Friday, May 7, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
The New Tea Book: A Guide to Black, Green, Herbal, and Chai Tea
"Tea is hot and getting hotter. In the New Tea Book, no leaf is left unturned. Discover the wide variety of teas that are available and their myriad health benefits, as well as over 50 recipes for cooking with tea: beverages, savories, and delectable sweets. This strikingly photographed volume takes readers on a visual journey exploring the riches of black, green, oolong, and herbal teas, from the fragrant, full-bodied Assam to the spirited and spicy Yunnan. An exciting addition is the completely new Personal Spa section, introducing a host of aromatherapy touches for the home with recipes for tea bath sachets, eye pillows, beauty soaps, and potpourris. Finally, a list of resources gives information on where to find interesting tea blends and equipment, not to mention author Sara Perry's favorite international teahouses. Here's just the right cup o' tea."Green Tea and Your Health
It's difficult not to gush about green tea.
More than a decade's worth of research about green tea's health benefits -- particularly its potential to fight cancer and heart disease -- has been more than intriguing, as have limited studies about green tea's role in lowering cholesterol, burning fat, preventing diabetes and stroke, and staving off dementia.
"I believe in green tea based on everything written about it," says Katherine Tallmadge, RD, LD, a nutritionist and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "Green tea, white tea, black tea -- I like all of them."
Still, real-world evidence is lacking; most of the consistent findings about green tea's health benefits have come out of the lab.
The few large-scale human studies that have focused on green tea's impact on heart disease and cancer are promising, but many of those were conducted in the East, where green tea is a dietary mainstay. The outcomes are likely influenced by other lifestyle factors such as high consumption of fish and soy protein, says cardiologist Nieca Goldberg, MD, a spokeswoman for the American Heart Association and medical director of the New York University Women's Heart Center.
But Goldberg agrees with other health professionals: green tea has important antioxidants and compounds that help in maintaining good health.
Green Tea's Powerful Antioxidants
Green tea's antioxidants, called catechins, scavenge for free radicals that can damage DNA and contribute to cancer, blood clots, and atherosclerosis. Grapes and berries, red wine, and dark chocolate also have potent antioxidants.
Because of green tea's minimal processing -- its leaves are withered and steamed, not fermented like black and oolong teas -- green tea's unique catechins, especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), are more concentrated.
But there's still a question of how much green tea you need to drink to reap its health benefits. EGCG is not readily "available" to the body; in other words, EGCG is not always fully used by the body.
"We must overcome the issue of poor bioavailability [and other issues] in order to get the most out of their benefits," says Tak-Hang Chan, PhD, professor emeritus in the department of chemistry at McGill University in Montreal. Chan has studied the use of a synthetic form of EGCG in shrinking prostate cancer tumors in mice, with success.
Green Tea vs. Cancer
Marji McCullough, ScD, RD, the American Cancer Society's strategic director of nutritional epidemiology, says human studies haven't yet proven what researchers like Chan have discovered in the lab: green tea's EGCG regulates and inhibits cancer growth and kills cells that are growing inappropriately.
"Epidemiologically, one of the challenges is finding populations that drink enough green tea and have for a long time," she says. "With cancer, it's always difficult to find the exposure time," or the point at which cancer cells begin to develop.Still, it's difficult not to be intrigued by a few human studies that have shown that drinking at least two cups of green tea daily inhibits cancer growth.
One of them, a study conducted in Japan that involved nearly 500 Japanese women with Stage I and Stage II breast cancer, found that increased green tea consumption before and after surgery was associated with lower recurrence of the cancers.
Studies in China have shown that the more green tea that participants drank, the less the risk of developing stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer,pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Finally, a recent analysis of 22 studies that probed the correlation between high tea consumption and reduced risk for lung cancer concluded that by increasing your daily intake of green (not black) tea by two cups may reduce the risk of developing lung cancer by 18%.
Is Green Tea Good for Your Heart?
It seems to be, but there are conflicting results of a few epidemiological studies conducted in the East and West.
In a study that involved 500 Japanese men and women, researchers found that drinking at least four cups of green tea every day may be related to the reduced severity of coronary heart disease among the male participants.
A Dutch study of more than 3,000 men and women found that the more tea consumed, the less severe the clogging of the heart's blood vessels, especially in women.
As Goldberg suggests, lifestyle and overall diet are critical to the outcomes of these studies.
But green tea's antioxidants are dilators, she says, because they improve the flexibility of blood vessels and make them less vulnerable to clogging -- and antioxidant-rich blueberries and pomegranates do the same.
