Day+3+more+scones+at+museum.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Possibly an extremely LARGE meringue would suit your fancy? As a side note, I have never seen so many large meringues as I did in London.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomFAxtNF2JFFBFAiaKLPz2dYmn6f0Txk3nxA1f1a95LfHH6OwgzOpC3pb5tBo4M4brZN61hbM7HTe82cMpi4Uk57vBMeINc3Z8dyjfXiJetSfSod8Qp6GhNRtKOb8lqnlSq5J6jbF0ZMP/s1600/day+3+museum+food+more.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomFAxtNF2JFFBFAiaKLPz2dYmn6f0Txk3nxA1f1a95LfHH6OwgzOpC3pb5tBo4M4brZN61hbM7HTe82cMpi4Uk57vBMeINc3Z8dyjfXiJetSfSod8Qp6GhNRtKOb8lqnlSq5J6jbF0ZMP/s400/day+3+museum+food+more.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7A43hG5gW8L0g0DWSi-n0Xx_88LbMDBnE2K8HimLSFIJUW0-iueou16hm_7JnHMu_QBg846DUgVKfNgYh_K8fxcmCHrkQD0JHDxfQ2pyxh7P2L6wDTa0pP6jJA1OQYpFYCV35ZSz02SPx/s1600/Day+3+museum+tea+selection.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_trinep="586" height="400" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7A43hG5gW8L0g0DWSi-n0Xx_88LbMDBnE2K8HimLSFIJUW0-iueou16hm_7JnHMu_QBg846DUgVKfNgYh_K8fxcmCHrkQD0JHDxfQ2pyxh7P2L6wDTa0pP6jJA1OQYpFYCV35ZSz02SPx/s400/Day+3+museum+tea+selection.JPG" width="225" /></a>Hopefully, by now you have been able to make your food selection, but now comes time to choose which tea to pair with your fabulous choice! The Victoria and Albert Museum gets a thumbs up for their nice selection. </div><br />
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It is easy to handle your tea since everything is on a self serve tray to take to your table! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPK-Am6KQQoEGvvlHqcwUEZqC1Dob2a2HJcJyacrv1E8LE-jc8RE2Wn6oNDUuzfu2bd4yn0NAxMS07z_lIMuF_pbHn7IpDohOoneFBt-_BY-bJ_HR5iHs0GyG6ydmfr6MMXwUXePvkzCw9/s1600/Day+3+Victoria+Albert+teapot+tray.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_trinep="438" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPK-Am6KQQoEGvvlHqcwUEZqC1Dob2a2HJcJyacrv1E8LE-jc8RE2Wn6oNDUuzfu2bd4yn0NAxMS07z_lIMuF_pbHn7IpDohOoneFBt-_BY-bJ_HR5iHs0GyG6ydmfr6MMXwUXePvkzCw9/s400/Day+3+Victoria+Albert+teapot+tray.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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The last choice is which table should you sit at as no table has a bad view as you can see! Even if your not hungry, it is well worth your the trip to the cafe to rest your feet and have a cup of tea. When is the last time you sat and had tea with such beautiful architecture surrounding you?<br />
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<img alt="The Gamble Room in the V&A Cafe" height="213" nodeindex="1" src="http://www.vam.ac.uk/__data/assets/image/0010/167716/eating-drinking-header.jpg" title="eating-drinking" width="400" /><br />
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I had to go light on my selection because I had an appointment at 4:00 PM for afternoon tea. It is one of the best places for afternoon tea in London<strong>-</strong><a href="http://www.lanesborough.com/en/london-afternoon-tea"><strong>The Lanesborough Hotel</strong></a><strong>.</strong> My full review of the hotel's tea may be seen in <a href="http://www.teatimemagazine.com/"><strong>TeaTime Magazine's</strong></a> May/June issue! They were gearing up for the London 2012 Summer Olympics and will have a special tea just in its honor!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviFKTo6mI3Xd6ePJHz2112eAXUNxbhvE8r5GbL1tZ4kbO2_x7uV2McCo-gl2qRmzMEg1KGZbiiu_rhj2jNl57TCI4ORG3pgb3kkVDlqiCRXl_d-dgia4h1gC-J7pj3T6wksL1in7BQLYb/s1600/Day+3+Lanesborough.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_trinep="584" height="400" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviFKTo6mI3Xd6ePJHz2112eAXUNxbhvE8r5GbL1tZ4kbO2_x7uV2McCo-gl2qRmzMEg1KGZbiiu_rhj2jNl57TCI4ORG3pgb3kkVDlqiCRXl_d-dgia4h1gC-J7pj3T6wksL1in7BQLYb/s400/Day+3+Lanesborough.JPG" width="225" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Now, if you didn't get a cup of tea and a tea snack before reading this, I know you want one now!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>In my next blog, I will take you on another culinary journey you won't want to miss at one of London's best food markets. </strong></div><strong></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Happy Sipping and Snacking, Lisa</strong></div><br />
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</div></div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-43629892358900303722012-03-13T11:51:00.000-04:002012-03-13T11:51:47.268-04:00Tea in London Day 3 Tea Tour with Queen Victoria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>After a full English Breakfast at my hotel, a walk was in order! How lovely to walk through Kensington Gardens. The gardens connect with Hyde Park and it makes for a grand walk in a scenic area. Below is a photo of Kensington Palace getting a face-lift just in time for the 2012 London Summer Olympics, but not in time for my visit!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmtaFzmIlnceQOgbukqT47RCwGX292gQZl93Q0nTlyOgrRhkXEoWo566e1P260tI6zKpSAcyXBDoEJJOzr4jIlJLSvtVN5btMFYo9nVng0Ct5aBRehLOwjls9vN3TfUgcWrFc4gOb54uo/s1600/Day+3+Kensington+Palace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmtaFzmIlnceQOgbukqT47RCwGX292gQZl93Q0nTlyOgrRhkXEoWo566e1P260tI6zKpSAcyXBDoEJJOzr4jIlJLSvtVN5btMFYo9nVng0Ct5aBRehLOwjls9vN3TfUgcWrFc4gOb54uo/s400/Day+3+Kensington+Palace.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is a small pond with fountains that is just behind the palace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDVxgsEVO-Y4FZ7_Hwz_-j_feL5qC9YCZerfqvEP0wyAFylAtsnejNZJ9Jz_kYmYBqVm-AMUgToY9NVeUIAOjnhOunqANHoKUW9lE8jsqIV2zYefYVANh0IqU1x-xOXh6VP9gMIKX6rpM/s1600/Day+3+walk+through+kensington+gardens+to+museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDVxgsEVO-Y4FZ7_Hwz_-j_feL5qC9YCZerfqvEP0wyAFylAtsnejNZJ9Jz_kYmYBqVm-AMUgToY9NVeUIAOjnhOunqANHoKUW9lE8jsqIV2zYefYVANh0IqU1x-xOXh6VP9gMIKX6rpM/s400/Day+3+walk+through+kensington+gardens+to+museum.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7oCtd8cLwkUdpmoeTyp3R-2y_Dn2GMGozxvuKrqYKOkks3GsauLPdjviewd_p1w_Y-jqRNB6_-PsHSzOlLczrUo1M6ekDJZqg1reE-mhLbbS0yYLxgZBia78kNxXl3BduD6gKBujtC0V/s1600/Day+3+Albert+statue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7oCtd8cLwkUdpmoeTyp3R-2y_Dn2GMGozxvuKrqYKOkks3GsauLPdjviewd_p1w_Y-jqRNB6_-PsHSzOlLczrUo1M6ekDJZqg1reE-mhLbbS0yYLxgZBia78kNxXl3BduD6gKBujtC0V/s400/Day+3+Albert+statue.JPG" width="225" /></a>Just a short walk in the park from Kensington Palace, your eye is drawn to a very ornate large statue. Kensington Palace is where Queen Victoria was born and lived until she was crowned at the young age of 18. How befitting to place the memorial of her beloved husband so close to her childhood home. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzZAEUJ7NxHeKR3FgXeXsUI7y6Azyc8C3xUoXT14ZXunNkcyOfWE34NQ3B_lTwPrkw7cutYi4fXSVl3dkdVeI2Ia7-kF-LlDKhiZ4cYtqLv9lH9VnbwwhlKN_pMDnvXcYVZDk4eEvOdh-/s1600/Day+3+Albert+close+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzZAEUJ7NxHeKR3FgXeXsUI7y6Azyc8C3xUoXT14ZXunNkcyOfWE34NQ3B_lTwPrkw7cutYi4fXSVl3dkdVeI2Ia7-kF-LlDKhiZ4cYtqLv9lH9VnbwwhlKN_pMDnvXcYVZDk4eEvOdh-/s400/Day+3+Albert+close+up.JPG" width="225" /></a>This grand statue was commissioned by Queen Victoria in memory of her late husband Albert. It was unveiled in 1872 by the Queen herself. History tells us that their love was deep and strong and you get that sense as you view the elaborate statue!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just beyond the Prince Albert Memorial and stepping out of the park, you approach <a href="http://www.royalalberthall.com/"><strong>Royal Albert Hall</strong></a> . It is another ornate structure that takes some time to digest all the of intricacies of its design. It was built to fulfill Prince Albert's vision-a structure that would be used to promote the arts and sciences. The hall is plays host to concerts, exhibits, and scientific discussions. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9eUp4O-7H_7Nd9b4VSi7zUKPEg02bjEeHnik82YHvDIeILgf_ouFOZQJ8TS4NO3gDMPpc7bSjngUN4KfD5sAiw_o1pO5ysMGjL27_ZWdm_3eCE1mwUZEy0KmvcDpoufp7-k_BU_VApvX/s1600/Royal+Albert+Hall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9eUp4O-7H_7Nd9b4VSi7zUKPEg02bjEeHnik82YHvDIeILgf_ouFOZQJ8TS4NO3gDMPpc7bSjngUN4KfD5sAiw_o1pO5ysMGjL27_ZWdm_3eCE1mwUZEy0KmvcDpoufp7-k_BU_VApvX/s400/Royal+Albert+Hall.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is surrounded by many museums, one of which is the <a href="http://it%20is%20surrounded%20by%20many%20museums,%20one%20of%20which%20is%20the%20victoria%20and%20albert%20museum,%20%20which%20is%20where%20i%20was%20headed!/"><strong>Victoria and Albert Museum</strong></a>, which is where I was headed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Location map for the V&A, South Kensington, London. Multimap.com, Digital Map Data ©Bartholomew 2003, ©eMapSite.com Ltd. All rights reserved" height="213" nodeindex="1" src="http://www.vam.ac.uk/__data/assets/image/0004/167719/getting-here-hdr.jpg" title="getting-here-map" width="400" /></div> <br />
Most tea lovers know that Queen Victoria was an avid tea drinker She gave rise to the Victoria tea parties! How befitting that the museum with her name on it would house a large collection of historical tea objects along with many other historical items dating back for centuries. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtYxeyn7BLvRNoaDId7nWnU8lJ3RW7Q4WKfpxJTZi5ed797iL7Ste3k9uZ86sR7ptlCwQz6jlTGSUHXT3g7b8eckzg-_u4FOVx96WrQQZhLPYxLuCjX3AifSMzCHlD4JAJPTcQFTkl0Th/s1600/Day+3+Victoria+Albert+Interior+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtYxeyn7BLvRNoaDId7nWnU8lJ3RW7Q4WKfpxJTZi5ed797iL7Ste3k9uZ86sR7ptlCwQz6jlTGSUHXT3g7b8eckzg-_u4FOVx96WrQQZhLPYxLuCjX3AifSMzCHlD4JAJPTcQFTkl0Th/s400/Day+3+Victoria+Albert+Interior+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3r0owYccGGMRwvVHAKItdCljvAtdyOru64xL1WPE8Q7-PtoqYdN1jgaqroCqb3gXdVd2j7DUy5caH3HTF1MX5LTQ-_ixGc7RDVsTjbp9rPwXjhDx62Jb4aLoLvSVVREwJs0zlddBKmfGO/s1600/Day+3+Victoria+Albert+Museum+Interior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3r0owYccGGMRwvVHAKItdCljvAtdyOru64xL1WPE8Q7-PtoqYdN1jgaqroCqb3gXdVd2j7DUy5caH3HTF1MX5LTQ-_ixGc7RDVsTjbp9rPwXjhDx62Jb4aLoLvSVVREwJs0zlddBKmfGO/s400/Day+3+Victoria+Albert+Museum+Interior.JPG" width="225" /></a>The museum itself is a masterful work of architecture. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpch-uV6inF0ygGNYbgEuLF-ehT7s-heRXHopyhFgcH4DE5EcHPo9eQ7L-QzNh_ZnmM3N3pDx2nbs3jAGV3sJjbsm5cj_HJG53exr9VfgGRUb-xAormzBikQ7GYMYPUsxvHphONjqzZ9A/s1600/Day+3+Victoria+Albert+Museum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpch-uV6inF0ygGNYbgEuLF-ehT7s-heRXHopyhFgcH4DE5EcHPo9eQ7L-QzNh_ZnmM3N3pDx2nbs3jAGV3sJjbsm5cj_HJG53exr9VfgGRUb-xAormzBikQ7GYMYPUsxvHphONjqzZ9A/s320/Day+3+Victoria+Albert+Museum.JPG" width="180" /></a>There are many collections throughout the museum. Here are just a couple pictures. If you are a tea lover visiting London, you will want to make sure to take plenty of time to tour this museum! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3oZwugD3cl8LxFplwVRs-Lw5ySLK50Ae7NoAidCu-rpN_f8YHy0FJAzn0ZgL6DgYfYmO3ZIWaX9ylzyDVnFHvf-C263w1-ptDzEv3UMqO4FPxySaGzggJ17vBN0nY8paNVU6L2IBxcfh/s1600/Day+3+Victoria+Albert+Museum+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" height="400" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3oZwugD3cl8LxFplwVRs-Lw5ySLK50Ae7NoAidCu-rpN_f8YHy0FJAzn0ZgL6DgYfYmO3ZIWaX9ylzyDVnFHvf-C263w1-ptDzEv3UMqO4FPxySaGzggJ17vBN0nY8paNVU6L2IBxcfh/s400/Day+3+Victoria+Albert+Museum+2.JPG" width="225" /></strong></a>Not only does the Victoria and Albert Museum have tea accoutrements, they REALLY do serve tea and tea treats too. It is well worth the time to visit the cafe even just for a quick snack and a cup of tea. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>In my next blog, I will take you on a culinary journey that will be a feast for your eyes. Come with me to tour the cafe and also a spectacular place to have afternoon tea while in London!</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Happy Sipping, Lisa</strong></div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-38159573493095857952012-03-07T12:19:00.003-05:002012-03-07T18:18:23.447-05:00Tea in London Day 2 Afternoon at Twinings and Highlight of my Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a wonderful morning filled with tea and walking along the Thames, I headed out for my next tea stop-<a href="http://www.twinings.co.uk/about-twinings/our-stores/twinings,-216,-strand,-london">Twinings</a>. It was a quick ride on the Tube and a short walk up from the tube station to Strand. Here is what you see as soon as you enter Strand, which is the road where the Twining's first tea shop was and is still located.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsMIov2KICkehjm-3Te1hQclj3Rn53wj4t93frmpN9CZIEM5TRLrdgU_Aj7zbWITfWsKCYoIMAWcNynuvgYdpCq1F2zKL-_TNhyphenhyphen48JYDAX_IdoRHhlKgwoe-sdnydpTWnEHbWFSwgh0-8/s1600/Twinings+on+my+way.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsMIov2KICkehjm-3Te1hQclj3Rn53wj4t93frmpN9CZIEM5TRLrdgU_Aj7zbWITfWsKCYoIMAWcNynuvgYdpCq1F2zKL-_TNhyphenhyphen48JYDAX_IdoRHhlKgwoe-sdnydpTWnEHbWFSwgh0-8/s400/Twinings+on+my+way.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Twinings opened their first tea location here in 1706. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3080Aov5mzXDEJRqGz1H9ZyQcBGps_pcK0UKTUN5Dp4VC1eb2OY-zT07lZl7cgEUtCD3KJdZ8OXIXf1vnqBnx2gGeUeoGbUw9n5FHxKmTBxExYxubiLA6uBTN1Ni8VHjxw_IdhQCmedL/s1600/twinings+sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3080Aov5mzXDEJRqGz1H9ZyQcBGps_pcK0UKTUN5Dp4VC1eb2OY-zT07lZl7cgEUtCD3KJdZ8OXIXf1vnqBnx2gGeUeoGbUw9n5FHxKmTBxExYxubiLA6uBTN1Ni8VHjxw_IdhQCmedL/s400/twinings+sign.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just love the pendant above the door, don't you?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHptY-SEQ7apItcnxmQ5zyTVRxs2W2nqXaMSvV3YN_AcPL43BHeRVwzF5IHRZOc4thkHtyWbUGOFqxBBLwwnmxuRbpojtivMR6YsXZCy9769FT-ur8pTtnAL082Yo9FqbPzDNm3aHZa82-/s1600/Twinings+front+door.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHptY-SEQ7apItcnxmQ5zyTVRxs2W2nqXaMSvV3YN_AcPL43BHeRVwzF5IHRZOc4thkHtyWbUGOFqxBBLwwnmxuRbpojtivMR6YsXZCy9769FT-ur8pTtnAL082Yo9FqbPzDNm3aHZa82-/s400/Twinings+front+door.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Inside this small tea shop they have packed quite a bit into it. They have a large selection of teas-many that I had not seen in the USA. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjFHXfKXHtv3ZmZ0WL2X_K7JkaJ-qTVvIgPa2t0spwacMQjHklrM_IIUQAG54jin_OFgFMdLh0FwzlWN3HIMY2vAHfREhbQRG9el1s57gY1axpONGfaMUO5AYFu6SjuP6wYedux2fPYZg/s1600/Twinings+tea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjFHXfKXHtv3ZmZ0WL2X_K7JkaJ-qTVvIgPa2t0spwacMQjHklrM_IIUQAG54jin_OFgFMdLh0FwzlWN3HIMY2vAHfREhbQRG9el1s57gY1axpONGfaMUO5AYFu6SjuP6wYedux2fPYZg/s400/Twinings+tea.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They have a Loose Tea Bar where you can smell and sample teas. They also have a sampling counter where you can ask to try a taste of tea. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Strand Shop Christmas" height="300" src="http://www.twinings.co.uk/media/94264/stores_strand.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo courtesy of Twinings.com)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the back, is a tea lovers treasury. There is a very small museum that features some old teapots, tea caddies, tea historical documents and books, and photos. You won't want to miss it. A very special thank you goes out to the management staff and especially Zed Callaghan for allowing me into the shop when they were closed during the holidays! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8UWyusu5Q0xeUx1w3XASI1kHGpNRMiqNKHDy_PJQETyeO_zbYQ1Vh5OtCVzcFx-0qkj3KvcLZlV8ps-82vxZ9vK0v7Amxh0LFFDHlTT0g_boR6aeT8IM_jiDpp-yDoru0q-LQinmWSUq/s1600/twinings+museum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8UWyusu5Q0xeUx1w3XASI1kHGpNRMiqNKHDy_PJQETyeO_zbYQ1Vh5OtCVzcFx-0qkj3KvcLZlV8ps-82vxZ9vK0v7Amxh0LFFDHlTT0g_boR6aeT8IM_jiDpp-yDoru0q-LQinmWSUq/s400/twinings+museum.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pnTId-HNgyY8qX79rsbaFdzBPblHogD4MgBSKMROsUvjYTECnn0cy4Mg0p0Drj3vkQXL7Ipax8549IXQr9DXhTntkj9JXCHUF8J_LhITzS_kx1NERDjoG01Hbfn0DRExUQwc4h-nuZwR/s1600/Twinings+tea+museum+tea+caddy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pnTId-HNgyY8qX79rsbaFdzBPblHogD4MgBSKMROsUvjYTECnn0cy4Mg0p0Drj3vkQXL7Ipax8549IXQr9DXhTntkj9JXCHUF8J_LhITzS_kx1NERDjoG01Hbfn0DRExUQwc4h-nuZwR/s400/Twinings+tea+museum+tea+caddy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqwkorZPU5Jw6qnKnpa_aML8nCnv_xe4Ygnqmj_kP4y63BKAT99T8Zzyq9M6-RbIisLlUpsDVtnVjCCJ5ufN1asTYRgLJGFYmft1bRSJOlOsYGqrlie7c62HSQEl8dV5ile0DNEXKJX_a/s1600/twinings+museum+tea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqwkorZPU5Jw6qnKnpa_aML8nCnv_xe4Ygnqmj_kP4y63BKAT99T8Zzyq9M6-RbIisLlUpsDVtnVjCCJ5ufN1asTYRgLJGFYmft1bRSJOlOsYGqrlie7c62HSQEl8dV5ile0DNEXKJX_a/s400/twinings+museum+tea.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawY8B5lwvjpNwZortGUiY1UxubQ9u__Ivz4hGmldrAekkm6b36-sommQ-BcMW76lPzcNkW1TSuReJPavyTk4qsaVMCbCW6DDyncdzq8Q3nOC5AaQ3q8jRltoewqogLbBANkhPUAJFHywQ/s1600/Day+2+Big+Ben.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawY8B5lwvjpNwZortGUiY1UxubQ9u__Ivz4hGmldrAekkm6b36-sommQ-BcMW76lPzcNkW1TSuReJPavyTk4qsaVMCbCW6DDyncdzq8Q3nOC5AaQ3q8jRltoewqogLbBANkhPUAJFHywQ/s320/Day+2+Big+Ben.JPG" width="180" /></a>After my tea business for the day had concluded, I decided to visit a few historical spots. I walked along the bridge into Westminster (with many other tourist) to see <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/bigben">Big Ben</a> and the Parliament building. Big Ben is at one end of the <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/">Parliament </a>building. I was able to stand long enough to hear the bells! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRllyTFU6PJPrdfsMXN4zzTfdSEhUZpobxtTxEmILlL00KsorBwpjFQEVhafdCl2WCd0SBr2-tuC-3SyWo0ikHZ152ACtydy1BwJ15dcXuHkW7JJyX0UpKQQVBN7aEr-_PZXXaDEfhysDj/s1600/Day+2+Parliment+House.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRllyTFU6PJPrdfsMXN4zzTfdSEhUZpobxtTxEmILlL00KsorBwpjFQEVhafdCl2WCd0SBr2-tuC-3SyWo0ikHZ152ACtydy1BwJ15dcXuHkW7JJyX0UpKQQVBN7aEr-_PZXXaDEfhysDj/s320/Day+2+Parliment+House.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSQ-RXT_EmK0BB0VPmH2D--Ok3LcRq1KWQzHCpcxgA3svs0DxXe" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="rg_hi" data-height="239" data-width="128" height="239" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSQ-RXT_EmK0BB0VPmH2D--Ok3LcRq1KWQzHCpcxgA3svs0DxXe" style="height: 239px; width: 128px;" width="128" /></a>I decided not to take the time to tour the building because I had to get to what is now the <em>highlight</em> of my London trip. I wanted plenty of time to tour <a href="http://www.westminster-abbey.org/">Westminster Abbey</a>. In an earlier post, I assumed that the first time I saw the Abbey was when Lady Diana married Prince Charles. However, a reader named Brian corrected me that they were married at St. Paul's Cathedral. My memories of seeing Westminster are from Princess Diana's memorial and Duchess Kate's wedding on TV. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
