Blueberry Cream Cheese Scone Mix

Blueberry Cream Cheese Scone Mix

Fresh-baked scones, hot from the oven... it just doesn't get any better! Rabbit Creek Products brought to you by Teaporia are easy to make

Serve scones at breakfast, high tea, or anytime.

Simply blend, shape and bake for hot & delicious scones in less than 30 minutes.
Makes 8 to 16 scones (depending on size of scones).
Store mix cool and dry 12 months

Order your Blueberry Cream Cheese Scone Mix today!

Click here to visit Teaporia

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Blueberry Tea

Blueberry

Intoxicating blueberry aroma and sprightly full flavor of the tiny wild blueberry. Excellent over ice or served hot with a pinch of sugar!

Order yours today!


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

A baby is born and I am a godmother!

Not the magical bubbly fairy tale type but a godmother I am. (I wouldn't mind the sparkly wand)

Last night we welcomed Chase Damien to the world via c-section


He weighed in at 6lbs 12oz and a lengthy 20 1/4 in. long.

Mom, daddy, and baby are doing great! He has a big sister waiting at home for him. He also has aunts, cousins, uncles, grandparents, great grandparents, friends, and probably a few neighbors. He's stuck with us now!

Now on to more fun news. Remember that contest I had for who can guess date, time, weight? Well 1 person technically entered and because she was the only one she gets a fabulous blueberry gift set from Teaporia! Congratulations Trish!

You too can enjoy the wonderful blueberry flavors of Teaporia teas and mixes.

Click here to visit Teaporia and order your blueberry tea, blueberry scones, or another favorite of yours.

Here's to a tea-riffic day!


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Chutney Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches

Chutney Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches


Ingredients

1 pound(s) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup(s) finely diced celery
3 tablespoon(s) finely diced red onion
4 tablespoon(s) finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 cup(s) walnuts, toasted and chopped
1/3 cup(s) mayonnaise
1 tablespoon(s) fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoon(s) Major Grey’s (mango-ginger) Chutney
16 slice(s) very thin white bread
4 tablespoon(s) butter, room temperature

Directions

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, simmer chicken 15 to 20 minutes, or just until cooked through. Drain and transfer to a plate to cool 10 minutes.

2. Thinly slice chicken into strips, then finely chop. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Toss chicken with celery, onion, parsley, and walnuts. In another bowl, stir together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and chutney. Add to chicken mixture and blend well. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.

4. Place approximately 1/2 cup chicken salad on each of 8 slices of bread; spread and press salad onto bread to make an even layer. Butter remaining 8 slices and place on top of chicken salad. Trim crusts to make even squares. Slice sandwiches in half to form 16 triangles. (Sandwiches may be made to this point up to an hour ahead. Cover with damp paper towels and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to serve.) Arrange on serving platter.


This recipe was found and shared through http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/chutney-chicken-salad-tea-sandwiches


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Hot Spiced Orange and Fruit Tea

What a delicious way to enjoy the cool night air on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Enjoy with shortbread cookies.

8 teabags of Decaf Orange Spice Tea from Teaporia
2 quarts of water plus 2 cups of water set aside
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups lemon juice
3 cups orange juice
1 stick cinnamon
1 tspn whole cloves

Directions:

Pour 2 quarts boiling water over 8 teabags. Brew 5 minutes. Remove tea bags. Set aside.

Boil 2 cups each water and sugar together 10 minutes to make syrup.

Add remaining ingredients. Bring to boil. Simmer 20 minutes. Remove cloves and cinnamon.

Serve hot.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

There is a new baby coming to town!

My very first nephew (also my godson), Chase, is going to be showing his adorable face any day now. To have a little fun I am going to have a contest.

How you get to enter to win is you post a guess of the date, time, and weight he will be born. There will be 3 winners in each category - date, time, weight. Each winner will receive Blueberry Teabags from Teaporia. If we have 1 winner with all three categories that winner will receive a blueberry gift set from Teaporia.

Here are a few facts to help you decide on your guess:

Baby Chase has a due date of January 15, 2009
Baby Chase is scheduled to arrive via c-section January 11, 2009
Mom has been having contractions for the past 2 weeks
Mom is currently on Dr. prescribed bedrest
His big sister arrived 1 week early
His big sister weighed in at 8lbs 5oz via emergency c-section after 24 hours in labor

Just place your guess in the comment section the following information:

Name:
Email address:
Your guess for the date:
Your guess for the time:
Your guess for the weight:

The day he arrives I will post the info. The closest entries will win. In the event of a tie, the guess that is closest without going over will determine a winner.