"I think people should know these are important studies, that everyday foods that are an option may actually have health benefits," Goldberg says. "I think green tea, because of its antioxidant value, may have heart benefits, but it's not something we regularly prescribe to people, because there isn't as much evidence as there is in exercise's ability to improve heart health."
Green Tea and Weight
Green tea and its extract have been shown to fight obesity and lower LDL "bad" cholesterol -- two risk factors for heart disease and diabetes -- but in very limited studies. One study in the Netherlands and a study in Japan showed that green tea did both.
In the Dutch study, participants who drank caffeinated green tea lost more weight, but even those who typically drank the decaf variety saw a decrease in their waistlines and body weight. Researchers speculated that the caffeine helps with fat oxidation.
In the Japanese study, 240 men and women were given varying amounts of green tea extract for three months. Those who got the highest amount lost fat and weight and had lower blood pressure and lower LDL "bad" cholesterol.
Green Tea Straight Up
Taking weight loss supplements that contain green tea extract probably won't hurt, unless you have liver problems.
But the best way to get the most out of green tea -- even if your main goal is losing weight -- is to drink it.
"Taken altogether, the evidence certainly suggests that incorporating at least a few cups of green tea every day will positively affect your health," says Diane McKay, PhD, a Tufts University scientist who studies antioxidants. "It's not going to cure anything and it shouldn't be consumed as a drug, but it can complement the rest of the diet."
McCullough bears the same reminder: eat your fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, and nuts -- and go ahead, drink as much green tea as you want.
"I don't think it can hurt to drink it. I'd focus on dietary sources rather thansupplements because there are several compounds in green tea that might need to be consumed together. We just don't know yet," she says.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Vienna Tea Cookie How To
| 1 | pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® sugar cookiemix |
| 1/2 | cup whole almonds |
| 1/2 | cup butter or margarine, softened |
| 1 | egg |
| 1/2 | cup apricot jam or preserves |
| 1/2 | cup powdered sugar |
| 1 | teaspoon water |
| Print these coupons... |  | |||||
| About Concordance™ |  | |||||
| 1. | Heat oven to 325°F. Spray 15x10x1-inch pan with cooking spray. |
| 2. | In food processor or blender, place 1/2 cup cookie mix and the almonds; process until almonds are finely chopped. |
| 3. | In large bowl, stir remaining cookie mix, the butter, egg and almond mixture until dough forms. Press dough in pan to cover bottom. |
| 4. | Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 3 minutes. Loosen edges from side of pan; cut cookie into 4 (7 1/2x5-inch) rectangles. Cool 30 minutes. With spatula, transfer pieces to a cutting board. |
| 5. | Meanwhile, in food processor or blender, process jam until smooth. In small bowl, reserve 2 teaspoons of processed jam; set aside. Spread remaining jam on top side of 2 rectangles. Place a remaining rectangle, bottom side up, on top of each jam-covered rectangle. |
| 6. | Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the powdered sugar over each rectangle. Add remaining powdered sugar and the water to reserved jam; stir until smooth. Place in small food-storage plastic bag; seal bag. Cut small tip from one corner of bag; squeeze glaze on top of dusted rectangles in diagonal crisscross pattern. Let stand 30 minutes to set. |
| 7. | Cut each rectangle in half to make 4 (7 1/2x2 1/2-inch) rectangles. Cut each rectangle into seven 2 1/2x1-inch bars. Store covered at room temperature. |
Taking A Baby To A Tea Party?
Want to take your little bundle of joy to a tea party? Check out these must haves for your little princess to make the day extra special.
Simply click on the image to find out more on how to buy.
Everything is handmade with love and care.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Substitute For A Hat At Your Next Tea Party
I was just browsing on etsy.com and saw these gorgeous butterfly clips!
These would make a lovely accessory for a bridal shower tea party or any other tea occasion.
Click here to buy these for 16 dollars.
Here are some other lovely things available from this seller...
Tea for Three : Poem
Come and site with me and we'll have tea
And talk of things that were and things that are to be
Of places we will go and things that we will see
Just the two of us
My dear daughter and me
A little wooden table
With chairs for two, not three
Yes, of course you may bring your bear
And place him on my knee.
No longer just the two of us
It's tea for three, I see
My dear daughter, the bedraggled bear and me
The years passed by and you grew up
Framed in memory, I still see
Cherub hands dimpled daintily, clutching ivory cup of tea
Twinkle laughter owns the moment
Baby faced & full of glee
Starshine dusted by the angels
Oh, God's precious gift to me!