The church is more breathtaking that what I had seen on television. You can chose to pick up a digital recording device that gives some background to each stop along the self guided tour. I highly recommend it and it is free with the price of admission. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/11/Westminster_Abbey_Interior_.jpg"><img alt="File:Westminster Abbey Interior .jpg" height="300" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/11/Westminster_Abbey_Interior_.jpg/800px-Westminster_Abbey_Interior_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After my tour, I opted to stay for the evening service and I am so glad I did. It was one of the more moving spiritual experiences of my life listening to the organ and the choir sing with the fabulous acoustics of this Gothic style building that dates back to 1245. I even sat where the choir boys were for Prince William and Kate's wedding!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWkQYHrA6h7lAXfu7L5JaRCt43kgu1yW-ZjNSNTQINkUnlRT-PWkmBlyftJ9QZTct5-tZHywZnBaQAE85STHVJg3RMYilhL786uw2_GA-6rcyjZ7oYIVKSsrwDu8sQcjUoidVXftH7h68/s1600/Day+2+Westminster+abbey+at+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWkQYHrA6h7lAXfu7L5JaRCt43kgu1yW-ZjNSNTQINkUnlRT-PWkmBlyftJ9QZTct5-tZHywZnBaQAE85STHVJg3RMYilhL786uw2_GA-6rcyjZ7oYIVKSsrwDu8sQcjUoidVXftH7h68/s400/Day+2+Westminster+abbey+at+night.jpg" width="400" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The choir sounded like angels with majestic sounds echoing throughout the room. I just imagined all those that had been there before me, those whose final resting place is there, and all the significant things that have transpired in those halls, and all that Christ has done for me. I bought a CD of the choir to remember the magical sound forever!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Come along with my virtual tour as my next blog post takes you on a walk through Kensington Gardens to the Victoria and Albert Museum which is full of tea related items. Do you have a favorite London place so far from my blogs? </strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Happy Sipping and Remembering London the Sounds of Westminster, Lisa</strong></div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-29539848272952284082012-02-15T15:20:00.000-05:002012-02-15T15:20:16.348-05:00Tea in London Day 2 Teapod London, A Modern Tea Cafe and Tower Bridge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I settled in after a great first day in London and to my surprise the movie <em><a href="http://www.notting-hill.org/notting-hill/notting-hill-the-movie.html"><strong>Notting Hill</strong></a></em> was on TV. It was filmed on location in the Notting Hill area of London that was very close to where I was staying. It was the perfect movie to watch and little did I know that I would be headed that way in the morning to get on the tube for my appointment.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3-QwWz5RGYJb0guVC6q_gtudCMInznYPkaERRCRNIP-zIDWbbn-YMFDY_VtV1yqyQ7oKfmLM5aUvzbbKyAtmKEYbyO-t1x1qPm1tf5MPO9HbfJ7r8A1UHqL3b5uHvLEwocwTenSeo4On/s1600/Day+2+walk+to+Notting+Hill+Station+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3-QwWz5RGYJb0guVC6q_gtudCMInznYPkaERRCRNIP-zIDWbbn-YMFDY_VtV1yqyQ7oKfmLM5aUvzbbKyAtmKEYbyO-t1x1qPm1tf5MPO9HbfJ7r8A1UHqL3b5uHvLEwocwTenSeo4On/s400/Day+2+walk+to+Notting+Hill+Station+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are some pictures of my walk along High Kensington Street to the Notting Hill tube station. It was early and the quaint antique shops and enticing cafes weren't open just yet, but it was fun to window shop along the way to the tube! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx58IsnRqkiiv1TOOnSs4rNXI-_Z-8LIbRxZJ0LkXGW4NiVxSJzLQ3RZmdFBq0SwBIyEO-pLL8aOiBX8pDzIVobFHTXCv50oPpHIFjz_V9gCquecX9MIS94kSS8axDVNXmoCj4jiiGTMUe/s1600/Day+2+walk+to+Notting+hill+station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx58IsnRqkiiv1TOOnSs4rNXI-_Z-8LIbRxZJ0LkXGW4NiVxSJzLQ3RZmdFBq0SwBIyEO-pLL8aOiBX8pDzIVobFHTXCv50oPpHIFjz_V9gCquecX9MIS94kSS8axDVNXmoCj4jiiGTMUe/s400/Day+2+walk+to+Notting+hill+station.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was just me along with all the morning commuters on their way to work on the streets so early. The sky was overcast and there was a briskness in the winter air as I strolled along. I found it peaceful to walk to the tube before all the shops had opened as I was able to appreciate the architecture of the buildings and my surroundings. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdu3fZvvl-CzsypYL8YbQ_GzqTrsU2a8c2B-3MO4G9v2RTmgWL0cVroco6M9xHt8_1KZWF9xGVtyfj9g2MVTelY-zVoo5uB3YvGt3KJ3UJaJC6PsZ_h187tFcQgCmFUpp1rwAZaXtnov9/s1600/Tower+Bridge+day+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdu3fZvvl-CzsypYL8YbQ_GzqTrsU2a8c2B-3MO4G9v2RTmgWL0cVroco6M9xHt8_1KZWF9xGVtyfj9g2MVTelY-zVoo5uB3YvGt3KJ3UJaJC6PsZ_h187tFcQgCmFUpp1rwAZaXtnov9/s400/Tower+Bridge+day+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>After taking the tube and making my connection properly, I got off at the London Bridge exit. The tea shop where I had my appointment was down just past the Tower Bridge. I found the walk from London Bridge to <strong><a href="http://www.towerbridge.org.uk/TBE/EN/">Tower Bridge</a></strong> along the Thames River invigorating and scenic. It was still rather early and most of the tourist weren't out yet so the walk was quiet and uncrowded-a welcomed moment! <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzrxo2EY1SKmw0jxWTyjhPQBn4mCXVYhgh_t5-WsCrNlcc02QIyqQau6PekKHSdokW936-JB77ACObsDEd8oT-2KQ7O-lbdqHvpMcqy9wg7fP-gyGkc0IBwQZZutBOtqVQloBlRlrSB6o/s1600/Teapod+London+exterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzrxo2EY1SKmw0jxWTyjhPQBn4mCXVYhgh_t5-WsCrNlcc02QIyqQau6PekKHSdokW936-JB77ACObsDEd8oT-2KQ7O-lbdqHvpMcqy9wg7fP-gyGkc0IBwQZZutBOtqVQloBlRlrSB6o/s400/Teapod+London+exterior.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I found my way to my destination which was <a href="http://teapodtea.co.uk/">Teapod</a>. This is one of two of their locations in London. I just loved the green door and couldn't wait to find out more about the shop and of course have some TEA!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ftibut7Kq1zThRQ9Jbp54odehZGC3xA9wXNt2zxEfcBOACUUY10yrHYiKnkm7db7e0ZVXx-xQtBgRFzKmDMA581zlobdktQwXm0M58kERiiECOJoL9JRCTcz0Cyv9FlajK2_tHR6JIyW/s1600/Teapod+London+interior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ftibut7Kq1zThRQ9Jbp54odehZGC3xA9wXNt2zxEfcBOACUUY10yrHYiKnkm7db7e0ZVXx-xQtBgRFzKmDMA581zlobdktQwXm0M58kERiiECOJoL9JRCTcz0Cyv9FlajK2_tHR6JIyW/s400/Teapod+London+interior.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This tea cafe is welcoming as soon as you walk in! It is a tea place that if you are wearing jeans, you will not feel under-dressed which is <em>very</em> reason I wanted to visit and chat with the owner. For research for my new book, I thought it was important to visit many different types of tea establishments to get a real feel and vibe of tea in London and the tea trendsetters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXGjA0cS3pMHf0WuvRwKHVad6a70mgaqvPjQv85EnzFdmSZNfA0E3Cx4d51pgxdJPpyTOR7JbkiLN3PjywrHxYghCV6_jKdephDoX1foObxUpFyRY6gRmnj0EkMSlMUGbxgm4AD7IbOE-/s1600/teapod+London+teas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXGjA0cS3pMHf0WuvRwKHVad6a70mgaqvPjQv85EnzFdmSZNfA0E3Cx4d51pgxdJPpyTOR7JbkiLN3PjywrHxYghCV6_jKdephDoX1foObxUpFyRY6gRmnj0EkMSlMUGbxgm4AD7IbOE-/s320/teapod+London+teas.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>Here is a the tea display just by the door so that you may take home your favorite tea and enjoy it.<br />
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As I sat down to talk with the owner of Teapod, Huw Marks , we enjoyed many cups of their tea together. Huw's background was in television working for the BBC. On holiday to Australia, he noticed some modern tea cafes in the area and thought it looked like a interesting idea for the second wave of his career. He took his time researching and even made a trip to the USA to visit contemporary tea cafes in New York City and Chicago. <br />
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Teapod is a modern tea place that sells and serves loose leaf tea along with breakfast, lunch, and pastries throughout the day. Our appointment was just after the breakfast crowd left, but after meeting, the place was quickly filling up with the lunch crowd as you can see. Do you notice what appears to be a picture on the wall and above it says teapod timer?<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQE7JbrgdVxEbQtgQDIbf08oaUi3ClV1JokVEP6cdhWQe3-Ts-B20HDLVFr0mQaIzWiIhR5HGupSbb4fKiP283wP_yWEHOZVoFR5EcmyQ2pm-BdSgc4JBfUKsGd-4iXEbFXBYoPqifcZ9/s1600/Teapod+London+seating+%2526+timer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQE7JbrgdVxEbQtgQDIbf08oaUi3ClV1JokVEP6cdhWQe3-Ts-B20HDLVFr0mQaIzWiIhR5HGupSbb4fKiP283wP_yWEHOZVoFR5EcmyQ2pm-BdSgc4JBfUKsGd-4iXEbFXBYoPqifcZ9/s400/Teapod+London+seating+%2526+timer.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Here it is closer up. The purpose is to help those customers that aren't familiar with the idea that different types of teas require different steeping times. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaOQSU-8ScnvYsfXaCtLsvWJO36-83wyoSvIe2-iK1QRshdteRSyeQl-gQCTk4ydbGPZ93ysXQa8UcD8EczNhJNxP7IjeSRBfiuCEz4ik1se3eQXtciTPV80eH26ZIyLk1cSHRHjZ4-s3/s1600/Teapod+london+timer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaOQSU-8ScnvYsfXaCtLsvWJO36-83wyoSvIe2-iK1QRshdteRSyeQl-gQCTk4ydbGPZ93ysXQa8UcD8EczNhJNxP7IjeSRBfiuCEz4ik1se3eQXtciTPV80eH26ZIyLk1cSHRHjZ4-s3/s320/Teapod+london+timer.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The loose leaf tea is served with the tea still in an infuser inside the teapot. Along with the teapot, you are given a teacup and a timer. On the saucer of the cup, the customer is given a small card explaining the type of tea they have along with how long it should steep. I thought it was a great way to not only educate their customers, but also is great marketing. Many British folks aren't too familiar with loose leaf tea, so when you walk into Teapod, you know it is a little bit different.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ViQujcGupsQyS9kn9ofashIqFgxVsEHEj9XGHF5-IofZTn-u8GdFe-lEX4LJlguE6zbdx8UCwtNQS4JXEMR5aeG_gLLrd_Ek_VVf7Fr8XCaDp27Zwkf4t0wCkzE304NE-yguSYpb_jgq/s1600/Tower+bridge+close+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ViQujcGupsQyS9kn9ofashIqFgxVsEHEj9XGHF5-IofZTn-u8GdFe-lEX4LJlguE6zbdx8UCwtNQS4JXEMR5aeG_gLLrd_Ek_VVf7Fr8XCaDp27Zwkf4t0wCkzE304NE-yguSYpb_jgq/s320/Tower+bridge+close+up.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>I was so grateful to Huw for taking the time to help me better understand tea in London and the UK. If you are going to the London Olympic Summer Games, this is one of only four locations for the large screens to see what is going on. How perfect to have a cup of tea and watch your teams! <br />
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As I headed out, I <em>had </em>to cross Tower Bridge not only for pure enjoyment and marvel, but also to get on the tube for my next tea stop. What an amazing bridge. I have crossed over many a bridge in my day, but none like this. The bridge crosses the Thames River and was the second bridge to open with the London Bridge being the first.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Please join me next time for my rest of my second day in London. Of course there will be plenty of tea involved along with fulfilling another dream of mine! </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Happy Sipping with Lovely Thoughts of London, Lisa </strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-61591794667883558162012-02-07T12:13:00.001-05:002012-02-07T14:13:32.927-05:00Tea in London Day 1 The Orangery at Kensington Gardens and HarrodsIt has been a dream of mine ever since I saw Princess Diana walk down the isle on TV that I wanted to go to London. It seemed like a magical place filled with royal happenings and majestic architecture. My dream grew even stronger once I fell in love with tea. <br />
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It finally came true just after Christmas and I want to share with all of you where I went and what I did. Of course, as with all of my blogs, it will have a slight (OK well strong) tea slant to it! <br />
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I took off on my journey to Sri Lanka and scheduled a four day layover in London. I made a list of things I wanted to see and appointments with those I needed to talk to for research for my new book. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://londonvicaragehotel.com/images/big_ext1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://londonvicaragehotel.com/images/big_ext1.jpg" width="208" /></a>After some searching, it was suggested I stay in the Kensington area of London which was lovely. My inn was just a couple short blocks away from Kensington palace. This is the palace where Princess Dianna lived after her separation from Prince Charles. Unfortunately, the palace was under renovation at the time, but the tearoom next to the palace was open. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/Kensingtonhighstreet.jpg" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="File:Kensingtonhighstreet.jpg" height="160" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2e/Kensingtonhighstreet.jpg/747px-Kensingtonhighstreet.jpg" width="200" /></a>After flying all night, I figured out how to get from the airport to my inn using the tube (subway) and it was fairly easy to navigate. After checking in, I quickly showered and was ready to go have my first cup of tea and some lunch in London. I chose the Orangery because of how close it was to my inn and the history of the building. It is just adjacent to Kensington Palace and Gardens.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><img height="261" id="il_fi" src="http://www.hrp.org.uk/Images/frontorangery10.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It is a charming tearoom built originally by the request of Queen Anne as a greenhouse for the Kensington Gardens in 1704-1705. It was fashionable for the wealthy to import tropicals to their garden for their beauty and also their fruit. However, due to the climate in London, it was important to find a home for "the oranges" during the cold winter months. An "orangery" greenhouse was the solution.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmkIp943Sig_CC9Y0OQO47snp37159hB-UC-3rj0Ueb1hda0Badc4kNHDLW3BcSB7aZ3MSbmEAfwRJcNGjgqv2yRLBnnmoGtw5Xoh4fpq9nl37D5pap1bSboCkTFVSvwuYEU9r5IXxELO/s1600/P1010035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmkIp943Sig_CC9Y0OQO47snp37159hB-UC-3rj0Ueb1hda0Badc4kNHDLW3BcSB7aZ3MSbmEAfwRJcNGjgqv2yRLBnnmoGtw5Xoh4fpq9nl37D5pap1bSboCkTFVSvwuYEU9r5IXxELO/s400/P1010035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It was a beautiful sunny day in London and it was the perfect location to enjoy the afternoon. It is apparent when I walked into the tearoom and saw the beautiful large elaborate windows that fill the interior with light of its purpose in its prior life.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQ51jE0QTnq8Lc9Ef3rVq5grLcAJKrB995FFbeojZRtwzGItA3MFQPDSlbqLYexky1adHPdmDy-e9CrsM4JNnqIi4VHtj9Puw4LJQHG7FVUHwrRo_LMWTFqld9b_3peXlp4tXrxRmVnPl/s1600/orangery+interior+columns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQ51jE0QTnq8Lc9Ef3rVq5grLcAJKrB995FFbeojZRtwzGItA3MFQPDSlbqLYexky1adHPdmDy-e9CrsM4JNnqIi4VHtj9Puw4LJQHG7FVUHwrRo_LMWTFqld9b_3peXlp4tXrxRmVnPl/s200/orangery+interior+columns.JPG" width="200" /></a>Here is a closer look at the detailed woodwork. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAKTC8HC-Noxktp-YufM1xV6UVhFQ6I-tlZLqFyaiPZQtvPI-MfZB45OI-AT5L3LQM5EpnqXfC6N19S_vPrtHC6U3dEWxuujZpwAJ-0-W-DrqRst-IZn91nF4FO8JwgbTr7eOjYruzwRf/s1600/orangery+interior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAKTC8HC-Noxktp-YufM1xV6UVhFQ6I-tlZLqFyaiPZQtvPI-MfZB45OI-AT5L3LQM5EpnqXfC6N19S_vPrtHC6U3dEWxuujZpwAJ-0-W-DrqRst-IZn91nF4FO8JwgbTr7eOjYruzwRf/s320/orangery+interior.JPG" width="180" /></a>I had to pinch myself to know I was really in London at a place royals had visited for centuries! <br />