Check back often as you never know when the stork will arrive to give us a beautiful gift.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Paint Me Beautiful!

Put your artistic talent to work with this do it yourself Ceramic Tea Set!

This will be an exclusive that nobody else will ever have.

Set includes 4 cups, 4 saucers, Tea Pot with lid, sugar bowl with lid and creamer. Kit also includes 12 paints, 1 brush, and painting instruction booklet.

Ages 8 & up.

Pair with a great tea from the Teaporia Kids collection such as Bubble Gum or Tutti Frutti.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Who Invented ice Tea?

It is believed that iced tea was invented in 1904, at the St. Louis World's Fair, by a British tea merchant named Richard Blechynden. While he may have helped popularize iced tea, "tea punches", alcoholic versions of iced tea, were served decades earlier in the United States. At least one late 19th century cookbook includes a recipe for iced tea.

Interestingly, about 80 percent of the tea served in the United States today is iced tea. In the southern states of the US sweet tea is preferred. Iced tea is not just a summer staple but a year round drink.

Any tea can be made as an iced tea. The most common tea brewed for iced tea is Orange Pekoe; black tea.

Iced tea is traditionally served in the United States with lemon slice used as a garnish, which is often placed on the rim of the glass.

Iced tea can also be brewed by placing tea bags (or loose tea) in a large glass container with water and leaving the container in the sun for a number of hours.

Sweet tea is tea brewed very strong with a large amount of sugar added while the tea is still hot. The mixture of sugar and tea is then diluted with water, served over ice, and garnished with lemon. Sometimes the diluted mixture is allowed to cool to room temperature. Other times the sugar and tea mixture is not diluted at all but poured hot over a full tumbler of ice to cool and dilute it.

In Taiwan bubble tea is served. Bubble tea is a strong black tea, sweetened with sugar and condensed milk. It is served cold usually with tapioca pearls.

Try a cold Chai Latte this holiday season. Brew a creamy Vanilla Chai from Teaporia as directed, cool to room temperature, add half and half and ice. Makes a wonderful drink choice during your holiday party.

Choose your favorite tea flavor at Teaporia and create your preferred year round drink.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Holiday Tea Eggnog

Holiday Tea Eggnog

1/2 gallon eggnog
1 quart milk
16oz brewed, cooled, sweetened black tea from Teaporia (suggested flavors: Ciao Amaretto, Pumpkin Spice, Vanilla Cream, White Chocolate Moose, Vanilla Chai)
1 pint heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (not imitation)

1. Combine eggnog, milk and tea in large punch bowl. Stir until well combined.

2. Beat whipping cream in large mixer bowl until soft peaks form. Beat in sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Stir into eggnog mixture. Mix just until whipped cream is nicely disbursed and frothy looking. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

This can be made with 1/4 cup rum. Tastes best with Pumpkin Spice, Vanilla Cream, Vanilla Chai

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Join Teaporia

At Teaporia, there are no start up fees. In choosing to become a Consultant with Teaporia, you will receive:

25% commission of all your sales.

No MONTHLY quotas to meet....just ANY MINIMUM PURCHASE (no specific $$ amount) within 3 a month period, whether a personal sale or from a customer.

Your wholesale consultant discount will be 25% under sales of $150 but will be paid at the end of the month to assure you receive the highest commission possible. You will still receive 10% commission off anyone in your down line.

If a consultant in your down line (or yourself) makes $500 in sales during a single month, you will also receive a $25 gratuity check as a special bonus.


Why become a Teaporia Consultant?

Support: Teaporia Staff is here to help you. We are constantly learning about new teas, new products, and are dedicated to bringing you the best we can. We have our own online Yahoo Group that we encourage everyone to join where we can share our thoughts, concerns and even the other companies you may be representatives for.

Family Time and Flexibility: Work full time or part time to you and your family’s convenience. We have so many different types of “parties” that many times your children can even “party” with you!

Potential: Meet other people like yourself and share your enjoyment with others by having fun!

Recognition: Earn free products and cash bonuses for all your hard work!


What is the cost to become a Teaporia Consultant?

There is no specific cost to become a Consultant; however, we do encourage you to take advantage of a ONE TIME discount of 40% off your FIRST CONSULTANT ORDER OF $100 or more. The more samples you have to offer your customers, the better your sales will be.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

What is a tea strainer?

A tea strainer is a type of strainer that is placed over or in a teacup to catch tea leaves.

A common misuse is placing the loose tea leaves in the strainer and pouring boiling water over. This will not brew your cup of tea properly no matter how hot the water is.