If I live to be a hundred
I shall never richer be
Then when I shared your dazzling presence
And together we sipped tea.
My dear Daughter, the bedraggled bear, and Me!
Lee Scott, c. 1998
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
iTea- The New Way to "Brew"
Brewing tea – the iTea way:
One: simply dip an iTea wand in a cup of boiling water.
Two: stir to desired concentration.
Three: remove iTea wand – and a cup of premium Ceylon tea is ready for your enjoyment!
The premium-grade Ceylon tea used in Sugart's iTea wands is grown, harvested, selected and processed in Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon).
Sugart's iTea wands carry the prestigious Single Estate seal of the government of Sri-Lanka and are FDA approved.
The superb palatability and taste of the premium grade tea, the stylish serving utensils, the unique packaging and easy, efficient preparation transform the serving and drinking of iTea into a unique social and culinary experience.
Interview With a Tea Farmer
The featured tea farmer for the month of March is Wang Mei Rui.
How long have you been growing tea?
More than 30 years.
What got you started in the Tea industry?
It is a family business generation by generation. I was influenced when I was very young.
Can you describe a typical day out in the field. How many hours would that be?
I get up at 5-6am and prepare tools and food. I go to the mountain to pick up the tea leaves around 8-9am when the dew is almost dry. Then put the fresh tea leaves into the primary factory. The tea leaves will be under the steps of bleachery, withering, roiling and drying. After the production the teas will be stored in clean and dry bags and be sealed. Everyday I work like this for about 19 hours. Every step must be handled carefully and tenderly. Otherwise all the hard work during the day will be ruined.
What is your favorite part of growing tea? What inspires you to keep going?
I love the picking among all the production. Whenever I made progress and more money I will be very happy. This encourages me always.
Conversely, what is the hardest part of your job?
I don't like weeding among all the steps.
How has tea farming changed over the years?
Tea production is very traditional. The picking and producing has not much changed during so many years. But for management we have made changed and improved. Before we sell the teas by ourselves. But now we are handled by the factory uniformly. The factory will tell us the policy of local government as well as the request of our far buyers outside China.
What do you think makes your tea more unique or better than others?
The long term working experience is the key point.
What makes the difference between a successful and unsuccessful harvest?
The weather and experience are very important to make good tea and make successful harvest.
Do you exchange growing secrets with other local farmers?
Yes, I will.
Are there any tips you can give on how to best brew your tea?
It is very important to enjoy tie kuan yin with heart. First we need to be calm and quiet. Second it is very important to use natural water and gong fu tea set to brew teas with friends. The natural water includes mineral water, well water, and mountain spring water. Distilled water and tap water cannot be used.
What is your favorite tea to drink and why?
My favorite tea is tie kuan yin. Because it has the affection of reducing blood fat and refreshing spirit. I like the natural smell and pleasant flavor. I like the sweet feeling in my mouth after drinking.
If you had any advice to give western tea drinkers, what would it be?
Drink more tie kuan yin. Try to understand the tea culture as well the way of brewing teas.
What does this project & contribution mean to you?
I am very happy that there are so many tea lovers outside China. Before I only know my county and a little bit of China.
Monday, March 29, 2010
How to Plan a Tea Party
The party giving season is one of the busiest and most stressful times of the year. Whether you are cooking, baking,
cleaning, shopping, wrapping gifts, visiting friends and relatives, attending holiday parties, or maybe hosting your own
tea party, there is always something that needs your time and attention. You may feel weary, over-whelmed and
stressed out at times even if you are selective in how you choose to spend your time during the summer months.
Have you ever wanted to host a tea party but decided against it time after time, just because you think it would be too time-consuming along with all of the other things you are doing? Thinking that with all the preparation comes more stress, you may think that you would not be able to enjoy yourself and that it would just be added pressure. Take a few moments to re-think this, because you can plan to host a successful tea party without a hitch. Here is how to make your tea event a success that all of your guests will enjoy and remember.
Start Planning:Think carefully about what kind of tea party you want to have. If you don’t feel like hosting the traditional tea party
gathering this year, remember that you can turn everyday events into a party and reap the benefits. For example, if you
and your friends get together to bake cookies or have tea, turn these mini-events into party prep time. Host a cookie
swap with neighbors, and have a cookie-baking party with friends. Use the cookies for serving at your next tea party. This
will greatly help in the food preparation process by turning a chore into fun.