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The tearoom is beautiful from its expansive windows and high ceilings that it doesn't require much embellishment as you can see. To keep with the "orangery" theme, each table has a real small orange plant on the table as a centerpiece. <br />
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I was quite hungry after just having airplane food for breakfast very much earlier in the day. I am often a skeptic of tourist places for the quality of food, so I was cautiously optimistic. </div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurUZcbWpMcX3Nzy2Y1dwpAyJ74vCBj1RrwhSQ4nilD7p3emMCoJYvaeTofnvgLe-tPMmOPR8VVZuUgJBlgQVIMoS0LPhUWTblOILyI-6ZwfOMEnVmJKjJawp-VWB2ADDeY7YOIBikBzA_/s1600/orangery+salad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurUZcbWpMcX3Nzy2Y1dwpAyJ74vCBj1RrwhSQ4nilD7p3emMCoJYvaeTofnvgLe-tPMmOPR8VVZuUgJBlgQVIMoS0LPhUWTblOILyI-6ZwfOMEnVmJKjJawp-VWB2ADDeY7YOIBikBzA_/s400/orangery+salad.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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I chose the warm salad of roasted chicken and butternut squash with tarragon dressing. I was delighted when I tasted my salad as it was so good. The chicken was moist and well roasted and the squash was just the right amount of softness without being mushy. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_oRkyatwayZ87VNG4QiZBy4NZ4vz43uHBZ1hcsT6-0fH_RGpzGev65VMYjUPec_96V6mv875L4a5uSJYJy-_9m36Dz4CGeka6XBoKoDbD15DUCXw2HT09o9-8yu_AHTX6a50kgl0Eq1k/s1600/orangery+tea+pot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_oRkyatwayZ87VNG4QiZBy4NZ4vz43uHBZ1hcsT6-0fH_RGpzGev65VMYjUPec_96V6mv875L4a5uSJYJy-_9m36Dz4CGeka6XBoKoDbD15DUCXw2HT09o9-8yu_AHTX6a50kgl0Eq1k/s320/orangery+tea+pot.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>To make my experience even better, I ordered a pot of Afternoon at the Palace which is a blend Darjeeling and China black tea. It was served in a white teapot. To my surprise, they even had it in a tea sac so I could decant the leaves when I thought they had steeped enough. <br />
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Ahhh, my first cup of tea in London did not disappoint.<br />
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I just sat for some time enjoying my surroundings and my tea. It was the perfect place to welcome myself to London on a beautiful unusually sunny winter afternoon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkvvaTaS2_vVqhM27GaamsyMEUcwe0plxh0Voxkv0wm04qLO2WXnLgVjV_d51skF4yrdhOtlrGZZyyTDdAmLFOWK1hCd5p9Xpw4pWMndVoLIPNqsFxWhCu7qR2dYvdqJujjQwM7lqf_9s/s1600/harrods.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="79" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkvvaTaS2_vVqhM27GaamsyMEUcwe0plxh0Voxkv0wm04qLO2WXnLgVjV_d51skF4yrdhOtlrGZZyyTDdAmLFOWK1hCd5p9Xpw4pWMndVoLIPNqsFxWhCu7qR2dYvdqJujjQwM7lqf_9s/s320/harrods.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
When I finished my lunch, I enjoyed walking through the large gardens that connect to Hyde Park. Then, I was off to Harrods along with everyone else in London! The after Christmas sales were in full swing, but I did manage to check out the tea happenings at Harrods. There are many floors and opportunities for tea on most of them. Here is just one of them below.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtSU-p77oBK1s0PcBGkVCPY5MEqTIHgGR6yGFKwXpzKZr_y1R2KYl6uJfEGc3Lr3q3ymj-wcU5CoOS-02dyaARjFhPyutG0nlKz7gsPFKmxxPa2PPA1J3kdUUT5uys9sHtPujPJ1c9EuH/s1600/harrods+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtSU-p77oBK1s0PcBGkVCPY5MEqTIHgGR6yGFKwXpzKZr_y1R2KYl6uJfEGc3Lr3q3ymj-wcU5CoOS-02dyaARjFhPyutG0nlKz7gsPFKmxxPa2PPA1J3kdUUT5uys9sHtPujPJ1c9EuH/s400/harrods+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I hopped on a double-decker red bus back to my inn-another thing I always wanted to do! I even managed to take the correct one too which was a quite a relief. There is something liberating and fun to discover new places on your own. </div><br />
<strong>I couldn't believe it. I was in London! It was a perfect first day! My next blog will be full of new tea places and stops.</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong><br />
</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong>Happy Sipping with Memories of London, Lisa </strong></div><img height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAKTC8HC-Noxktp-YufM1xV6UVhFQ6I-tlZLqFyaiPZQtvPI-MfZB45OI-AT5L3LQM5EpnqXfC6N19S_vPrtHC6U3dEWxuujZpwAJ-0-W-DrqRst-IZn91nF4FO8JwgbTr7eOjYruzwRf/s320/orangery+interior.JPG" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 143px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 1506px; visibility: hidden;" width="54" />LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-61284866269399710932012-01-09T09:16:00.016-05:002012-01-20T13:48:39.972-05:00National Hot Tea MonthJanuary is National Hot Tea Month! It was the perfect time for me to go on a study and research trip all about tea in London and Sri Lanka. I can't wait to tell you what I learned and show you pictures from these beautiful countries. <br />
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While I'm organizing my notes and photos, please enjoy these two recipes for how to make the perfect pot of tea from my <a href="http://www.lisaknowstea.com/"><strong>website. </strong></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKziMu-0fnXZXRQfycw_g73mrFC9vGDlop0ws8b7lXerYy6v7CTdLAv4MW8sc5ie_tb_DE2Fs0LmTUcXCvyHAeSfjPA3brRabBDRubIagVH-8icwDgFM1KRMzWeduHHmTP50pSU8xTIwdG/s1600/tea+with+twist+103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKziMu-0fnXZXRQfycw_g73mrFC9vGDlop0ws8b7lXerYy6v7CTdLAv4MW8sc5ie_tb_DE2Fs0LmTUcXCvyHAeSfjPA3brRabBDRubIagVH-8icwDgFM1KRMzWeduHHmTP50pSU8xTIwdG/s320/tea+with+twist+103.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div align="center"><strong>Happy Sipping </strong></div><div align="center"><strong>my Ceylon teas from </strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Sri Lanka, </strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Lisa</strong></div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-79976303330434316562011-12-21T09:40:00.000-05:002011-12-21T09:40:24.027-05:00Merry Christmas and Happy New Year with a Few of My Favorite Things<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNxHUfpY-WHNWsa9rg51FKlmMJr4Z1pgsHSTD9WVkc-Gt5ZB1b-lwiKwchyphenhyphenmVWbcL0pJ4YXCFixZio6kjwX4FviC7g9-mmaU6zM20hb6EkbRdjW_xRhngHhFH6uFb_T3YdVMSc2dmqzv2/s1600/moms+christmas+picture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNxHUfpY-WHNWsa9rg51FKlmMJr4Z1pgsHSTD9WVkc-Gt5ZB1b-lwiKwchyphenhyphenmVWbcL0pJ4YXCFixZio6kjwX4FviC7g9-mmaU6zM20hb6EkbRdjW_xRhngHhFH6uFb_T3YdVMSc2dmqzv2/s200/moms+christmas+picture.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>This has been an amazing year for me both professionally and personally. I love sharing with all of you about my passion for All Things Tea! <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I will be leaving just after Christmas for London and Sri Lanka for study and research for my new book. I won't be posting most likely until I get back and then I will tell you all about my tea adventures. I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite things Christmas related from my home to yours along with a few of our traditions! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IYLmBftnzBQApy2_8nmj5QbkkjO1G86XisUYBDPOn0aBsDvgslRObBTqmveO0eduvgKeaLFuOLppTp-d4XXLGgGxF8tp2BiS2wF53gKuW0jrNlOGAabLGsaNcyVojQFDM1F_t6-IDKYe/s1600/christmas+tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IYLmBftnzBQApy2_8nmj5QbkkjO1G86XisUYBDPOn0aBsDvgslRObBTqmveO0eduvgKeaLFuOLppTp-d4XXLGgGxF8tp2BiS2wF53gKuW0jrNlOGAabLGsaNcyVojQFDM1F_t6-IDKYe/s320/christmas+tree.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Every year our family has a tree trimming party starting when the kids were able to stand and put ornaments on the tree. When the kids were real little, my husband and I would have to do a little rearranging after they went to bed since everything was down at the bottom of the tree. I make fudge, just like my mom did, we play Christmas music, and eat appetizers. This year I tried to "break" tradition and serve ham with rolls instead of pigs-in-a-blanket! The kids revolted, so we had our traditional pigs-in-a-blanket again! I never thought that tradition would be so treasured or I'm not sure I would have started it!!!</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlz9REowI-mMIX6P0i3CwrVw7Mlj2RdZQivGl-caL4WeR7EUWsLLTZS-Jk0F9CV1g9HDr95lF-SEmGWRIiN3NurTK-a9dp62ZoeF7tYmH9K_5PM-YRK_qGH3_f20ElC9m3LeS9qVJJMhAt/s1600/christmas+dishes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlz9REowI-mMIX6P0i3CwrVw7Mlj2RdZQivGl-caL4WeR7EUWsLLTZS-Jk0F9CV1g9HDr95lF-SEmGWRIiN3NurTK-a9dp62ZoeF7tYmH9K_5PM-YRK_qGH3_f20ElC9m3LeS9qVJJMhAt/s320/christmas+dishes.JPG" width="179" /></a>This is my set of Christmas dishes from Tracy Porter which is now retired. We love to eat off of them for the month of December. The table looks so beautiful Christmas morning with the plates set up. I make cranberry bread and the same egg casserole I grew up eating Christmas morning. We serve tea from the festive teapots and my kids LOVE the homemade hot chocolate out of their Santa cups!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This Nativity set was hand-painted and given to my mom as a gift the year she was pregnant with me! I remember setting it up in our living room growing up. Since my mom is now in a nursing home, the nativity set got passed down to me. My daughter now does the honors of setting it up in our foyer to welcome all that visit during the holidays.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcurfWHLKeUkVHVsYNz00tBqsRALxzZRi-R1kx-HU6O4I9jS8-fd1Dn1QcPX3Rzoem0bT80-Qsx7t_uOOiIR_Jez3su5jWBgatvO6QNMdRCln5ieJSHxvJ_AggAGAB79cpUcZXzT2cZTwj/s1600/Nativity.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcurfWHLKeUkVHVsYNz00tBqsRALxzZRi-R1kx-HU6O4I9jS8-fd1Dn1QcPX3Rzoem0bT80-Qsx7t_uOOiIR_Jez3su5jWBgatvO6QNMdRCln5ieJSHxvJ_AggAGAB79cpUcZXzT2cZTwj/s400/Nativity.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a little closer view of the Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. It is the most beautiful set I have ever seen! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHk-jCadqirR0nPWUJ8xmgAChQc0SFb7tTCAtOqREtea0fBu-mbeuaDHb_uu76k0dAvs7QoPt_NQA68YV5J2a6fh3kKtYKRTYLmr9m-ZQwS1du5oK6MIJi9_xUNZpulAGWimutxZ3lu-94/s1600/Nativity+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHk-jCadqirR0nPWUJ8xmgAChQc0SFb7tTCAtOqREtea0fBu-mbeuaDHb_uu76k0dAvs7QoPt_NQA68YV5J2a6fh3kKtYKRTYLmr9m-ZQwS1du5oK6MIJi9_xUNZpulAGWimutxZ3lu-94/s400/Nativity+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Our family will be going out for our annual Christmas tea together tomorrow which is something I look forward to all year! </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>What are some of your family Christmas traditions? </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wishing all you a very warm and wonderful Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br />
</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Happy Sipping, Lisa</strong></div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-25037534326338448872011-12-13T11:28:00.000-05:002011-12-13T11:28:19.105-05:00Unique Gifts for Tea Lovers Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kVwBSRdi9kyh5k36aZHfhI2j7yxicY00tOndORJp5716qkQGEExnpXCC9FsPOBi66dtvU6_n-KPxRc6oyeaJJYkrW3k5vM1g3VLMIB9Hc7ZPWnEsDLMaNmgi0iJc2cBQbrvC_xOCmw7L/s1600/BabycakesCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kVwBSRdi9kyh5k36aZHfhI2j7yxicY00tOndORJp5716qkQGEExnpXCC9FsPOBi66dtvU6_n-KPxRc6oyeaJJYkrW3k5vM1g3VLMIB9Hc7ZPWnEsDLMaNmgi0iJc2cBQbrvC_xOCmw7L/s320/BabycakesCover.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>I just think the Babycakes Cupcake Maker is a novel idea and so did <a href="http://www.pluggedintocooking.com/">Roxanne Wyss.</a> Roxanne and I share literary agents and I met her at an industry event this summer! <br />
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Her and her partner Kathy Moore actually wrote the little recipe booklet that comes with the <a href="http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/kitchen/top_brands/babycakes.jsp">Babycakes Cupcake Maker</a> and their minds starting racing on how much more you could do with it. So that is how <a href="http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/kitchen/top_brands/babycakes/PRD~903227/175+Best+Babycakes+Cupcake+Maker+Recipes+Cookbook.jsp">175 Best Babycakes Cupcake Maker Recipe</a>s Cookbook was born. <br />
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I got the cookbook for review and couldn't help but think how PERFECT these recipes are for tea time. English tea time is all about having bite size savories and sweets while enjoying tea. This is also a great item and cookbook if you enjoying cooking with your kids. The cupcake maker is definitely an upgrade from the Easy Bake oven of my day. <br />
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<strong>Here are two recipes that would be perfect for your Holiday tea.</strong><br />
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This recipe is great for an adult tea and the dried cranberries make it so festive!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9eB1ef4NeS1JG7-I-T1grt1akAxaRH6mUsHAm3Fi8S_9fmxF04j_Vvy2aKpLIJ6Ngf5eBg1oErdZjstqJU3tIVq7ysx7GAtVLPhcXB10vO3bAmV-iVc8YRtaRoNHsYehZCQ6MqmYoNRU/s1600/BabycakesCurriedChickenSaladCups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9eB1ef4NeS1JG7-I-T1grt1akAxaRH6mUsHAm3Fi8S_9fmxF04j_Vvy2aKpLIJ6Ngf5eBg1oErdZjstqJU3tIVq7ysx7GAtVLPhcXB10vO3bAmV-iVc8YRtaRoNHsYehZCQ6MqmYoNRU/s320/BabycakesCurriedChickenSaladCups.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><strong>Curried Chicken Salad Cups</strong><br />
Makes 16 wonton cups<br />
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<strong>Crusts</strong><br />
16 wonton wrappers (about 31⁄2 inches/ 16<br />
8.5 cm square)<br />
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<strong>Filling</strong><br />
1 clove garlic, minced 1<br />
1 tsp grated gingerroot 5 mL<br />
1⁄2 tsp curry powder 2 mL<br />
3 tbsp whipped cream cheese, softened 45 mL<br />
3 tbsp sour cream 45 mL<br />
1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice 5 mL<br />
1 green onion, chopped 1<br />
1 cup chopped cooked chicken 250 mL<br />
3 tbsp sweetened dried cranberries 45 mL<br />
or golden raisins<br />
2 tbsp dry-roasted peanuts 30 mL<br />
Salt and freshly ground black pepper<br />
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Garnish<br />
Additional dry-roasted peanuts <br />
(optional)<br />
Minced fresh cilantro<br />
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1. Crusts: Place 1 wonton wrapper on top of each well and gently press into well with the pie forming tool, making a cup.<br />
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2. Filling: In a medium bowl, combine garlic, ginger, curry powder, cream cheese, sour cream and lemon juice. Stir in green onion, chicken, cranberries and peanuts. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon about 11⁄2 tbsp (22 mL) filling into each wonton cup.<br />
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3. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until wontons are golden and filling is hot. Carefully transfer cups to a wire rack to cool slightly. Repeat with the remaining wontons and filling.<br />
<br />
4. Garnish: Sprinkle with additional peanuts (if using) and cilantro. Serve immediately<br />
<br />
<strong>Pairing suggestions: A spicy Indian Black Masala Chai or an Indian Black Assam tea</strong><br />
<br />