When tea is brewed in the traditional manner in a teapot, the tea leaves are not contained in teabags, but rather are free floating in the water as they steep. Since the tea leaves themselves can be unpleasant tasting, you want to filter them out with a tea strainer. Strainers usually fit into the top of the cup to catch the leaves as the tea is poured into the cup.

Teaporia offers 2 great mesh strainers - Empress Tea Strainer and the Teapot Shaped Tea Strainer for only $5.99. Visit Teaporia to order your strainer

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Apple Cinnamon Glazed Ham

INGREDIENTS:

1 precooked ham
1 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, defrosted
1/2 cup dark brown sugar (light may be substituted)
1 cup water
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
5 teaspoons Apple Spice tea from Teaporia

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the 5 teaspoons of Apple Spice tea from Teaporia tea in a cup or bowl, pour in 1 cup of boiling water and let steep for 4 minutes. Strain tea and combine liquid in a sauce pan with apple juice concentrate, mustard, ginger, and brown sugar. Mix well. Bring the sauce to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Let cool.

Pour syrup over ham and bake for 1 hour or until syrup has evaporated and ham is glazed and browned. Baste every 15-20 minutes during cooking.

You can set aside a small amount to lightly brush on after ham has cooked for a little extra.

You can adjust seasoning to suit your taste.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Tea Sachet

Did you know tea is a great odor eater? This makes tea great for sachets as well.

What you will need?

Orange Pekoe
Lavender
Rose buds and petals
Organza bag

Add equal amounts of each together and add about 2 heaping tablespoons to each organza bag. Tie tightly and place in drawer. Replace approximately every 3 months.

Sew sachet closed and place in dryer to freshen your clothes.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

December Flavor of the Month

White Chocolate Moose: Sweet and creamy best describes the taste. Will make you come back for more!

Ciao Amaretto: Cherry and almond combined in sweet harmony. Dash of sugar highlights the cherry notes and creates depth in the almond character.

Sip on these Christmas morning with a delicious scone.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Need a Gift Idea?

With Christmas lea month away you are probably trying to finish your shopping quickly.

Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv has the answer. Everyone loves tea! And everyone drinks tea at some point whether hot or cold.

Check out these great gift ideas:

Under $15

- Clear Glass & Plastic Tpot 24 oz.
1 oz loose tea (makes 3 pots of tea)

- Cinnamon Apple Scone Mix
12 Vanilla Cream Teabags
Honey Sticks

- Demitasse Stick
1 oz loose tea
Tea Ball Infuser w/Charm

- Sample Bag Special (tea bags)
Pouch Mugs

Need more ideas? Contact me and I can customize a gift for you. You can even have your order gift wrapped and sent direct.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Teacup Candle

Take that old teacup and turn it into a useful item such as a candle.

What You'll Need:

Tea Cup with Saucer
White Birthday Candle
White Candle Wax
Tacky Glue
Metal Can (coffee or soup can)
1 Crayola crayon
Tongs

1. Glue cup and saucer together with tacky glue. Let dry.

2. Fill your tea cup with hot water to warm the teacup. If you don't warm up the tea cup when the hot wax goes in it will shatter.

3. Fill a small pot with water and set it to boil.

4. Break up the wax into small pieces so that it will melt easier and place it into your clean soup can.

5. Shave a few pieces off the crayon into the wax. A pencil sharpener works well for this.

6. Once the water is boiling place the soup can into the boiling water holding it in place with tongs.

7. Empty the water from the tea cup and dry thoroughly.

8. Stir wax to ensure color is fully mixed. Can leave unmixed for an interesting marble effect. When the wax has fully melted into a liquid, slowly, and cautiously pour it into the tea cup to desired height.

8. When wax is almost completely hardened but still pliable use a skewer or nail to create a hole in the center.

9. Place the birthday candle into the center. To give it a smooth finish melt a small amount of wax and pour it over the top of the candle. The birthday candle will make a perfect wick for your little candle.

10. Let sit overnight before lighting.

Enjoy!

This is a wonderful gift!


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Loose Tea vs Tea Bags

If your idea of a good cup of tea starts with plain tea bags from the grocery store, you are likely missing out on a great tea experience.

If you are buying from a quality tea merchant such as Teaporia you can get quality tea in a teabag. For this comparison we are discussing common teas found on grocery store shelves.

There are some excellent bagged teas out there, made up of whole tea leaves. Quality tea merchants often carry bags as well as loose. For this discussion we are talking about generic teas found on grocery store shelves.

