I Want YOU...

... to help me improve CoolCatTeas! All you need to do is take my poll, right under the CoolCat picture to the right, and tell me how I could best improve CoolCatTeas.

Thanks for helping,
CoolCat

Saving $$$

I know you're wondering what this has to do with tea. The answer is... A LOT! Even if you're starting to feel the pinch and try to save money more than you ever imagined, you don't have to give up your favorite hot drink! (Tea, of course.) Here's how:

You can reuse tea leaves!

I've never tried to save them for long periods of time, but I know from personal experience that you can make many cups of tea from one scoop of leaves. They can sit for several hours between brews, and would probably be fine overnight. Another fun thing to do is to drink the different brewings right in a row. Each cup will taste different, and it's a great way to explore the possibilities of a tea.

Happy Sipping,
CoolCat

Iced Tea -- the Tea Lover's Way

I know, I know, this blog is about HOT tea. But it's so hot out, and Southern gal that I am, it was impossible for me not to explain how to make real iced tea, with real tea leaves, and really impress your friends! So here goes...

Really Good Iced Tea

Take 2 quarts of hot water to 7-10 teaspoons of loose Earl Grey leaves; steep for 8 minutes, then strain into another pitcher and add 4 cups of ice.

You probably know this, but mint and lemon both make great garnishes for Really Good Iced Tea.

If you prefer a mint tea, just take regular black tea leaves and mix them with dried mint.

Happy Sipping,
CoolCat

Earl Grey Creme

My Tea Thoughts
April 15, 2009
*W*O*W*! This is a totally amazing tea. Earl Grey Creme is based on the familiar favorite, with all its charms of note and body, but takes it in a new direction with a striking yet subtle combination of a sweet, creamy taste and a mysterious flavor that resembles hazelnut and anise. It's got a smooth mouthfeel and bitterness is completely absent. Possibly the most interesting feature of all is the dry tea leaves: in addition to (extra)ordinary black tea leaves and the classic lavender buds, a few small white flowers a heavy sprinkling of bright blue ones adorn the mix!
Thank you for this great gift -- you know who you are.

Happy Sipping,
CoolCat

At-a-Glance:

Name: Earl Grey Creme.
Type: Flavored Black.
Package: Looseleaf.
Source: Gift.
Group: Dark.
Key Word: Mellow yet varied.

Happy Easter!

I don't have time to make a proper tea-related post before church, but I just wanted to wish everyone Happy Easter! Enjoy this blessed day of celebrating Jesus' Resurrection!

Happy Sipping,
CoolCat

Haiku Day

Summer's peeking out
Like a moth from a cocoon:
Its first flight is now!

In celebration of my first watermelon of the season, I remembered to post! With this poem, try some Lemon Ginger tea, a delicious tea available in our church's new building (hooray)!

Happy Sipping,
CoolCat

Sweet and Spicy Tea and Herb Blend

My Tea Thoughts:
February 27, 2009

Mmmm! This tea is well named! Though it has such diverse ingredients as rosehips, cinnamon, papaya, and anise seed building on a strong, sweet base of black tea, the delicious spiciness stands out the most. It's an active tea, not a passive one, and has a rough swallow, but this only enhances its pleasant piquancy. All in all, a delicious tea, especially for times when you're ready to get moving! Thanks for the great gift -- you know who you are!



Happy Sipping,
CoolCat



At-a-Glance:

Name: Sweet and Spicy Tea and Herb Blend.
Type: Black tea plus herbs.
Package: Paper teabag.
Source: Good Earth Teas.
Group: Dark.
Key Word: Cinnamon.