How fun would these be to make with your kids or grandkids!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaOtAOwg27-nAljdTByAikFLVCBEDgdvg3YOPXsJyfF5tmvWcIxZSBN6NBXQkQwRZOnFCLWwRHc1uWoTyyDPSdeKOihgz0AhbBLdAHyK689DxRznzXv-qHdCnEJ0qd-K9QopmHlRaB8BQ/s1600/BabycakesWhiteChocSnowman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaOtAOwg27-nAljdTByAikFLVCBEDgdvg3YOPXsJyfF5tmvWcIxZSBN6NBXQkQwRZOnFCLWwRHc1uWoTyyDPSdeKOihgz0AhbBLdAHyK689DxRznzXv-qHdCnEJ0qd-K9QopmHlRaB8BQ/s320/BabycakesWhiteChocSnowman.jpg" width="224" /></a> <br />
<strong>White Chocolate Snowmen Cupcakes</strong><br />
Makes 32 cupcakes<br />
<br />
Paper liners (optional)<br />
<br />
<strong>Cupcakes</strong><br />
11⁄4 cups all-purpose flour 300 mL<br />
11⁄4 tsp baking powder 6 mL<br />
1⁄4 tsp salt 1 mL<br />
3⁄4 cup granulated sugar 175 mL<br />
6 tbsp butter, softened 90 mL<br />
2 eggs, at room temperature 2<br />
4 oz white chocolate, melted (see tip, 125 g<br />
at right)<br />
2⁄3 cup milk 150 mL<br />
<br />
<strong>Decoration</strong><br />
<br />
White Chocolate Cream Cheese <br />
Frosting <br />
1 31⁄2- or 4-oz (105 or 125 g) white 1<br />
chocolate bar<br />
32 gumdrops, cut in half crosswise 32<br />
32 11⁄2-inch (4 cm) pieces red shoestring 32<br />
licorice<br />
96 mini candy-coated chocolate candies 96<br />
Confectioners’ (icing) sugar <br />
or cornstarch<br />
Fondant<br />
<br />
1. Cupcakes: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.<br />
<br />
2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat sugar and butter for 1 to 2 minutes or until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in white chocolate. Add flour mixture alternately with milk, making three additions of flour and two of milk and beating on low speed until smooth.<br />
<br />
3. If desired, place paper liners in wells. Fill each well with about 11⁄2 tbsp (22 mL) batter. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack to cool. Repeat with the remaining batter.<br />
<br />
4. Decoration: Frost cupcakes with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting.<br />
<br />
5. Using a vegetable peeler, scrape down the side edge of the white chocolate bar to make shavings. Sprinkle shavings over frosting, giving it a “freshly fallen snow” look.<br />
<br />
6. Place 2 gumdrop halves, cut side down, on opposite sides of each cupcake to make earmuffs. Arrange 1 strip of red licorice to look like a mouth and use candies to make eyes and a nose.<br />
<br />
7. To make hats, on a cutting board lightly dusted with confectioners’ sugar, roll out fondant to about 1⁄8-inch (3 mm) thickness. For the center of each hat, cut a piece of fondant about 2 by 3⁄4 inches (5 by 2 cm). Fold it in half so it becomes a rectangle of about 1 by 3⁄4 inch (2.5 by 2 cm) (the double thickness will hold the shape of the hat better and be stronger). For the hat band, cut a strip of fondant about 3 by 1⁄2 inches (7.5 by 1 cm). Place the hat band over the edge of the rectangle, folding the ends under so that the hat band is the right size for the hat. Position a hat on the top edge of each cupcake.<br />
<br />
<strong>Pairing Suggestion: An Indian Black Darjeeling or a Japanese Green Sencha tea or if looking for caffeine free suggestion for kids a Rooibos tea of any flavor</strong><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I think the Babycakes Cupcake Maker and the 175 Best Babycakes Cupcake maker Recipes would make a great gift combo for any age and makes having tea time that much easier! If you buy the cookbook, please share some of your favorite recipes with me.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Happy Sipping and Shopping, Lisa</strong></div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-34371965021042329052011-12-07T15:48:00.000-05:002011-12-07T15:48:33.490-05:00Unique Gifts for Tea Lovers Part 1Well 'tis the season of gift buying for many! It is also a time that our schedules are packed full and our to-do lists are long! I will keep it brief since leisure reading time is at a minimum as well. I wanted to give you two suggestions for unique Christmas/Holiday gifts for you and your tea-loving friends on your shopping list! This week is one suggestion and next week, I will offer my second suggestion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6oY0BbIM6ybVBXyEsdJPdn8pmjdPI9kh9hvoTwLKMTBzcj-Xi-KJWc8l-Zf2t5aX2AGWxpMU0alR1r9o_OCLhhmv5pKM3j2ddbXhSzipb0vdkillRaRhpbBnZ8o3Vqvp4rOVQElpJJlB/s1600/tea+tangent+tea+nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6oY0BbIM6ybVBXyEsdJPdn8pmjdPI9kh9hvoTwLKMTBzcj-Xi-KJWc8l-Zf2t5aX2AGWxpMU0alR1r9o_OCLhhmv5pKM3j2ddbXhSzipb0vdkillRaRhpbBnZ8o3Vqvp4rOVQElpJJlB/s400/tea+tangent+tea+nest.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I just love the products that <a href="http://www.teatangent.com/">Tea Tagent</a> has come out with. I think their logo says it all, "Designing the Art of Tea in America." </strong></div><br />
All Tea Tagent's products are made of sustainably harvested wild cherry trees from the Allegany Forest in Pennsylvania. Their wood contains no glues or plastic resins. <br />
<br />
To keep your Tea Tangent piece looking good over time, just clean with warm soap and water and add a bit of food grade oil to help it age well over time. <br />
<br />
I just love my Tea Nest Set that the company gave me this year at an industry event. It just gives the Tea Nest a place to sit after brewing and for storing. I keep it sitting out so that it is easy to use and it just looks good!!!<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPS861GoYN26M0aKJqpjLHxVZoQ5bPWcwq7jvZk48KPoaRl7QblVpkBo5Q1fcS6RfZI57frJNfHzkE-NfOwsyPr6iHfhVai3Pt5i-pJXkU6nouVNV3_oDdhYr-NEzpg6jzfPTrTkSEf0v/s1600/tea+tangent+tea+nest+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPS861GoYN26M0aKJqpjLHxVZoQ5bPWcwq7jvZk48KPoaRl7QblVpkBo5Q1fcS6RfZI57frJNfHzkE-NfOwsyPr6iHfhVai3Pt5i-pJXkU6nouVNV3_oDdhYr-NEzpg6jzfPTrTkSEf0v/s320/tea+tangent+tea+nest+set.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>So if you are looking for a unique gift this season, may I suggest a product from Tea Tangent?</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Happy Sipping and Shopping, Lisa</strong></div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-65895863305354990932011-11-22T10:00:00.000-05:002011-11-22T10:00:35.026-05:00Ginger Crumb Cake and ThankfulnessI just returned from teaching a cooking and tea class at <a href="http://www.southernseason.com/class/default.asp"><strong>A Southern Season</strong></a> in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This is my third year to teach there and it is always wonderful each time. The staff is great, the Viking kitchen is amazing, and Caroline in the coffee/tea department does a spectacular job prepping all the teas to serve with the recipes I demo. If you live in or around Chapel Hill, you will want to stop in, but be prepared to spend some time!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37Q6P4hGbqaCoD_MZeGsAxoV3sGMlgVWzwdh0g2EdqYGXUUOGsbitQjSzEDIB9IvlVzgFBZ1clRt3JQPYQj3e1nUbSbO1DZFXTW5m5vUGsTSp_zNFtLrgMmrY9uUp6WkjoxJv_7lGMlPx/s1600/a+southern+season.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37Q6P4hGbqaCoD_MZeGsAxoV3sGMlgVWzwdh0g2EdqYGXUUOGsbitQjSzEDIB9IvlVzgFBZ1clRt3JQPYQj3e1nUbSbO1DZFXTW5m5vUGsTSp_zNFtLrgMmrY9uUp6WkjoxJv_7lGMlPx/s1600/a+southern+season.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The theme for this class was <strong>Tea Around the World-Taste Tea and Food from Around the Globe</strong>. The recipes were all from my book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/World-Your-Teacup-Celebrating-Traditions/dp/0736925805"><strong>The World in Your Teacup</strong></a><strong>.</strong> We traveled to China, Morocco, France, and ended our journey in England. For England, I chose to demo my great grandmother's recipe that has been passed down in my family. The recipe card I have is in my grandma's handwriting as my great grandmother shared it with her to bake, then she shared it with my mom, and my mom shared it with me. Now, I can share it with my family and all of you! <br />
<br />
My great grandma Effie Johnson lost her mom at a young age and had to help at home a lot more after that. She learned how to cook and bake. When she finished school, she left home and worked as a live-in for several wealthy families as a cook of which one of them was an English doctor until she married in her mid-twenties. This is one of her recipes. It would make a good tea bread for in the morning or to serve as dessert after your Thanksgiving meal. This will be our family's Thanksgiving dessert this year! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXx6iJMQY6Gvs7YKdyYlM8wTcdJAoDU5x6hrbclUF07kr_Fbypyx7NfxZeqrTSUezkf_qpGpKtAcyI8trtxljx8XGKOPXqixPDsw3Mlk7828Ebiu2OH92wKvxUy-qGrsYqJTvjPup4_1a/s1600/The+World+in+your+Teacup+055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXx6iJMQY6Gvs7YKdyYlM8wTcdJAoDU5x6hrbclUF07kr_Fbypyx7NfxZeqrTSUezkf_qpGpKtAcyI8trtxljx8XGKOPXqixPDsw3Mlk7828Ebiu2OH92wKvxUy-qGrsYqJTvjPup4_1a/s320/The+World+in+your+Teacup+055.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><strong>Crumb Ginger Cake</strong><br />
<br />
2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1 cup granulated sugar<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 teaspoon powdered ginger </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 teaspoon cinnamon</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/2 cup salted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 teaspoon baking soda</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/2 teaspoon salt</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 egg</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2 tablespoons dark molasses </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 teaspoons vanilla</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 cup buttermilk</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Fresh whipped cream to serve with cake<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, sugar, ginger, and cinnamon. Cut in butter using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles the consistency of cornmeal. You may also use a food processor and pulse slowly until mixture is the desired consistency. Take out 1 cup of mixture and set aside for topping. Add soda, salt, egg, molasses, vanilla, and buttermilk to the remaining mixture. Mix well with an electric mixer or by hand. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and pour the batter into it. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the batter and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cake is set. Serve warm with fresh whipped cream.<br />
<br />
<strong>I would suggest pairing it with a Chinese Black Keemun. The light smokey and sweet flavor of the Keemun compliments the ginger/cinnamon spices of this subtle sweet cake!</strong><br />
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We have a tradition at my house growing up and now I have passed on this tradition with my family. Before we eat, each person at the table says what they are most thankful for in the past year. It can be more than one thing, but each person has to share at least one thing. It is a way of stopping for a moment to remember the spirit of Thanksgiving. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9H3RzPZ5Oo8yguQKJLGVV6QS1qcrcaY0FX0uviulZ-b9mUY0Zt8UqA3tnCcnFQENYnQYcqPEgy2jKAA76HN7rgDzoEhTIuDEjollmOfAE882Yxl7japs9MULYW9SeGk0nHhjyZGdSmZKf/s1600/headshot+2010+Lisa+Boalt+Richardson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9H3RzPZ5Oo8yguQKJLGVV6QS1qcrcaY0FX0uviulZ-b9mUY0Zt8UqA3tnCcnFQENYnQYcqPEgy2jKAA76HN7rgDzoEhTIuDEjollmOfAE882Yxl7japs9MULYW9SeGk0nHhjyZGdSmZKf/s200/headshot+2010+Lisa+Boalt+Richardson.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>This year I have so much to be thankful for. My faith grows stronger through the challenges life offers, my husband and children bring such love into my life and home, and I love my job of teaching, inspiring, and exciting others about tea. I am <em>THRILLED</em> to share with you that I have been contracted to write my third book on tea with</strong> <a href="http://www.chroniclebooks.com/"><strong>Chronicle Books</strong></a><strong>. It is a new publisher for me and the book will out Spring of 2013!!!!</strong> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>What are you most thankful for this year? </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Happy Sipping, Eating, and Thanksgiving, Lisa</strong></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-81936582351605811952011-11-17T12:48:00.000-05:002011-11-17T12:48:28.242-05:00Need Some Easy No-Fuss Recipes Right Now?<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JMKsuwYVdj2WgolSVszL-v-0I2rqZTwjqe12I_15ayOJIH1Kz2Lq77EzhnFnbOVCCVI_cOGus5xBOmTJQR96TqejQvn1hHRxVyhEH6oHb3Lo0p32WbkqP9sJtBXgDaHHNLP_qXE283eY/s1600/300+rice+cooker+recipes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JMKsuwYVdj2WgolSVszL-v-0I2rqZTwjqe12I_15ayOJIH1Kz2Lq77EzhnFnbOVCCVI_cOGus5xBOmTJQR96TqejQvn1hHRxVyhEH6oHb3Lo0p32WbkqP9sJtBXgDaHHNLP_qXE283eY/s200/300+rice+cooker+recipes.jpg" width="200" /></a>When I first heard about this book that my friend/colleague <a href="http://www.thesweetandsourchronicles.com/"><strong>Katie Chin</strong></a> was writing, I became intrigued. I thought "Really, 300 Rice Cooker Recipes?" However, when I received the book for review, I was amazed at how much you could actually cook in a rice cooker. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Rice cookers date back to 1250 BC, but they have come a long way from there. If you already own a rice cooker, you will want to pull it out and try some of these recipes. If you don't have one, I hope that these recipes inspire you to go get one! </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I have included a couple recipes below with tea pairing ideas for both that will be perfect for the holiday season</strong>.<strong>as the weather turns cooler. </strong></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCh1oILsRcEu9XJbw-TYS9-71GrdIJ2mPZFQrBMCKHscDE_laoNwL0Ider3jc6yAmIYfhqGJoq5zkU3AOMbJP_OKw-eO-roDN_U8yhp0PTDkPk9UdVOPphI7CfwADXhoY3Ekvs22I1Sy4p/s1600/RICEMoroccanBeanDip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCh1oILsRcEu9XJbw-TYS9-71GrdIJ2mPZFQrBMCKHscDE_laoNwL0Ider3jc6yAmIYfhqGJoq5zkU3AOMbJP_OKw-eO-roDN_U8yhp0PTDkPk9UdVOPphI7CfwADXhoY3Ekvs22I1Sy4p/s320/RICEMoroccanBeanDip.jpg" width="224" /></a>Here is an inviting appetizer for the holidays. You can serve this dip with some pita wedges and vegetable crudites. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><strong>Moroccan Bean Dip (Bessara)</strong><br />
Makes 10 to 12 servings<br />
<br />
• Medium rice cooker; fuzzy logic or on/off<br />
• Food processor<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
11⁄2 cups dried fava beans 375 mL<br />
6 cups water 1.5 L<br />
2 cloves garlic 2<br />
11⁄2 tsp salt 7 mL<br />
1 tsp ground cumin 5 mL<br />
1⁄2 tsp sweet paprika 2 mL<br />
1⁄2 tsp cayenne pepper 2 mL<br />
1⁄4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 60 mL<br />
1⁄3 cup extra virgin olive oil 75 mL<br />
Additional sweet paprika<br />
Finely chopped fresh parsley<br />
<br />
1. Sort, rinse and soak fava beans (see pages 32-33). Drain and peel off skins.<br />
<br />
2. Place soaked fava beans and water in the rice cooker bowl. Set the rice cooker for the Regular cycle and set a timer for 11⁄2 hours.<br />
<br />
3. When the timer sounds, check to see if fava beans are tender. If necessary, continue cooking, checking for doneness every 5 minutes. Drain, reserving 3 tbsp (45 mL) cooking liquid.<br />
<br />
4. In food processor, combine fava beans, reserved cooking liquid, garlic, salt, cumin, paprika, cayenne and lemon juice; purée until smooth. With the motor running, through the feed tube, drizzle in oil; process until blended.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">5. Transfer bean mixture to a large saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring, until warmed through.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">6. Transfer to a shallow serving bowl. Dust with paprika and garnish with parsley.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHvUY6a4tdFUh5Tx_CIifN2yyHnGuRK7wC2pcT66yjnIKsStwHB4-l4ZSjFKMb23nSKYd5TJmXXFVV6eH4KPBWa_0ai0ljQ4OgSlpEjChy4Q4GYXR7GumjlOq7VxUvE889xydXlxXOKZt/s1600/The+World+in+your+Teacup+089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHvUY6a4tdFUh5Tx_CIifN2yyHnGuRK7wC2pcT66yjnIKsStwHB4-l4ZSjFKMb23nSKYd5TJmXXFVV6eH4KPBWa_0ai0ljQ4OgSlpEjChy4Q4GYXR7GumjlOq7VxUvE889xydXlxXOKZt/s200/The+World+in+your+Teacup+089.jpg" width="140" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong>My pairing choice for this recipe is some Moroccan Chun Mee Green Tea otherwise known as Gunpowder Green Tea with Mint!</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNxh7fu3rAf2Nv6tH9_sagnVR6EOIknOyHolOO1u7tgsUqLVeasJiBo0_uqAnHsP0iVfWTvW_5t-fDSq7j9CTS6jwFiSH3IRFITWqRlt83utGGfOLDgMtLLwxF_hfJUZ-knv76FhTKv2n/s1600/RICEBombayTurkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNxh7fu3rAf2Nv6tH9_sagnVR6EOIknOyHolOO1u7tgsUqLVeasJiBo0_uqAnHsP0iVfWTvW_5t-fDSq7j9CTS6jwFiSH3IRFITWqRlt83utGGfOLDgMtLLwxF_hfJUZ-knv76FhTKv2n/s320/RICEBombayTurkey.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>For a easy healthy meal for the family this fall, how about this Indian inspired dish?<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Bombay Turkey</strong></div><br />