Be the First to Invite:Schedule a date for your party and send your invitations out at least one month in advance. Not only will you get better
attendance because your invitation will arrive before others, but you will get RSVPs sooner and be better able to plan your
food needs accordingly.
Be Creative with Invitations:Save time and money by designing simple invitations on your computer and print them on fancy paper that can be found
at card shops and office supply stores. Ask family members or neighbors to get together to create the invitations.
Food Selection and Planning:Food selection is the most important basic element to planning a successful tea party, but it can also be the most
daunting, so take some to determine how your want to present the food at your party. One way to ease stress is to as for
help from guests. You can ask your guests to bring a dish that you know they prepare well. Most people prefer not to
show up to a party empty-handed, preferring instead to receive an assigned dish. You could suggest they bring their
specialty recipes by writing a note on their invitation such as, “Please bring your famous hot and spicy wings in a ready-
to-serve container or another appetizer to share”. Or, you could write. “We love your Strawberry Scones! Would you be so
kind as to bring a batch to share with our guests?” Serve all these dishes buffet-style.
If it is affordable, you might consider having the party catered. The food, serving dishes, and cleanup are all managed by
a professional staff, leaving you to enjoy your party and guests. A less expensive alternative to professional caterers is
neighborhood teenagers. Hire a reliable teenager or two (they love extra cash) to help cook and/or serve. Another
alternative might be to ask your housekeeper if they would like to assist you in preparing for the party, serving guests at
the party, and after party cleanup.
Weeks before the Event:
Plan Your Preparation.Several days before the party, make a to-do list of everything you will need to complete before the day of the party (i.e.,
unpack decorations, clean the entryway, get a pet-sitter), and check off items as you soon as you complete them. Most
party planners will tell you the key to a great party is organization, and a list helps tremendously. Plus, you will feel a
sense of accomplishment as you check off items on your list.
Gradual Cleaning.Determine the areas of your home your guests will be occupying the most such as the bathroom, kitchen, entryway, or
sitting room. Clean those rooms with a heavier hand that the rest of the house. Don’t worry too much about rooms
guests will never or rarely enter such as the laundry room, master bedroom, or basement. To lessen the stress, clean a
little bit of each room every day, and you won’t feel rushed the days before the party.
Make Cleanup Easier.Consider using paper plates instead of china for serving food, and paper napkins instead of cloth, which can be tossed
in the garbage after use. Plastic glassware will save you time in the kitchen as well. If you prefer to use real china, this
is where a housekeeper can help tremendously by keeping dirty dishes flowing into the sink and dishwasher.
Send Leftovers Packing.Before the day of the tea party, start collecting colorful, festive, or interesting food containers. Keep them on hand to fill
with leftovers and give to guests as they leave. They will be happy to take food home for later enjoyment.
Get Ready for Spills.Make sure to pick up some spot remover and have paper towels on hand for any spills or messes. They are bound to
happen. You might also want to think about moving any expensive, delicate, or special furniture pieces to another room
for safekeeping until the party is over.
Days before the Event and the Day of the Event
Easy CenterpiecesIf you don’t have a tea party centerpiece, use candles. They are beautiful and perfect for the season. Cluster cream-
colored candles of varying sizes in the middle of the table, or arrange votive or floating candles in a row down the center
of the table. Use a pedestal cake stand to give them extra height. Set and light candles around other parts of the house
for a welcoming and festive glow (but make sure they are high enough that they cannot be knocked over by a child or pet)
A scented candle in the bathroom is also a nice touch.
Relaxing MomentsThe morning of, or a few hours before the party, remember to take time for yourself. Relax in a bubble bath to feel cool,
calm, and collected at party time.
Enjoy Yourself:Remember that the hostess sets the tone for the party. If you are calm, relaxed, and having a great time, your guests will
too. Don’t spend the whole time worrying about whether the cookies are just right or whether everyone is having the time
of their lives. Your guests came to see you, not judge your party or your home. No party is ever perfect, but it can be a lot
of fun, particularly if the host is having a good time.
cleaning, shopping, wrapping gifts, visiting friends and relatives, attending holiday parties, or maybe hosting your own
tea party, there is always something that needs your time and attention. You may feel weary, over-whelmed and
stressed out at times even if you are selective in how you choose to spend your time during the summer months.
Have you ever wanted to host a tea party but decided against it time after time, just because you think it would be too time-consuming along with all of the other things you are doing? Thinking that with all the preparation comes more stress, you may think that you would not be able to enjoy yourself and that it would just be added pressure. Take a few moments to re-think this, because you can plan to host a successful tea party without a hitch. Here is how to make your tea event a success that all of your guests will enjoy and remember.