Makes 4 servings<br />
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Need medium to large rice cooker; fuzzy logic or on/off<br />
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2 tbsp ghee 30 mL<br />
1 tbsp curry powder 15 mL<br />
1 tsp salt 5 mL<br />
1⁄2 tsp garam masala 2 mL<br />
1⁄2 tsp ground cumin 2 mL<br />
1⁄4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 mL<br />
1 lb lean ground turkey 500 g<br />
1 cup finely chopped onion 250 mL<br />
1⁄2 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped 1⁄2<br />
1 cup pearl barley 250 mL<br />
1 cup diced acorn or butternut squash 250 mL<br />
1⁄2 cup diced Granny Smith or other tart apple 125 mL<br />
2 cups chicken broth 500 mL<br />
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1. Set the rice cooker for the Quick Cook or Regular cycle. When the bottom of the bowl gets hot, add ghee and swirl to coat. Sauté curry powder, salt, garam masala, cumin and pepper for 1 minute. Add turkey and onion; sauté, breaking turkey up with the back of a spoon, for 4 to 5 minutes or until turkey is no longer pink.<br />
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2. Stir in yellow pepper, barley, squash, apple and broth. Close the lid and reset for the Regular cycle. Set a timer for 40 minutes.<br />
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3. When the timer sounds, check to make sure barley is tender. If necessary, continue cooking, checking for doneness every 5 minutes. Switch to the Keep Warm cycle and let stand for 10 minutes, then serve immediately.<br />
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Variation - Bombay Chicken: Substitute lean ground chicken for the turkey.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Q82tWtTpk9d3SOKTf8wjW6U57EpS8hcpKSVaH2sPYWLIHW-Kn_x5AzHTx_rG2J2L6NnxKLWWZ3YBWNtkGcEgU_IeLq-rilDbp8sWlWrRcuIiKlsN4bWo6Fn8m-e7amwYHL-KjQjKc2hl/s1600/tea+with+twist+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Q82tWtTpk9d3SOKTf8wjW6U57EpS8hcpKSVaH2sPYWLIHW-Kn_x5AzHTx_rG2J2L6NnxKLWWZ3YBWNtkGcEgU_IeLq-rilDbp8sWlWrRcuIiKlsN4bWo6Fn8m-e7amwYHL-KjQjKc2hl/s200/tea+with+twist+007.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><strong>My pairing choice for this Bombay Turkey is a cup of Masala Chai or an Indian Assam!</strong><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Remember to sip some tea and take some time for yourself during this busy season! Let me know if you try one of these recipes and I will pass on your review on to Katie Chin!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Happy Sipping, </strong><strong>Lisa</strong></div><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";"><span style="font-family: Courier;"><em>Thanks to Robert Rose for sending me a copy of the book for review.</em> Excerpted from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.robertrose.ca/book/300-best-rice-cooker-recipes">300 Best Rice Cooker Recipes</a></i> by Katie Chin © 2011 Robert Rose Inc. </span><a href="http://www.robertrose.ca/"><span style="font-family: Courier;">www.robertrose.ca</span></a><span style="font-family: Courier;"> Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.</span></span></div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-11764811353299632992011-10-27T10:06:00.019-04:002011-10-27T10:27:55.178-04:00Seattle - A Tea Town Part 3Monday was going to be my last day in Seattle and there was still so much more to discover. I started off the day meeting an author friend <a href="http://www.artofglutenfreebaking.com/"><strong>Jeanne Sauvage</strong></a>. She took me to tea at <a href="http://seattleteacup.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc"><strong>The Teacup</strong></a>. It is a lovely tea shop in the Queen Anne Hill area. They bring your pot of tea to your table and give you a timer. We connected over a couple pots of tea and even ran into my Japanese friends from the festival while we were there!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg49NjjbeWBO7C8hyphenhyphen0zkZKGXbOOIzbtGEwy-ob_CCvzCP_xKIpnICP2J6O778Thh2VJZ69GVjadoY-zI58oCmg0JnXtg65JXSIwp3yqUcnEsTAPStJKH0lRvR_sKvQ_my24UQDfXQSLbMP/s1600/seattle+Teacup" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg49NjjbeWBO7C8hyphenhyphen0zkZKGXbOOIzbtGEwy-ob_CCvzCP_xKIpnICP2J6O778Thh2VJZ69GVjadoY-zI58oCmg0JnXtg65JXSIwp3yqUcnEsTAPStJKH0lRvR_sKvQ_my24UQDfXQSLbMP/s400/seattle+Teacup" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The afternoon I was on my own to discover Seattle. I headed back to <a href="http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/"><strong>Pike Place Market</strong></a>. My first stop was to visit Starbucks' original location which as I mentioned in my last post was named Starbucks Coffee, Tea, and Spices. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13S_mwfMvUglNUDjFgkG2MIhyphenhyphenFr7H2bqBrHNpD1eVtKDgSlfW5qdXDa0_8H8DeB5UG0iy8maDP6OpAM6Yh1FR_Wz4toUUkOLfGP8DAz_sgM1qPV3NzHE8xTE99KPfe8LGbdxg49K5vMTp/s1600/Seattle+Starbucks+ceiling+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13S_mwfMvUglNUDjFgkG2MIhyphenhyphenFr7H2bqBrHNpD1eVtKDgSlfW5qdXDa0_8H8DeB5UG0iy8maDP6OpAM6Yh1FR_Wz4toUUkOLfGP8DAz_sgM1qPV3NzHE8xTE99KPfe8LGbdxg49K5vMTp/s400/Seattle+Starbucks+ceiling+sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It is interesting to watch this business change over the years. The word in the tea world is that Starbucks has invested quite a bit into their Tazo Tea brand. If your interested, <a href="http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/sectors/food-and-drink/starbucks-reorganises-business-to-drive-growth/3028328.article">here</a> is an article about it. It will be fun to see what Starbucks does with tea in the next few years! It's not just about coffee anymore, so stayed tuned. <br />
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Pike Place Market is full of wonderful things. Here's a quick video for the feel of the market. It almost sounds like you could be in China! There were musicians playing throughout the market and this was just one of them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzbRrLfSuEetKtMjj5FV-2mvMnZXfhINGRPMK1GphJ4h-_qC02BbMyvKlBOGinkj9syqe2aWAqNnTcEAnrG2A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaGU1eKoiwGhJ3t8tO4gv5mEVt14qN10tH82WJktyHlW14JeVF2CSBS6C8fW-Z8LxCEgp0lZnRccCDQd3ilsQCSCA59zMVGSdwnt8GEIZ8lmlKdi699M2Brz7fNiRii7GfaEB0K8B1TuS/s1600/seattle+Pike%2527s+seafood+lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaGU1eKoiwGhJ3t8tO4gv5mEVt14qN10tH82WJktyHlW14JeVF2CSBS6C8fW-Z8LxCEgp0lZnRccCDQd3ilsQCSCA59zMVGSdwnt8GEIZ8lmlKdi699M2Brz7fNiRii7GfaEB0K8B1TuS/s200/seattle+Pike%2527s+seafood+lunch.jpg" width="200" /></a>As you can see from the video, there is plenty of fresh seafood to be had at the market. Here was my lunch which consisted of fresh crab cocktail and a calamari salad-YUM! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQYpEOuuvBjIG_E0cWEB57yommrX2_DHZZTEqukcEOdrmCKp8cAjMRTDPF-QCzx-cZaH_U33PDkcHAhYiNWTplPc3v6P81HAg5MaHjn2TxDTMyurI7xOex4C5_5DIKykG_FW0mW55ViMy/s1600/seattle+Pike%2527s+Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQYpEOuuvBjIG_E0cWEB57yommrX2_DHZZTEqukcEOdrmCKp8cAjMRTDPF-QCzx-cZaH_U33PDkcHAhYiNWTplPc3v6P81HAg5MaHjn2TxDTMyurI7xOex4C5_5DIKykG_FW0mW55ViMy/s200/seattle+Pike%2527s+Flowers.jpg" width="200" /></a>Along with seafood there is plenty of fresh produce and beautiful fresh flowers. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3W_qfFRu8G9N2RFD-XTgGS120qp3kJJ2AmEBy1L9a85TlNhwkeO727mZ01o0EUIv4abe2HJZ778376zI7LVuF_VejPUbbk57QOwnReN3UZhq6_944lPtUVNs01ArVxgsyxyrCQqHOKX8/s1600/Seattle+Vital+outdoor+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3W_qfFRu8G9N2RFD-XTgGS120qp3kJJ2AmEBy1L9a85TlNhwkeO727mZ01o0EUIv4abe2HJZ778376zI7LVuF_VejPUbbk57QOwnReN3UZhq6_944lPtUVNs01ArVxgsyxyrCQqHOKX8/s200/Seattle+Vital+outdoor+sign.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
My next tea stop was a Chinese tea shop named <a href="http://www.vitaltealeaf.net/">Vital Tea Leaf</a>. It is an intriguing shop. The location is next door to the Four Seasons Hotel just down from Pike Place Market.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwrfTCuT2cnLAcMIhyogaJOtSzv_4SFrLH-uMhgBxzUdLvc4Cnwu8N6LUX4Hrvps1tfFgAndy3A9-03OKW9Wlr3NEhHr7WSROpAXDctuPc0MYVbsLO2_-b431KuG75Ypol9XKv7c9zdsH/s1600/seattle+inside+Vital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwrfTCuT2cnLAcMIhyogaJOtSzv_4SFrLH-uMhgBxzUdLvc4Cnwu8N6LUX4Hrvps1tfFgAndy3A9-03OKW9Wlr3NEhHr7WSROpAXDctuPc0MYVbsLO2_-b431KuG75Ypol9XKv7c9zdsH/s400/seattle+inside+Vital.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> The store carries many teas and teawares along with allowing you to taste free samples of tea. I sat down and was treated to some oolong tea served in a gaiwan which is a Chinese style of serving tea in a small cup with a lid and no handle. Look closely at the pictures, don't you just love the white porcelain "extra hand?" How many times do just need an extra hand?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9IoyVzILiGzd_NA3BNLj-hhNWa13x3KuXg6hE-w8XJmJ1ax9MEFtyYDtNkT3rfr-cAtJg-by737woCrFaQa2s6jfbHonoxY0oFvyxHkHijVp5hgD0fmfXfhx69RWzwmMjPdBWRL8B5EN/s1600/Seattle+gaiwan+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9IoyVzILiGzd_NA3BNLj-hhNWa13x3KuXg6hE-w8XJmJ1ax9MEFtyYDtNkT3rfr-cAtJg-by737woCrFaQa2s6jfbHonoxY0oFvyxHkHijVp5hgD0fmfXfhx69RWzwmMjPdBWRL8B5EN/s200/Seattle+gaiwan+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGgPLWfig9vZBz4y5knvAAKevSuNkuq41NxuDEonVCZZHqvrss1oXnGeBtM59Qjt53VJd6gv38bUZdx8NMpxLejRyD3hiDnzgyMx1EQ_Ououn24gyFaEYNs-EsF3betcKSZsujx1Qc9q6/s1600/Seattle+gaiwan+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGgPLWfig9vZBz4y5knvAAKevSuNkuq41NxuDEonVCZZHqvrss1oXnGeBtM59Qjt53VJd6gv38bUZdx8NMpxLejRyD3hiDnzgyMx1EQ_Ououn24gyFaEYNs-EsF3betcKSZsujx1Qc9q6/s200/Seattle+gaiwan+3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdq_ORTZtP-nQB3aZ3n5k_8gTLRCXsyEcv9_QxM86EyCUm0BmdluR0SRO2FWyfMuWxcHeIZNolwhQaVlP9p6hJUdtO-smY2Qcayp1L0jFjyOTC0iQp0s7BcbjGk4xiREWBBoSaZT2iWAS7/s1600/Seattle+gaiwan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdq_ORTZtP-nQB3aZ3n5k_8gTLRCXsyEcv9_QxM86EyCUm0BmdluR0SRO2FWyfMuWxcHeIZNolwhQaVlP9p6hJUdtO-smY2Qcayp1L0jFjyOTC0iQp0s7BcbjGk4xiREWBBoSaZT2iWAS7/s200/Seattle+gaiwan.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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After a day of tea and shopping, I walked back along the water instead of taking the monorail. It was suggested that I stop by <a href="http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/visit/osp/AboutOSP/default.asp">Olympic Sculpture Park.</a> It is full of sculptures by Internationally acclaimed artist Louise Bourgeois. Not only are the sculptures beautiful, but the view of Puget Sound is stunning. Here's a quick video of the view of Puget Sound from the Park.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwl3WQ8IwPzdRjtLNVGj99N5wX9c7wiZQMq33qnrg05jH0wT_YcQm6WEEEYV2TJVAGCa4dnt1OnURJWorKMIw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nG2NVBqjhjh1B-sn77L2wHab4_Rrwumcip9T3iHrEWEGxrEZe6WvZUMbw-TvZZ6L9j1WnkhS6xck8ewcef1iGjjr5uAkL2VYFtsf8z-i5PQ1JP76qoo0qKDEHdX25iEvHkTi4F2ygBzv/s1600/Seattle+night+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nG2NVBqjhjh1B-sn77L2wHab4_Rrwumcip9T3iHrEWEGxrEZe6WvZUMbw-TvZZ6L9j1WnkhS6xck8ewcef1iGjjr5uAkL2VYFtsf8z-i5PQ1JP76qoo0qKDEHdX25iEvHkTi4F2ygBzv/s200/Seattle+night+view.jpg" width="200" /></a><strong>What a wonderful trip filled with lots of good tea. Goodnight and Goodbye Seattle for now! </strong></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I hope you have enjoyed the tour of Seattle, although it has been slightly tea slanted! I can't wait for my next trip to the Northwest to discover more tea places. Which tea place was your favorite in my tour? </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Happy Sipping with Memories of Seattle, Lisa</strong></div><img height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nG2NVBqjhjh1B-sn77L2wHab4_Rrwumcip9T3iHrEWEGxrEZe6WvZUMbw-TvZZ6L9j1WnkhS6xck8ewcef1iGjjr5uAkL2VYFtsf8z-i5PQ1JP76qoo0qKDEHdX25iEvHkTi4F2ygBzv/s320/Seattle+night+view.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 147px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 3261px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" />LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-15658557963123168932011-10-19T11:29:00.001-04:002011-10-19T11:32:11.768-04:00Seattle - A Tea Town Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdMVWeMNczn5dSFEd4RmW-mbvpxSSycZtl649Op5eI9sBWDFAmSvOkxWSktJrt7UDP5KEuoycy84cqEUL6RK0XFT9MUfp1zlQr3DzQa2h-N_eAp7vZsKFB7FO1lheKyxjyE-2LjARTB54/s1600/seattle+northwest+tea+festival+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdMVWeMNczn5dSFEd4RmW-mbvpxSSycZtl649Op5eI9sBWDFAmSvOkxWSktJrt7UDP5KEuoycy84cqEUL6RK0XFT9MUfp1zlQr3DzQa2h-N_eAp7vZsKFB7FO1lheKyxjyE-2LjARTB54/s400/seattle+northwest+tea+festival+logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After teaching classes for The Specialty Tea Institute, I attended the <a href="http://www.nwteafestival.com/">Northwest Tea Festival</a>. It is a two day event that is open to the public. There are booths where you can buy new teawares and tea. There are also two days filled with classes to learn about all things tea. </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I taught a Tea and Chocolate Pairing class using fine teas and pairing them with Guittard Chocolate bars with different percentages of cacao in each. One of the pairings even included a single origin tea with a single origin chocolate-very special! After my class, I had a book signing at the Perennial Tea Room booth.<br />
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In between teaching and book signings, I found time to look around. It was fun to sit at the <a href="http://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english/tea/index.html">Shizuoka Tea</a> booth with Pearl Dexter leading a tea tasting event. We had to taste two teas separately and then tell if they were the same or different. It was challenging and fortunately, as the pressure was on, I answered correctly!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>After a morning back at the tea festival, Sunday afternoon was devoted to a day of tasting wine. I went on a wine tour of boutique wineries. Yes, this tea gal likes wine too! Tea and wine are more similar than you may think. I use a lot of references to wine when I am teaching about tea so it was very apropos to have a day of tasting wine after so much tea tasting!<br />
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</div>Our first stop was <a href="http://www.covingtoncellars.com/">Covington Cellars</a> for a lovely lunch and wine pairing. We walked into the room and all the candle light danced off the glass stemware for the tasting. The wine barrel room looked magical just lit by candlelight and small strands of little white lights!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1RyY_MEV5Fm5b2ZdLiEFa_m3yGbYm8Q3JGFu5Tn9KnQXxNv2bz3DS5cRxY0JcgQvf2s_uHxjqVhJVb_cmNnjS94dolO6dLlQz_8LscUzqkY5MLz5SGUlzl4y699qY3qj4FLzU3QRH_jX/s1600/seattle+wine+pairing+menu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1RyY_MEV5Fm5b2ZdLiEFa_m3yGbYm8Q3JGFu5Tn9KnQXxNv2bz3DS5cRxY0JcgQvf2s_uHxjqVhJVb_cmNnjS94dolO6dLlQz_8LscUzqkY5MLz5SGUlzl4y699qY3qj4FLzU3QRH_jX/s200/seattle+wine+pairing+menu.jpg" width="200" /></a>The lunch was delicious and I highly recommend if you are in the area going to one of their events. The Gorgonzola Chocolate Truffles with Savory Candied Almonds were amazing to say the least. They say they will be packaging them for sale soon!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Our last stop on the tour was a small tasting room for <a href="http://darbywinery.com/">Darby Wines</a>. I just loved the lighting they had along one side of the tasting room. This would be a easy project for someone to do. Just cut out holes in some stained wood and build a box deep enough to hold bottles. The lighting behind it was just a fluorescent tube. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Vn19QxEtXBbH8WmFtb1G_Qd7zUJmwL_Epei9hXo3Cdnp7Ah8h03lAeOJ9dhC7AglEWzOFUqgD6z3A6bvNdNrlVCijIrmnqIEmRykXQC3DIXQs1GNFMLSOWl9k_hJrLOkxr_8BwvkcfKT/s1600/Seattle+Darby+Wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Vn19QxEtXBbH8WmFtb1G_Qd7zUJmwL_Epei9hXo3Cdnp7Ah8h03lAeOJ9dhC7AglEWzOFUqgD6z3A6bvNdNrlVCijIrmnqIEmRykXQC3DIXQs1GNFMLSOWl9k_hJrLOkxr_8BwvkcfKT/s400/Seattle+Darby+Wine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>It was a fun tour and tasting. I did find some unique wines to purchase. Stayed tuned next week as I take you to some tea rooms, Pike's Market, and Puget Sound. Have I made you want to go visit Seattle yet?</strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Happy Sipping Tea <em>and </em>Wine, Lisa</strong></div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-29372686328488947332011-10-13T10:18:00.001-04:002011-10-13T10:19:43.674-04:00Seattle - A Wonderful Tea Town Part 1<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">SEATTLE IS FOR TEA LOVERS!</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WRTPuTJxcvGu8MAesF13_Q4tfe0Bc7QW8tOk0lDniTe0bgh-J3RSe1_xW1voZT9e0roeFH0w4EOaumEv3EYchEx1AA0ghMlXpC5WBo7gnOxz8zS3sILqLcjoMHRAlt7dEm-b0thB4vk2/s1600/seattle+starbucks+orginal+logo" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WRTPuTJxcvGu8MAesF13_Q4tfe0Bc7QW8tOk0lDniTe0bgh-J3RSe1_xW1voZT9e0roeFH0w4EOaumEv3EYchEx1AA0ghMlXpC5WBo7gnOxz8zS3sILqLcjoMHRAlt7dEm-b0thB4vk2/s200/seattle+starbucks+orginal+logo" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">Some of you may be thinking that Seattle is all about coffee, but you would be amiss. Yes, Seattle is where Starbucks began, but you may not remember they started out as Starbucks Coffee Tea and Spices! We will return to that in another post.. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCy-foKU43r1eFt4xuqayQAN_xCvHQJtl7uDU-9c6B_NfVG5joHI-hKcH2sVdTeF7qqETO25LgJ-3LhlDwrYTOtLjQBWZlT6-NwHevi4bFkOMNKVzRFatxuVSnT9NPtH8DBxNRX249h1XQ/s1600/Seattle+monrail.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCy-foKU43r1eFt4xuqayQAN_xCvHQJtl7uDU-9c6B_NfVG5joHI-hKcH2sVdTeF7qqETO25LgJ-3LhlDwrYTOtLjQBWZlT6-NwHevi4bFkOMNKVzRFatxuVSnT9NPtH8DBxNRX249h1XQ/s200/Seattle+monrail.png" width="200" /></a>Having never been to the Northwest before, I was excited to discover it. I knew I was in for a treat as our plane started its descent and I viewed the snow-capped mountains among the clouds! The city has a great transit system, so I figured out how to get to my hotel without the use of a shuttle or cab! The Monorail which was built for the World's Fair in 1962 was a wonderful way to transit between Seattle Center (where my speaking events were held) and downtown!</div><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I arrived early to discover Seattle just a bit before I had to teach and speak. It was a perfect sunny day with a little briskness in the air. After lunch, I hopped on the monorail to Pike's Market with my colleague Kyle Stewart. We walked around a bit and then both of us were in desperate need of some tea. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpMAVsRmmWEIDE10PCSZzyNpMh1YJhT88FqoVwmuEMQiTBLAAhuJEvING42meNXPgDXq9FUwM2Umz_vE1ZdbsdUYu7w4nhyphenhyphenHge1pvoKU02DlbntYRmK3hbWc5ZYC9a_yJgZDjHQfYjM4g/s1600/seattle+perennial+tea+room+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpMAVsRmmWEIDE10PCSZzyNpMh1YJhT88FqoVwmuEMQiTBLAAhuJEvING42meNXPgDXq9FUwM2Umz_vE1ZdbsdUYu7w4nhyphenhyphenHge1pvoKU02DlbntYRmK3hbWc5ZYC9a_yJgZDjHQfYjM4g/s320/seattle+perennial+tea+room+sign.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>We went to <a href="http://perennialtearoom.com/index.aspx">Perennial Tea Room</a>. It is a located in a lovely alley just up the hill from Pike's Market. We were graciously greeted by the owners, Julee and Sue. After more than 2 years since my first book was published, it is always flattering to see my books in a shop. They happen carry both of my books!<br />
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We were served one of the teas of the day and then had the pleasure of tasting their Persian Gold. It is a black tea that is grown in Iran. Since having researched about Iran for my second book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/World-Your-Teacup-Celebrating-Traditions/dp/0736925805">The World in Your Teacup</a></em>, it was wonderful to taste tea from that region. Since most of the tea is usually consumed in the country, not much is exported from Iran. The tea shop has photos of the growers and the tea was delicious. Kyle and I had a great time talking and sharing. Isn't that what drinking tea with friends is all about and Perennial Tea Room is a lovely place to do that in Seattle.<br />
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The next two days were filled with teaching <a href="http://www.teausa.com/general/star/">Specialty Tea Institute</a> Level I and II classes. We had a diverse group from all over the country wanting to learn more about tea. Some were from large corporations, some from midsized companies, and others were interested in starting a tea business. <br />
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</div> If you are interested in knowing more about tea for yourself or interested in starting a tea business of your own, I think there is no better education than what the Specialty Tea Institute offers. With it being the educational division of The Tea Association of the USA, they have access to wonderful resources from people all over the globe. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kCt14dQctdeDcECyIswmpB4_4rgeaMWntC132bEmi6svXWHD56rccucEw9rV2HdUPouVqd2biaAdRKJz-AzT58D7kOfQ1KNM6bYXHyeRVtqrKhGEvxogZC323f-akqRskdP9od_dyz2N/s1600/seattle+STI+teaching+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kCt14dQctdeDcECyIswmpB4_4rgeaMWntC132bEmi6svXWHD56rccucEw9rV2HdUPouVqd2biaAdRKJz-AzT58D7kOfQ1KNM6bYXHyeRVtqrKhGEvxogZC323f-akqRskdP9od_dyz2N/s400/seattle+STI+teaching+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It was wonderful after class to go down to the waterfront for a walk, a bite to eat, and amazing sunsets. How beautiful to see the mountains peaking through the clouds!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0V6FSPHCvu0dN81WWITDp1PL9GO4oJSsmo0gVQ-MRffUbGn2vS07L8r1SsHGUbNoP8_IH578DrrS9pKllOa5nHgPSlRw7Eztxf_CTy_uKiHFe9Aj8Lu4NudkJ6GhvXiOvFJoeJc_aPecx/s1600/seattle+sunset+from+Market.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0V6FSPHCvu0dN81WWITDp1PL9GO4oJSsmo0gVQ-MRffUbGn2vS07L8r1SsHGUbNoP8_IH578DrrS9pKllOa5nHgPSlRw7Eztxf_CTy_uKiHFe9Aj8Lu4NudkJ6GhvXiOvFJoeJc_aPecx/s400/seattle+sunset+from+Market.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong>I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of my tea experience in Seattle. </strong><strong>In my next couple of posts, I will take you to the Northwest Tea Festival, </strong><strong> two more tearooms, explore Pike's Market, and a wine tour! </strong><br />
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<strong>Happy Sipping from Seattle, Lisa</strong></div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-33619236001545614092011-09-29T09:43:00.000-04:002011-09-29T09:43:23.364-04:00Tea Education-Chefs and Sommeliers Take Notice<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsgp0b3JTl9_M8MZBDyX-XEOIoSRqw3y-EB86HRrVH39DL5uCpnSGGmc_mnWuPbBUdtZT4eYIK2AD5UFfX-QzjxoBfJvx7ezq72b0v3c9zrn-p5DpX2VMngN_JkVJlCwWjIJ0ajUIBjsf/s1600/kyle+steward.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsgp0b3JTl9_M8MZBDyX-XEOIoSRqw3y-EB86HRrVH39DL5uCpnSGGmc_mnWuPbBUdtZT4eYIK2AD5UFfX-QzjxoBfJvx7ezq72b0v3c9zrn-p5DpX2VMngN_JkVJlCwWjIJ0ajUIBjsf/s200/kyle+steward.JPG" width="130" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This week, I am in Seattle teaching classes for the <a href="http://www.teausa.com/general/teacertificate/index.cfm">Specialty Tea Institute</a> with my friend and colleague, Kyle Stewart of the <a href="http://www.theculturedcup.com/#!">Cultured Cup</a> in Dallas, Texas The Cultured Cup ships their teas around North American and carries a huge selection of <a href="http://www.theculturedcup.com/#!__store/teas/vstc1=mariage-freres-black">Mariage Frere</a> teas. Kyle wrote a great piece about education with the Specialty Tea Institute especially geared towards the culinary world and sommeliers. I thought I would share it with you this week. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcdisskD6oKcEp-XSkNVcR1W4MBeFrKt4-4qlHqEy-T0Zl4vLsbe7EOVBuALyOnHQqqSRjR_7BjJkeR1SFtcPno19KVNioVKt5fZuGNS9gM3u0xHELC9-BxwvrceHl3589p7LFZPRnL37/s1600/cultured+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcdisskD6oKcEp-XSkNVcR1W4MBeFrKt4-4qlHqEy-T0Zl4vLsbe7EOVBuALyOnHQqqSRjR_7BjJkeR1SFtcPno19KVNioVKt5fZuGNS9gM3u0xHELC9-BxwvrceHl3589p7LFZPRnL37/s320/cultured+cup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosOudNdZ-6NERX5QafzoXMIxR3BxHiiTnhsrunEtRxqH2yrlqn6Eiu5yKsbbvm5DjEJlWNN1-Hpp-Wrn5vzqYRjPgBTKsPk9rmydqkbg1lpskGxd9eme3YT6oCDQJ_ywyCVcwB7-STb-9/s1600/puerh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosOudNdZ-6NERX5QafzoXMIxR3BxHiiTnhsrunEtRxqH2yrlqn6Eiu5yKsbbvm5DjEJlWNN1-Hpp-Wrn5vzqYRjPgBTKsPk9rmydqkbg1lpskGxd9eme3YT6oCDQJ_ywyCVcwB7-STb-9/s200/puerh.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>For many years, tea and coffee were an afterthought at top tier restaurants across the U.S. No More! As tea continues to become more popular, restaurants are replacing teabags with quality loose leaf tea. Typical Earl Grey and English Breakfast selections are being replaced with single estate first flush Darjeelings, Wuyi Mountain oolongs, and 40 year old cave-aged Pu-erh brick teas. As better teas appear in the American market, how do culinary and wine professionals learn the basics about premium tea? <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3Cv24osBmYu1UPf5gWcQk2foE-ZhVgHfQhcmkmjqgv_WY28zjsUj-d0QFY5peBo8TmNSFsof1p1_9_B7D0yTV8l89NsY82TBAmHVkwsjZCULm4kdKsbd0iVEiANg5-o-DIjne3tk0p-D/s1600/sharon+hage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3Cv24osBmYu1UPf5gWcQk2foE-ZhVgHfQhcmkmjqgv_WY28zjsUj-d0QFY5peBo8TmNSFsof1p1_9_B7D0yTV8l89NsY82TBAmHVkwsjZCULm4kdKsbd0iVEiANg5-o-DIjne3tk0p-D/s320/sharon+hage.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://www.starchefs.com/chefs/rising_stars/2007/dallas/html/bio_s_hage.shtml">Sharon Hage</a>, the former chef-owner of York Street Restaurant in Dallas, Texas and five-time James Beard Award nominee, created dozens of tea and food pairing luncheons and dinners over nine years. Working closely with Kyle Stewart, co-owner of The Cultured Cup, the CIA educated Hage tasted and discussed the flavor profiles of hundreds of artisan teas. </div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoI9xzuqVrSNSrBQRd655VXxmWuawDLheBVBdwh8qJtW_FiJszA0hnHhgkihXjvbeEM-Fy0U3ah1_q_mSTeB1THP_8gav1vAbJYwIMEwr0H90f_eJHD41ekvS-PZ-TG_p84jf_F1TJ4-PE/s1600/cultured+cup+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoI9xzuqVrSNSrBQRd655VXxmWuawDLheBVBdwh8qJtW_FiJszA0hnHhgkihXjvbeEM-Fy0U3ah1_q_mSTeB1THP_8gav1vAbJYwIMEwr0H90f_eJHD41ekvS-PZ-TG_p84jf_F1TJ4-PE/s320/cultured+cup+food.jpg" width="197" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Dallas Morning News</td></tr>
</tbody></table>“Quality tea was just as important an ingredient for York Street as the pristine fish from Browne Trading Company or the free-range chicken from Windy Meadows Family Farm,” said Hage. But her tea journey didn’t stop with quality ingredients; she learned how to adjust the flavor profile of teas by manipulating the steeping technique variables (tea amount, temperature and time). “Learning about tea for me was similar to an artist discovering a new range of colors,” said the CIA trained chef.<br />
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For <a href="http://press.fourseasons.com/dallas/hotel-team/james-tidwell.html">James Tidwell, Master Sommelier and Beverage Manager</a> at <a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/dallas/dining/">Four Seasons Resort and Club</a> near Dallas, Texas, learning about tea was similar to learning about wine. Tidwell, a long-time tea drinker, says “Wine professionals are being called upon to manage or present many facets of the hospitality industry. With roles changing, and well-rounded experts needed to fill key positions, knowledge of the world's second most-consumed beverage is essential. Therefore, certification by an independent organization is as necessary for the study of tea as for the study of wine.”<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9xuxUPpYSaVv514hs-SW3ATzVEK4FS473jA2yu7NLTthQ2draOsSFn2bQsbt8NPcMZ3pVznMY7BuWeuVHCveAjXwb-lFws6gtY9dkhj0a5PGtnSePWlir8UictzgwV5KGzwUcIZFcgt4/s1600/james+tidwell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9xuxUPpYSaVv514hs-SW3ATzVEK4FS473jA2yu7NLTthQ2draOsSFn2bQsbt8NPcMZ3pVznMY7BuWeuVHCveAjXwb-lFws6gtY9dkhj0a5PGtnSePWlir8UictzgwV5KGzwUcIZFcgt4/s1600/james+tidwell.jpg" /></a></div>Tidwell, also a CIA graduate, took both introductory tea courses offered by the Specialty Tea Institute (STI), and highly recommends them to culinary and wine professionals. “Although Sharon Hage and I have spent years learning about tea, STI Levels One and Two quickly give culinary and wine professionals the information and skills they need to know about tea.”<br />
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<strong>Level One: Foundations of Tea</strong><br />
Level One provides a strong understanding of the five tea categories and two traditional styles of tea production (orthodox). Topics include the components of teas, growing regions and terroir, tea processing stages, a comparison of tea categories, and steeping, tasting and evaluating the characteristics of tea (called cupping). <br />
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<strong>Level Two: Foundations of Tea</strong><br />
Level Two examines CTC (cut, tear and curl) tea production, blending, flavoring and scenting, and introduces sensory evaluation of teas. Includes: an explanation of tea grading, how to name teas by country of origin, and how to examine, cup (prepare, taste and evaluate) and compare the characteristics of 5-6 pairs of teas.<br />
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Students successfully passing Levels One and Two qualify to continue their tea education with five Level Three classes. By successfully completing the seven courses comprising Levels One, Two and Three, students are awarded the title of Certified Tea Specialist (CTS). According to Joe Simrany, President of the Tea Association of the USA, 65 people world-wide hold this title.<br />
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<div align="center"><strong>So chefs and sommeliers, what are you waiting for? </strong></div><div align="center"><strong> If you aren't learning about tea, you are behind on your game and training! </strong><br />
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<strong>I am teaching a Tea and Chocolate Pairing class at the <a href="http://www.nwteafestival.com/">Northwest Tea Festival</a> and doing a book signing afterwards on Saturday 10/1. </strong><strong>If you're in the Seattle area, I would love to see you!</strong><br />
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<strong>I look forward to sharing all about Seattle and the Northwest Tea Festival!</strong><br />
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<strong>Happy Sipping from Seattle, Lisa</strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-69117450775179294252011-09-20T10:50:00.000-04:002011-09-20T10:50:01.348-04:00World Tea East Summary Part 2<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJ2qEZs2jFDXkK9vMolZuxNtJfiRBtf91JSzXQE9YbCMv4vKpfOgQlWgH-d4ppDC1gOtcxSUMh58uaqWi2ZUmd7Z4-_h67MjYTFs4eJxR7fo1CPWaRyEbmor8grQ2SrBX9MNiCy47lAo1/s1600/Philly+reflections+in+tea+teahouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJ2qEZs2jFDXkK9vMolZuxNtJfiRBtf91JSzXQE9YbCMv4vKpfOgQlWgH-d4ppDC1gOtcxSUMh58uaqWi2ZUmd7Z4-_h67MjYTFs4eJxR7fo1CPWaRyEbmor8grQ2SrBX9MNiCy47lAo1/s200/Philly+reflections+in+tea+teahouse.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKExK5-IPvgQ3CPvrIZv_nvYqsjeqaQv5QIOHYw0F04HTxsgCUY17Y-zh3VT0PHg1Ut9VO2BwrswC1HZ7LoV2Aty5-JtGoqP9QBKRfuhYy8slp0Ua4yRJsx7Y4BB1GLyS6vdsqbPs0trz-/s1600/Philly+reflections+in+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKExK5-IPvgQ3CPvrIZv_nvYqsjeqaQv5QIOHYw0F04HTxsgCUY17Y-zh3VT0PHg1Ut9VO2BwrswC1HZ7LoV2Aty5-JtGoqP9QBKRfuhYy8slp0Ua4yRJsx7Y4BB1GLyS6vdsqbPs0trz-/s200/Philly+reflections+in+tea.jpg" width="200" /></a>I hope last week was a fun look at some of the new products in store for you tea lovers out there. This week, I am continuing my virtual tour of World Tea East for you. There was a beautiful art exhibit by Michele Brody called <a href="http://www.worldteaeast.com/index.php/special-events/reflections-in-tea">Reflections in Tea</a> where participants could write prayers for Japan on tea-stained paper filters and post them on a model tea house! It was stunning and touching. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>We are going to move on now to tea accoutrements. For those that like to keep their tea warm in the teapot, have you tried a tea cosy?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-WxAPsG1sXEIbRP2TDwoUgwerDfmqIrvV-8EFV3S888gcStQ9f1tJ1IhErFEWmAh1lhaUnBN0ANzklVmzPTzafVCRLoMfpMV0yl_Dt-JPrY2sK5OWU1Y1kAXsFDAeNUEb0T1c3AiQ1L0/s1600/PHILLY+tht_settoateafrenchfarmhousecozies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-WxAPsG1sXEIbRP2TDwoUgwerDfmqIrvV-8EFV3S888gcStQ9f1tJ1IhErFEWmAh1lhaUnBN0ANzklVmzPTzafVCRLoMfpMV0yl_Dt-JPrY2sK5OWU1Y1kAXsFDAeNUEb0T1c3AiQ1L0/s200/PHILLY+tht_settoateafrenchfarmhousecozies.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> Here are some from <a href="http://www.cascadedata.net/STAT_dnn/Welcome/tabid/37/Default.aspx">Set to a Tea</a><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJy9QTPO34sx5BlZ2yBLMuKNdSj3twxXKvm9G_5fY_tyOTPaSMU7OdTeE6ljqsb208lRRanXdw1_oBOKB4sWGoI3iZ_wAg3gSiwrqQcf0SMesSy_ThUlJyfRZCniZCec99AybRJ0RsDQuP/s1600/Philly+camo+cosies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJy9QTPO34sx5BlZ2yBLMuKNdSj3twxXKvm9G_5fY_tyOTPaSMU7OdTeE6ljqsb208lRRanXdw1_oBOKB4sWGoI3iZ_wAg3gSiwrqQcf0SMesSy_ThUlJyfRZCniZCec99AybRJ0RsDQuP/s1600/Philly+camo+cosies.jpg" /></a>If you think tea or tea cozies need to be feminine, think again! These are known as HOBS by <a href="http://stores.thistledownshop.com/-strse-HOBs/Categories.bok">Thistledown Cozy!</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktwDFVaFN6b555Y-gizQ1KUjM8D-rGvRmhRYjGSVzEN7eYD8glELS27IZQi7XLl1CelMb1DigpOeisJzxOjg31UgIZboPcXD_qE6mLpRQhOcE0zL2x6baSnsgY7WHTVBquU_RNWc_YakU/s1600/Philly+salontea-candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktwDFVaFN6b555Y-gizQ1KUjM8D-rGvRmhRYjGSVzEN7eYD8glELS27IZQi7XLl1CelMb1DigpOeisJzxOjg31UgIZboPcXD_qE6mLpRQhOcE0zL2x6baSnsgY7WHTVBquU_RNWc_YakU/s200/Philly+salontea-candle.jpg" width="200" /></a>How about a tea candle? THE LOVER, chocolate chai candle made in France has a unique long lasting scent of warm, sultry dark chocolate laced with complex notes of varied exotic spices and has top notes of chai tea blended with cinnamon, cardamon and vanilla. This is made by <a href="http://www.tracystern.com/">Tracy Stern</a>.</div><br />