Start Planning:Think carefully about what kind of tea party you want to have. If you don’t feel like hosting the traditional tea party
gathering this year, remember that you can turn everyday events into a party and reap the benefits. For example, if you
and your friends get together to bake cookies or have tea, turn these mini-events into party prep time. Host a cookie
swap with neighbors, and have a cookie-baking party with friends. Use the cookies for serving at your next tea party. This
will greatly help in the food preparation process by turning a chore into fun.
Be the First to Invite:Schedule a date for your party and send your invitations out at least one month in advance. Not only will you get better
attendance because your invitation will arrive before others, but you will get RSVPs sooner and be better able to plan your
food needs accordingly.
Be Creative with Invitations:Save time and money by designing simple invitations on your computer and print them on fancy paper that can be found
at card shops and office supply stores. Ask family members or neighbors to get together to create the invitations.
Food Selection and Planning:Food selection is the most important basic element to planning a successful tea party, but it can also be the most
daunting, so take some to determine how your want to present the food at your party. One way to ease stress is to as for
help from guests. You can ask your guests to bring a dish that you know they prepare well. Most people prefer not to
show up to a party empty-handed, preferring instead to receive an assigned dish. You could suggest they bring their
specialty recipes by writing a note on their invitation such as, “Please bring your famous hot and spicy wings in a ready-
to-serve container or another appetizer to share”. Or, you could write. “We love your Strawberry Scones! Would you be so
kind as to bring a batch to share with our guests?” Serve all these dishes buffet-style.
If it is affordable, you might consider having the party catered. The food, serving dishes, and cleanup are all managed by
a professional staff, leaving you to enjoy your party and guests. A less expensive alternative to professional caterers is
neighborhood teenagers. Hire a reliable teenager or two (they love extra cash) to help cook and/or serve. Another
alternative might be to ask your housekeeper if they would like to assist you in preparing for the party, serving guests at
the party, and after party cleanup.
Weeks before the Event:
Plan Your Preparation.Several days before the party, make a to-do list of everything you will need to complete before the day of the party (i.e.,
unpack decorations, clean the entryway, get a pet-sitter), and check off items as you soon as you complete them. Most
party planners will tell you the key to a great party is organization, and a list helps tremendously. Plus, you will feel a
sense of accomplishment as you check off items on your list.
Gradual Cleaning.Determine the areas of your home your guests will be occupying the most such as the bathroom, kitchen, entryway, or
sitting room. Clean those rooms with a heavier hand that the rest of the house. Don’t worry too much about rooms
guests will never or rarely enter such as the laundry room, master bedroom, or basement. To lessen the stress, clean a
little bit of each room every day, and you won’t feel rushed the days before the party.
Make Cleanup Easier.Consider using paper plates instead of china for serving food, and paper napkins instead of cloth, which can be tossed
in the garbage after use. Plastic glassware will save you time in the kitchen as well. If you prefer to use real china, this
is where a housekeeper can help tremendously by keeping dirty dishes flowing into the sink and dishwasher.
Send Leftovers Packing.Before the day of the tea party, start collecting colorful, festive, or interesting food containers. Keep them on hand to fill
with leftovers and give to guests as they leave. They will be happy to take food home for later enjoyment.
Get Ready for Spills.Make sure to pick up some spot remover and have paper towels on hand for any spills or messes. They are bound to
happen. You might also want to think about moving any expensive, delicate, or special furniture pieces to another room
for safekeeping until the party is over.
Days before the Event and the Day of the Event
Easy CenterpiecesIf you don’t have a tea party centerpiece, use candles. They are beautiful and perfect for the season. Cluster cream-
colored candles of varying sizes in the middle of the table, or arrange votive or floating candles in a row down the center
of the table. Use a pedestal cake stand to give them extra height. Set and light candles around other parts of the house
for a welcoming and festive glow (but make sure they are high enough that they cannot be knocked over by a child or pet)
A scented candle in the bathroom is also a nice touch.
Relaxing MomentsThe morning of, or a few hours before the party, remember to take time for yourself. Relax in a bubble bath to feel cool,
calm, and collected at party time.
Enjoy Yourself:Remember that the hostess sets the tone for the party. If you are calm, relaxed, and having a great time, your guests will
too. Don’t spend the whole time worrying about whether the cookies are just right or whether everyone is having the time
of their lives. Your guests came to see you, not judge your party or your home. No party is ever perfect, but it can be a lot
of fun, particularly if the host is having a good time.
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