Here are some wonderful silk scarves with teapots and tea leaves on them made by <a href="http://www.harshitadesigns.com/category.php?cat_id=17&title=Chiffon Scarves">Harshita Designs</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeQOL0aupSLtgS9Qb-O8yAwrRoJbHiD7tU9aTw6obE42HAI3AUrKvx2j4vIZbdAKSUTySORWjnoq4CJlfvkmSgpuxAt5s_GRu-M1HUdz-9kn8_-bjItD2CPlj5GIqktHHMbUFGmpk5Iw7/s1600/philly+scarves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeQOL0aupSLtgS9Qb-O8yAwrRoJbHiD7tU9aTw6obE42HAI3AUrKvx2j4vIZbdAKSUTySORWjnoq4CJlfvkmSgpuxAt5s_GRu-M1HUdz-9kn8_-bjItD2CPlj5GIqktHHMbUFGmpk5Iw7/s400/philly+scarves.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was so pleased to be given a Tea Tangent seen below. I will be blogging specifically on this product in the near future. So UNIQUE...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UXd-LfNed50-rd0HjGQIbsxmPnsD-HUDN940ibBj8moP6FN4iR4bgwop_xvcP22kymOGsJCa5TTL1MH85l6qEbkSP0QYqjvrnVNqdzGkRZhMvfRWElddecjQ8BvsV3mvGe3esc08hWpZ/s1600/philly+tea+tangent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UXd-LfNed50-rd0HjGQIbsxmPnsD-HUDN940ibBj8moP6FN4iR4bgwop_xvcP22kymOGsJCa5TTL1MH85l6qEbkSP0QYqjvrnVNqdzGkRZhMvfRWElddecjQ8BvsV3mvGe3esc08hWpZ/s400/philly+tea+tangent.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I hope you have enjoyed your virtual tour of some fun tea products! Christmas isn't that far off so these might be easy finds for the tea lovers on your list-including youself!!! <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a day of teaching and looking around the expo, I taught two days of classes for the Specialty Tea Institute (STI). It was my first time as an instructor for them and it was exciting to teach Level I and II. I have been a student of STI for over five years earning my Certified Tea Specialist title in 2008. It is an honor to serve on the Educational and Certification Committee for STI's Advisory Board. It is thrilling to be part of cutting edge tea education in the world! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFKaygSO7bOSrshnvCLOvEGXITyKnJBHN_Y5Y7U9tp0K3X7imDu3pV0G6Xx_pkGlHlbD-_bN1yqpH4aibwG-7lXuUUaljrWHHfi5adRJQ9bLf2wdEmUIxpumxkoxfIHtxVnG4R40v0Qbg/s1600/Philly+STI+Classes+2+black+teas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFKaygSO7bOSrshnvCLOvEGXITyKnJBHN_Y5Y7U9tp0K3X7imDu3pV0G6Xx_pkGlHlbD-_bN1yqpH4aibwG-7lXuUUaljrWHHfi5adRJQ9bLf2wdEmUIxpumxkoxfIHtxVnG4R40v0Qbg/s320/Philly+STI+Classes+2+black+teas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The students go through the coursework and they taste teas from around the world gaining insight into where the tea is grown, how it is processed, and the unique flavor profile to each tea. In the end a test is given.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkH6ArwLGOaqn-dk4c7XGgXEKrhd_CRzxZHV4__9S7nung9la4ODU8_iwS7j0xM3z_K-0eKOW121M266f8a58yCTDwFSVHD409JyzHoW4J9Oe8W1F8yL2Jc-lrSes4sZPjoS1cdAT-lQn/s1600/Philly+STI+Class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkH6ArwLGOaqn-dk4c7XGgXEKrhd_CRzxZHV4__9S7nung9la4ODU8_iwS7j0xM3z_K-0eKOW121M266f8a58yCTDwFSVHD409JyzHoW4J9Oe8W1F8yL2Jc-lrSes4sZPjoS1cdAT-lQn/s320/Philly+STI+Class.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlsQj4OThhfSZKiUYAPhrFY08W9e-UQqS86obPO9FXLCU2Oj3gVR78CMRaLXcZsCWkF59OTn98f-zDwB-MS-yRjVjHHaQPPXQI-HBKqBOG-RNIlk8bwZKNmxvopdSszR6CRcptE6lDqZr/s1600/philly+liberty+bell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlsQj4OThhfSZKiUYAPhrFY08W9e-UQqS86obPO9FXLCU2Oj3gVR78CMRaLXcZsCWkF59OTn98f-zDwB-MS-yRjVjHHaQPPXQI-HBKqBOG-RNIlk8bwZKNmxvopdSszR6CRcptE6lDqZr/s200/philly+liberty+bell.jpg" width="200" /></a>To round out the trip, I did some sightseeing on the last day. A trip to Philly wouldn't be complete without seeing the Liberty Bell.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcXIH7dTo-MjwLY19UMVjRF0lv873k5Be1lN6vvrc9n7iSiIeNVDAxBzhlqMnoapN-QsdPNHioIWwabarrNELm-lSDAJNsJGJ1LL7y1oSlHsTBQzXHQRRmEppNEJUDF0PgOtNosE4jZ18/s1600/Philly+Food+Trucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcXIH7dTo-MjwLY19UMVjRF0lv873k5Be1lN6vvrc9n7iSiIeNVDAxBzhlqMnoapN-QsdPNHioIWwabarrNELm-lSDAJNsJGJ1LL7y1oSlHsTBQzXHQRRmEppNEJUDF0PgOtNosE4jZ18/s320/Philly+Food+Trucks.jpg" width="320" /></a>I finished by trip with a visit to Love Park and taking in the tastes of the Food Truck Scene!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Thanks for coming along for the tour! I hope you found some tea products you must have and enjoyed the review. Do you have any new favorites?</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>For those of you in the Atlanta area, I will be doing a demo at Williams-Sonoma Lenox on Satuday from 1-3 pm. We will be tasting teas and I will show you how to make a scone with tea in it. I hope to see you there! </strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Happy Sipping from Philly, Lisa</strong></div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-63878085409078381912011-09-15T10:52:00.000-04:002011-09-15T10:52:15.999-04:00World Tea East-Philly Summary Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I just returned from an exciting tea show for the trade called World Tea East. It was held in Philadelphia, in the heart of the historic area. Tea shows are always fun for me as it is a time to see new tea products, old friends, meet lots of new ones, and taste tons of teas! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After teaching Tea 101 for the conference attendees at 8 a.m., I rushed to a board meeting for the Specialty Tea Institute, and then I was off to the expo floor to discover new tea and tea products. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowT8I66E80ej-uzTTyIl3xl7ZlqkIsOxgvX4AStSkaCjkfRlJd9EptOVPqUcX0pt6OiiiS8iqmalZBb90iUu7rDOvYsizBxnuCPoPXgQxdqmW2Tib_v1HLT7UV-YghUKXi61y92j3cLdw/s1600/philly+WTE+show+floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowT8I66E80ej-uzTTyIl3xl7ZlqkIsOxgvX4AStSkaCjkfRlJd9EptOVPqUcX0pt6OiiiS8iqmalZBb90iUu7rDOvYsizBxnuCPoPXgQxdqmW2Tib_v1HLT7UV-YghUKXi61y92j3cLdw/s400/philly+WTE+show+floor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> For me, World Tea Expo shows are like a kid going into a candy store!!</div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJ1Kp5DQ0e2Tc1PyF2QZdq-vgn1TUEJMKqlfLi_FpWIM_DUUOIz4WprzNMk_jSainRgGYjNln5Bxl_XUD5G_2jUX53_T05Yn3fwroWf3p3FKnNzC0UUubwwF8aFPLVQBYvuLK7HoeBi9b/s1600/Philly+WTE+show+floor+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJ1Kp5DQ0e2Tc1PyF2QZdq-vgn1TUEJMKqlfLi_FpWIM_DUUOIz4WprzNMk_jSainRgGYjNln5Bxl_XUD5G_2jUX53_T05Yn3fwroWf3p3FKnNzC0UUubwwF8aFPLVQBYvuLK7HoeBi9b/s400/Philly+WTE+show+floor+2.jpg" width="400" /></a> <br />
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So come with me as I tell you all about what I discovered. You may want to look for these things in your local tea store or online! These are some of my highlights, but every booth offered something a little different. <br />
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Here is the tea display for <a href="http://www.rishi-tea.com/store/index.php?gclid=CLD60dGLnasCFcY32god73iing">Rishi Tea</a>. Their award-winning teas are lovely and all the people working the booth were so nice to talk to. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkll-fq-b3h1fZbhlHx8K_W1R-Uf7ohYs0ghtXrcwI-OP0s75otqm-ovEettKPxE0zoMJ8bqiJsHwW57M9txaotQthwSie6bP3wTXdAG-8vtOhO_ItQ7uSl86BDyiWGvKWJ_XsE8Fxfywe/s1600/philly+Rishi+Tea+booth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkll-fq-b3h1fZbhlHx8K_W1R-Uf7ohYs0ghtXrcwI-OP0s75otqm-ovEettKPxE0zoMJ8bqiJsHwW57M9txaotQthwSie6bP3wTXdAG-8vtOhO_ItQ7uSl86BDyiWGvKWJ_XsE8Fxfywe/s400/philly+Rishi+Tea+booth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Here is a lineup of <a href="http://www.teasetc.com/">Teas Etc </a>teas. Beth Johnston is the CEO of Teas Etc and a good friend. Teas Etc has won many awards for their teas and are great to work with.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqe1qxZVj4zxtVyrTJv_CBJlxlK43DQHqxiL4xuCvGQgDq5ny6FixYQQyzmnZh0wGwh2xvoC_T0XJis2yIDezWbudB66VuejCmdg8T-QKTaapKysp7dAryuyuQ_4ICAhZ7aMJxBEkXlI3/s1600/Philly+Teas+Etc+teas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqe1qxZVj4zxtVyrTJv_CBJlxlK43DQHqxiL4xuCvGQgDq5ny6FixYQQyzmnZh0wGwh2xvoC_T0XJis2yIDezWbudB66VuejCmdg8T-QKTaapKysp7dAryuyuQ_4ICAhZ7aMJxBEkXlI3/s320/Philly+Teas+Etc+teas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Teas Etc offered many tasting throughout the show. I was lucky to participate in a tasting of a 60 year old Pu'erh and a 20 year old Baked Amber Oolong! For you tea geeks out there, you know this was a treat! For those that don't know about these tea treats, I will have to follow up with a blog! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikofYZsA8_-yFW4fpJaQxtKMU7FTuwi8H2khfu8CqP4Yq3uiJKikKC7ZjkluR4AktffNjnb5zzkr8tVZgX_4z-2owYJrL_Z3QpL3v8qfmCskQ6yosUGBDf41GbYXf-RI3uBHzH6NfUzMZh/s1600/Philly+WTE+Teas+etc+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikofYZsA8_-yFW4fpJaQxtKMU7FTuwi8H2khfu8CqP4Yq3uiJKikKC7ZjkluR4AktffNjnb5zzkr8tVZgX_4z-2owYJrL_Z3QpL3v8qfmCskQ6yosUGBDf41GbYXf-RI3uBHzH6NfUzMZh/s400/Philly+WTE+Teas+etc+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below is a picture of a Purple Tea from Kenya. I have been reading about this tea and was excited to finally taste and see it. There will be more to come on this tea in a separate blog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KC5Ddrw03eA7pk4T9NXOoZCOMuPJOv9OKMVAGGmUcw1sT7y1T1FLB5oHSZbvOBAkvl1FKpk0_hbxgCwjnH_T_hhWWmhce-krC_c3nOII7VWeWrIgNNq12NMFLmBDvPpqW3J5oZ_wXOg0/s1600/philly+Kenya+purple+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KC5Ddrw03eA7pk4T9NXOoZCOMuPJOv9OKMVAGGmUcw1sT7y1T1FLB5oHSZbvOBAkvl1FKpk0_hbxgCwjnH_T_hhWWmhce-krC_c3nOII7VWeWrIgNNq12NMFLmBDvPpqW3J5oZ_wXOg0/s400/philly+Kenya+purple+tea.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHID_Ixa91_Bt2-sOKcyshwsiooBZamvkmvT8J9uuDW5svZUTTOSZHjQn6ptgNYbMn1FVLnTaIVE6VKvE1i6f4O2FxU5017DDSaWmkOOzKphY8UIh89tIMdvnsG50vFtY3OC_wBS_zHc-/s1600/Philly+serendipitea_PeaceHarmony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHID_Ixa91_Bt2-sOKcyshwsiooBZamvkmvT8J9uuDW5svZUTTOSZHjQn6ptgNYbMn1FVLnTaIVE6VKvE1i6f4O2FxU5017DDSaWmkOOzKphY8UIh89tIMdvnsG50vFtY3OC_wBS_zHc-/s200/Philly+serendipitea_PeaceHarmony.jpg" width="200" /></a>Another tea friend at the show was <a href="http://www.serendipitea.com/">SerendipiTea</a>. The owner is Linda Villano who not only sells wonderful teas, but is a lovely person as well. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For those interested in teapots, the selection was vast and wide.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Wj451aUAsrkHKXoelTxz3jRDmWFlhl1RoaZjZy0YOveVwq_bmvCreoy95SHDMefncAw4BDyw-W3mLuH6veT_9dg9xHLbIrSFxCkyb_Hlpyp5sVfuT2hpCHqfEhClSeBK7gUi8SHWrSB6/s1600/Philly+Asian+Teapots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Wj451aUAsrkHKXoelTxz3jRDmWFlhl1RoaZjZy0YOveVwq_bmvCreoy95SHDMefncAw4BDyw-W3mLuH6veT_9dg9xHLbIrSFxCkyb_Hlpyp5sVfuT2hpCHqfEhClSeBK7gUi8SHWrSB6/s320/Philly+Asian+Teapots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBo9oejmg2BLBt_YEgnePXitoXz3h14l8LEDt_sDGSwWYEsrDkg44fe0FiNc0BRmpMdcSMuEqnCOsRxfWFAF35Gyq39papj8SsSa8SYZm_7nrbSLTcHQx_bAWe6jJLHJKxzU3U_HrU4Pg/s1600/philly+ITI+glass+teapots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBo9oejmg2BLBt_YEgnePXitoXz3h14l8LEDt_sDGSwWYEsrDkg44fe0FiNc0BRmpMdcSMuEqnCOsRxfWFAF35Gyq39papj8SsSa8SYZm_7nrbSLTcHQx_bAWe6jJLHJKxzU3U_HrU4Pg/s320/philly+ITI+glass+teapots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I thought this tea collection was cute from Adrea by Sadek. I seem to be on a bird kick lately, how about you?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mHU_CGjNUBJSrQRJ229tIfs6Uv00R4ULUicRpIkFSuswDWCVT1GkMKM_0B8lTqUcuhaLs19InC0yByT5hwwZhkFJgVogV0n4_QYSnCWatPqPNUF7qaE_y5qdFYOpa9EQPvwceIpGA9IR/s1600/Philly+Brown+Bird+Teapot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mHU_CGjNUBJSrQRJ229tIfs6Uv00R4ULUicRpIkFSuswDWCVT1GkMKM_0B8lTqUcuhaLs19InC0yByT5hwwZhkFJgVogV0n4_QYSnCWatPqPNUF7qaE_y5qdFYOpa9EQPvwceIpGA9IR/s400/Philly+Brown+Bird+Teapot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> And the show stopper for teapots, in my opinion, was the Sorapot by Joey Roth! It won one of the best product awards as well. Love it for its sleek design!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJR4Cim47drPFoxe7EAE_w9x0zgSHk-SWfNaHbG700RKKDoTDrNAYy0MDkEiDu-azcjBidwNhNVbV3vBVgrvcqN9NvPcY1lkPnj_M7ZgdGiXLHBqy4YCe-KXMpex7bGSNEtGu_yCMWLL8/s1600/Philly+joryroth_sorapot_factory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJR4Cim47drPFoxe7EAE_w9x0zgSHk-SWfNaHbG700RKKDoTDrNAYy0MDkEiDu-azcjBidwNhNVbV3vBVgrvcqN9NvPcY1lkPnj_M7ZgdGiXLHBqy4YCe-KXMpex7bGSNEtGu_yCMWLL8/s400/Philly+joryroth_sorapot_factory.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Next week, I finish my summary of World Tea East with some VERY cool tea products, a little Philly sight seeing, and my first time teaching for the Specialty Tea Institute! What is your favorite thing so far?</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Happy Sipping from Philly's World Tea East, Lisa</strong></div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-47919854568734111242011-09-07T10:42:00.000-04:002011-09-07T10:42:17.888-04:00Chilled Berry Tea-Wonderful End-of-Summer Recipe<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>I met Katie Chin at The International Association of Culinary Professionals Annual Conference (IACP) in June. Katie is an Asian food expert, cookbook author, and TV host. Her most recent appearance was on The Cooking Channel's show </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Food(ography). Be sure to check out her </strong></span><a href="http://www.heynowimawokstar.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>blog</strong></span></a><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong> to see that segment as well as great Chinese recipes and tips.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Katie and I thought it would be fun for our readers to guest post on each other's sites. She has some wonderful recipes with tea as an ingredient that I thought my readers would love to try. I hope you enjoy Katie Chin's guest post below.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span></strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsb8YHgVS-bTGUKAjDwIprlfu6fVgun33EUJ1a5ZNt-tXovNDAOYcOxcoRRvL81l-rpBCQyKLd_nO8c7BK9WVfxYEnbwz8gPRFuBU8TNCC3rZzBiD7L4oGDGtfGakWQbTN4GPBJQLmqpXM/s1600/Asian+fan+with+cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsb8YHgVS-bTGUKAjDwIprlfu6fVgun33EUJ1a5ZNt-tXovNDAOYcOxcoRRvL81l-rpBCQyKLd_nO8c7BK9WVfxYEnbwz8gPRFuBU8TNCC3rZzBiD7L4oGDGtfGakWQbTN4GPBJQLmqpXM/s320/Asian+fan+with+cups.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">References to tea in Chinese literature go back approximately 5,000 years so it has obviously played an integral role in Chinese culture. While I love to sip cups of tea throughout the day, I also think it’s wonderful to incorporate tea into recipes for its amazing and subtle flavor.</span><br />
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</div><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dried tea can be mixed with dried rice and brown sugar to create rich and delicate tea-smoked dishes or steeped with spices to create the most elegant, layered flavors. This recipe for Chilled Berry Tea combines the freshest berries at the peak of the summer season with star anise and passion fruit tea to create an amazingly refreshing, easy yet sophisticated dessert that will have your guests raving. The hint of mint leaves as garnish is the perfect compliment to this light and delicious recipe – the perfect ending to a late summer dinner party. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MMqR6yEzVnJ_IwkJKsinSgiW1msh3aOUroJBu-IJPN25NUBblrGbE79xjcpSf7A2oadJK0TF1rFx1__WGnMDV0wRsCt4mrgiovF-6o6Q9ocSfkA53ReiVwbMj_h8b3K9ArRocCE0pzPc/s1600/Berry%252520Tea-web%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MMqR6yEzVnJ_IwkJKsinSgiW1msh3aOUroJBu-IJPN25NUBblrGbE79xjcpSf7A2oadJK0TF1rFx1__WGnMDV0wRsCt4mrgiovF-6o6Q9ocSfkA53ReiVwbMj_h8b3K9ArRocCE0pzPc/s320/Berry%252520Tea-web%255B1%255D.jpg" width="213" /></span></a><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Chilled Berry Tea</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5 whole star anise (if using broken pieces, use 1 tablespoon)</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 ¼ cups sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 passion fruit tea bags</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ cup bananas, cut into ½-inch dice</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">fresh mint leaves for garnish</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a saucepan, place 1 ½ cups water and the star anise, bring to a boil, and cook for 2 minutes. Add the sugar and stir well until the sugar is dissolved. Return to a full boil and turn off the heat. Place the tea bags in the syrup, stir, and let cool. Remove the tea bags, and the star anise. Pour the chilled tea over the berries and bananas. Place in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Garnish with mint leaves right before serving. </span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1gZU35BzucS0BAdh_gUmgJQAO-K4mi9ugJwzDb5o9HWVlpFLXdAxr4gqKxuDCYLoEqEPlW1SCyqTXEFk1PQkQ6NvKViZPuCB2tr8Tkps8hkUult8GWmNZyKyrZmbrRQ5B3VDCsbgKtiD/s1600/300+rice+cooker+recipes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1gZU35BzucS0BAdh_gUmgJQAO-K4mi9ugJwzDb5o9HWVlpFLXdAxr4gqKxuDCYLoEqEPlW1SCyqTXEFk1PQkQ6NvKViZPuCB2tr8Tkps8hkUult8GWmNZyKyrZmbrRQ5B3VDCsbgKtiD/s200/300+rice+cooker+recipes.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Thanks Katie for sharing your recipe. I hope you enjoyed the guest post. I will be blogging about her new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/300-Best-Rice-Cooker-Recipes/dp/0778802809">book</a> that just came out soon. Did you know that you could make 300 recipes in a rice cooker?</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial;"><strong>Happy Sipping and End-of-Summer, Lisa</strong></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: red;"></span></span>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-31488795503777448102011-08-31T10:15:00.000-04:002011-08-31T10:15:28.406-04:00Great Coffee Rubbed Pork and Brownies for Labor DayYes, you read it right. I did say coffee rub. You know, some time back this tea gal used to be a <a href="http://lisaknowstea.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-confession-certified-tea-specialist.html">coffee drinker</a>. I do love the taste of coffee, it just doesn't love me back! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvUkU5Bx8RdR1F-yPJc4kWZNUpehctusbr79Ioeop5ndLD2ZjBxUCggznDnRv5xmd_0Q5WD3qNRg-xC_mR3IdPOK9RfYMmExikRSKiFS71_s7SGfHC_704vlbuVlxlezQDLTrLkCj4kKU/s1600/My+Southern+Pantry.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvUkU5Bx8RdR1F-yPJc4kWZNUpehctusbr79Ioeop5ndLD2ZjBxUCggznDnRv5xmd_0Q5WD3qNRg-xC_mR3IdPOK9RfYMmExikRSKiFS71_s7SGfHC_704vlbuVlxlezQDLTrLkCj4kKU/s320/My+Southern+Pantry.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is most likely the last artisan from the Williams-Sonoma Artisans Market I will feature for awhile. But, I think I might have saved the best for last! <a href="http://virginiawillis.com/index.html">Virginia Willis</a> is a friend and colleague of mine from Atlanta. We met some years ago and made a connection. She is a Southern chef and the acclaimed cookbook author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bon-Appetit-Yall-Generations-Southern/dp/1580088538">Bon Appetit, Y'all</a> and the soon to be released <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Basic-Brilliant-Yall-Refined-Southern/dp/1607740095/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_2">Basic to Brilliant, Y'all</a> which is available now for PreOrder. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLopWH_i8ZvwMW4bUAbzRdfNbAKr56tYCqH7et2Ze8iGpNpaJFMFPi0jpndOp8BGwcfO6Px0pVwQY65_L5yPAHgwB0hpRqALzkQ_7eqhnzhP8onqsIIe96pAkaxAIB7lU3k2JO0lXm6Qm0/s1600/SpiceRub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLopWH_i8ZvwMW4bUAbzRdfNbAKr56tYCqH7et2Ze8iGpNpaJFMFPi0jpndOp8BGwcfO6Px0pVwQY65_L5yPAHgwB0hpRqALzkQ_7eqhnzhP8onqsIIe96pAkaxAIB7lU3k2JO0lXm6Qm0/s200/SpiceRub.jpg" width="170" /></a>While at Williams-Sonoma, the minute I smelled her <a href="http://virginiawillis.com/spice-rub.html">French Quarter Spice Rub</a>, I was immediately taken back to a time and place much earlier in my life-my first trip to New Orleans! I was 20 and decided to drive across the country for college from South Florida to Southern California <em>all by myself.</em> It was sort of a rite of passage into adulthood in my mind. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I can't believe my mom ever agreed to it, but I know as a mother now, she must have prayed for me the whole road trip. I had my trip planned out with all my stops. I drove straight to Alabama and stayed at a hotel for the first time <em>all by myself</em>. It was a strange feeling to say the least. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiGFAVpi16rFq37BI8XxoeeU7FW5BDYC55X4AE1kVSLwyw04KRXpnG3iZ-ojj2dpeBp-Y9_Jhv5IYqwoQUN27Pvj-qKOZPVck9RsPP6V_P5cBFMMVfTzVsAud3LqnTdXrF6rWcf5l7SqY/s1600/shop_cafedumonde_logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiGFAVpi16rFq37BI8XxoeeU7FW5BDYC55X4AE1kVSLwyw04KRXpnG3iZ-ojj2dpeBp-Y9_Jhv5IYqwoQUN27Pvj-qKOZPVck9RsPP6V_P5cBFMMVfTzVsAud3LqnTdXrF6rWcf5l7SqY/s1600/shop_cafedumonde_logo.gif" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I woke up early to get on the road to hit New Orleans for the day. I drove my little Toyota Corolla into the French Quarter and parked. As I walked around, I stopped at a little cafe called <a href="http://www.cafedumonde.com/">Cafe Du Monde</a> for some coffee and beignets. I don't know if it was because I was experiencing things for the first time on my own, the vibe of the French Quarter, the saxophonist playing in the background or what, but it was some of the best coffee and donuts I had ever had! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiNcJ7KU3RAwdih2JdNuIPS0ulnS2x2tMfBBOgPGXFx59JTG9pbpu4v73aHKFdaJQEZ-pxBufijxkQxHO8TQcv5x6Co1_b0CuEBF9IJ2BSnGzXresC-D5zfULUOvXKRHM6UIWd8J6Op8B/s1600/pork+with+rub.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiNcJ7KU3RAwdih2JdNuIPS0ulnS2x2tMfBBOgPGXFx59JTG9pbpu4v73aHKFdaJQEZ-pxBufijxkQxHO8TQcv5x6Co1_b0CuEBF9IJ2BSnGzXresC-D5zfULUOvXKRHM6UIWd8J6Op8B/s200/pork+with+rub.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I am not sure how Virginia managed to package all those memories into her spice rub, but she did. I couldn't wait to get home and try it out. I decided to put the rub on sliced boneless pork loin, but it is good on chicken (which I sampled at Williams-Sonoma) and steak too. The rub gave the pork a unique flavor that we all loved-a spicy sweet coffee taste! It is an easy way to give flavor to your favorite meat. I think a Sri Lankan Ceylon iced tea or a hot cup of slightly smokey Chinese Keemun black tea would pair nicely with the rubbed pork!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglL_sZuoUDwed8wiMIxoBl6zKY4FQC9yrAKlE1UL9cTa1K9AYzO_uO2ax-Ja3_f63ASu7N5Uk77Wn8faYLZ0NH2OJWwfXWEIUOewRj5YGscqYci8L9ytSrTOASi1HYtPcQCoi4g7Axy9Pk/s1600/BrownieMix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglL_sZuoUDwed8wiMIxoBl6zKY4FQC9yrAKlE1UL9cTa1K9AYzO_uO2ax-Ja3_f63ASu7N5Uk77Wn8faYLZ0NH2OJWwfXWEIUOewRj5YGscqYci8L9ytSrTOASi1HYtPcQCoi4g7Axy9Pk/s200/BrownieMix.jpg" width="170" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">To finish your meal without any real hassle, you'll love her <a href="http://virginiawillis.com/pecan_brownie.html">Pecan Brownies Mise En Place</a>! What is <em>Mise En Place</em> you might be asking<em>?</em> It is a French culinary term that chefs use to describe getting all their ingredients ready for a recipe. Well, Virginia has done that with her brownies using the finest ingredients-you just pour in the milk, Let me tell you, the brownies don't taste like the brownie mixes at the grocery store-not even close! I would pair the brownies with a hot cup of Indian Darjeeling tea or a Chinese Golden Monkey! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong>You will want to check out all the products at </strong><a href="http://virginiawillis.com/msp-home.html"><strong>My Southern Pantry.</strong></a><strong> It is a great head start to your Holiday cooking and shopping</strong>. <strong> After perusing, you might even wish you were Southern too!</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>If you are in the Atlanta area, the products will be at Williams-Sonoma Lenox this Saturday!</strong> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong></strong> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Happy Sipping and Labor Day, Lisa</strong></div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179549175440327350.post-15716116281559032252011-08-25T11:32:00.001-04:002011-08-25T12:31:02.586-04:00Need Some New Tea Time Sandwich Recipes?<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>How about 400 of them!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQ9JI9EGKwIhd5wa5VP1rEjAMfHBRhG0PBT50JUQJ4Fpad3lDXKd_NRYBNK-0hPL7T-Q9qjbDiDYEswFdtnN0GC4nj6nQ3ScaJuDCkOjWXCTsT17-NRqmUq8dKbLH6GBVcN4GV-JzeQ1b/s1600/SandwichFinalCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQ9JI9EGKwIhd5wa5VP1rEjAMfHBRhG0PBT50JUQJ4Fpad3lDXKd_NRYBNK-0hPL7T-Q9qjbDiDYEswFdtnN0GC4nj6nQ3ScaJuDCkOjWXCTsT17-NRqmUq8dKbLH6GBVcN4GV-JzeQ1b/s320/SandwichFinalCover.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/400-Best-Sandwich-Recipes-Condiments/dp/0778802655"><em>400 Best Sandwich Recipes</em></a> is a cookbook chock-full of recipes that you could pair up with any tea time event. For me, tea time is anytime and all the time, so how perfect to have a cookbook that has easy to make sandwich recipes for any time of day or occasion that you can pair up with a cup of hot tea or a glass of iced tea! It runs the gamut from breakfast to lunch to dessert with a special section on condiments.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I met the author <a href="http://www.ingredientsinc.net/">Alison Lewis</a> at a blogging conference last fall. We chatted a bit and then exchanged cards. When we got home, we started following each other on twitter and facebook. I was so excited when her cookbook came out and thought it would be perfect for my tea-loving readers! <br />
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<em>I cannot express how important networking is at conferences with follow up to the connections when you return home, but that subject is for another blog! </em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>It was hard to choose which recipes to feature, but I narrowed it to two. </strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6pUZXgz46PYIfI9DsPXSYaTJg6uBsvNBReVgrkcXtOkGaMr_dKWHHC9uLpragJUM3qNlxyis1dVjzzp7Yf5PnZtRq0kndiIp6VefaG6WfyhuMUNQWOn6X30-53hMj0_wuBEmgSb4_2YC/s1600/LunchBoxSushi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6pUZXgz46PYIfI9DsPXSYaTJg6uBsvNBReVgrkcXtOkGaMr_dKWHHC9uLpragJUM3qNlxyis1dVjzzp7Yf5PnZtRq0kndiIp6VefaG6WfyhuMUNQWOn6X30-53hMj0_wuBEmgSb4_2YC/s320/LunchBoxSushi.jpg" width="224" /></a>I loved the concept of Lunch Box Sushi, but not just for lunch boxes. This recipe would be great for a Japanese style tea or luncheon too. Pair this up with a cup of <a href="http://lisaknowstea.blogspot.com/2011/02/japanese-green-teas.html">Sencha </a>or for an interesting twist, make up a Iced <a href="http://lisaknowstea.blogspot.com/2011/03/quiet-reflection-on-japan-with-prayers.html">Matcha Latte</a>! </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Lunch Box Sushi*</strong></div><br />
<em>Serves 4 to 6</em><br />
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I came up with this idea because sushi for lunch is often requested at my house. These came out great, and I love using shrimp instead of crabmeat in this recipe.<br />
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1 tsp wasabi powder 5 mL<br />
2 tbsp soy sauce 30 mL<br />
2 cups cooked sushi short-grain 500 mL<br />
rice, cooled<br />
2 tbsp chopped green onions 30 mL<br />
1 tsp Homemade Mayonnaise 5 mL<br />
(page 321) or store-bought<br />
1⁄8 tsp hot pepper flakes 0.5 mL<br />
6 10-inch (25 cm) white or 6<br />
whole wheat tortillas<br />
6 sheets nori 6<br />
11⁄2 lbs peeled cooked shrimp, 750 g<br />
chopped<br />
1 cup chopped avocado 250 mL<br />
1 cup finely chopped cucumber 250 mL<br />
1⁄3 cup soy sauce 75 mL<br />
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1. In a small bowl, combine wasabi and 1 tsp (5 mL) water. Add 2 tbsp (30 mL) soy sauce and mix well.<br />
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2. In a medium bowl, combine rice, wasabi mixture, green onions, mayonnaise and hot pepper flakes.<br />
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3. Line each tortilla with nori. Arrange rice mixture equally in center of each wrap. Add shrimp, avocado and cucumber. Fold both ends over filling. Roll up and serve with soy sauce.<br />
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Variation: You can use flavored tortillas in this recipe and imitation crab instead of shrimp.<br />
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Tip: Prepare your rice the day before. I like to prepare my sushi rice with seasoned vinegar and toasted sesame seeds.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJf2Y7zNDbx72QskuB0c8ZKMOdEWvw-vyTIais5p2wtxcMPIf4kEm5mRBcAJprlp4qUGOjn7FAJg2Sy_87Z71vJdo3XpVZlcr9arbzr9G1MyKmGsZvxE0un76Oqku08wAg8GZJ4rb7HPc/s1600/PearPecanGorgonzolaCrustini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJf2Y7zNDbx72QskuB0c8ZKMOdEWvw-vyTIais5p2wtxcMPIf4kEm5mRBcAJprlp4qUGOjn7FAJg2Sy_87Z71vJdo3XpVZlcr9arbzr9G1MyKmGsZvxE0un76Oqku08wAg8GZJ4rb7HPc/s320/PearPecanGorgonzolaCrustini.jpg" width="224" /></a>I keep reminding myself that fall isn't that far off. This next recipe Pear, Pecan, and Gorgonzola Crostini would be perfect for tea time in the fall paired with a hot cup of naturally sweet Black Lychee Tea or a smokey Lapsong Souchong Tea. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><strong>Pear, Pecan and Gorgonzola Crostini*</strong><br />
<em>Serves 8 to 10</em><br />
<br />
I love to make crostini appetizers during autumn. Pecans, pears and Gorgonzola are some of my favorite fall ingredients, creating an awesome crostini.<br />
<br />
8 to 10 baguette slices (about 8 to 10<br />
1⁄2 inch/1 cm thick)<br />
4 oz cream cheese, softened 125 g<br />
1⁄4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola 60 mL<br />
cheese<br />
11⁄2 cups thinly sliced pear (about 375 mL<br />
2 medium) (see Tip, right)<br />
4 tbsp liquid honey (see Tip, below) 60 mL<br />
1⁄2 cup chopped pecans, toasted 125 mL<br />
(see Tip)<br />
<br />
Tip: Store honey in a cool place away from direct sunlight in a tightly covered container. It is not necessary to refrigerate.<br />
<br />
• Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)<br />
<br />
• Preheat broiler with rack 4 inches (10 cm) from heat<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>1. Arrange baguette slices on a large baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes or until lightly toasted.<br />
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2. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese and Gorgonzola. Spread bread slices evenly with 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the Gorgonzola mixture. Top with pear slices. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with pecans.<br />
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3. Broil crostini for 1 to 2 minutes or until pears are tender and cheese is slightly melted. Serve immediately.<br />
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Tip: When purchasing pears, look for ones that are fragrant and have no blemishes. I store mine in the refrigerator in a plastic bag. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I do hope you will try these recipes and pick up a copy of Alison's new cookbook for some new tea time inspiration!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Happy Sipping and Sandwiches, Lisa</strong></div><strong></strong><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";"><span style="font-family: Courier;">*Excerpted from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">400 Best Sandwich Recipes</i> by Alison Lewis © 2011 Robert Rose Inc. </span><a href="http://www.robertrose.ca/"><span style="font-family: Courier;">www.robertrose.ca</span></a><span style="font-family: Courier;"> Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.</span></span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho";"><span style="font-family: Courier;">**A special thank you to Robert Rose for sending me Alison's book.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>LisaKnowsTeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11969526809088760581noreply@blogger.com1