The main difference between loose teas and bagged teas is the size of the leaves. That's what effects the cup of tea you drink. Tea leaves contain chemicals and essential oils, which are the basis for the flavor of tea. When the tea leaves are broken up into smaller pieces, these oils can evaporate, leaving a dull and tasteless tea. Typical tea bags are filled with the smallest pieces of broken leaves, called fannings. Loose teas are typically whole leaves or at least large pieces of leaves.

On top of the leaf size, there is also the space factor. Tea leaves need space to swell, expand and unfurl. Good water circulation around the leaves is important, which doesn't typically happen in a cramped little tea bag.

Typical tea bags often sit in warehouses and store shelves for an unspecified about of time. You may get a stale tea because of this. If you have never tried loose tea, you may not even know there is a difference.

Even if you prefer a simple cup of black tea, try your tea loose instead of in bags. If you enjoy a change now and again, you can get a wide variety of teas in bags from a quality merchant such as Teaporia, but there are many more to choose from if you shop for loose tea.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Holiday Fair

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Holiday Fair
12pm-8pm EST
So Chic Bag Boutique Party Room

You could win a gift certificate from So Chic Bag Boutique or Teaporia!
Teaporia will be presented at 4:00pm EST on Black Friday and Cyber Monday!

Come shop and have a great time!

Great sales! Great companies! Great prizes!

Vendor slots are still available! Reserve yours before they are gone! Visit the So Chic Bag Boutique Party Room for more information.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Different Tea, Different plant?

Does green tea come from a different kind of plant then black tea? Surprisingly, even some botanists thought so during the 17th and 18th centuries. Tea traders were not allowed to travel inside China and see how tea was produced. Tea plants and seeds were first obtained from China in the early 19th century, along with the know-how for manufacturing tea. Soon after the British discovered tea plants growing wild in India. It wasn't until 1905 that the tea plant received its official Latin name, Camellia sinensis. This single plant can be processed to produce green tea, black tea, or something in between.

Only one the camellia sinensis gives us tea leaves. The difference in color and flavor simply depend on how the leaves are processed. For black tea the tea leaves are exposed to air, or allowed to oxidize. Green teas are less processed to preserve the green color and delicate flavor. Oolong tea is between black and green.

Camellia sinensis is native to mainland South and Southeast Asia but today is cultivated across the world in tropical and subtropical regions. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree that is usually trimmed to below six feet in height when cultivated for its leaves. It has a strong taproot. The flowers are yellow-white with 7 to 8 petals.

The seeds of camellia sinensis can be pressed into tea oil, a sweetish seasoning and cooking oil. This should not be confused with tea tree oil which originates from the leaves of a different plant.

The leaves of the camellia sinensis are 4–15 cm long and 2–5 cm broad. Fresh leaves contain about 4% caffeine. The young, light green leaves have short white hairs on the underside are preferably harvested for tea production. Older leaves are deeper green. Different leaf ages produce differing tea qualities, since their chemical compositions are different. Usually, the tip (bud) and the first two to three leaves are harvested for processing. This hand picking is repeated every one to two weeks.

Kukicha (twig tea) is also harvested from camellia sinensis, but uses twigs and stems rather than leaves. This tea is commonly sold as a green tea but can be found on more oxidized blends.

Herb teas are not made from camellia sinensis and therefore not actually tea. Because they are "brewed" in a similar fashion they have been adopted as a herb tea.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Guacamole Chicken Tea Sandwiches

24 white bread slices (other bread flavors may be substituted)
1 cup guacamole, fresh (recipe below) or prepacked
2 cooked chicken breasts, thinly sliced
mayonnaise
3-inch round cookie cutter


Spread 1 side bread with guacamole. Spread 1 side of another piece of bread with mayonnaise. Top guacamole with chicken and then mayonnaise-smeared bread. Use 3 in cookie cutter to create round shapes or slice into rectangles or triangles.


Guacamole:

4 ripe, Fresh California Avocados, peeled and seeded
1 ripe, medium Roma tomato, seeded, diced
1/2 cup minced sweet white onion
2 jalapeno chilies, seeded and minced
1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
4 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Sea salt and pepper, to taste

Cut avocado in large chunks and mash coarsely in large bowl with a fork

Add remaining ingredients and blend gently; leaving some small chunks is fine

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Mashed Tea Sweet Potatoes

This dish would be great as an alternative to traditional candied yams at Thanksgiving or Christmas.

8 oz. brewed Cream Irish Breakfast tea or Pumpkin Spice from Teaporia
1 15oz. Can of sweet potatoes
1/2 Tbsp. dark brown sugar
1/2 Tbsp. butter
1/8 Tsp. Salt
1/4 Cinnamon (optional)
1/8 Nutmeg (optional)


Drain sweet potatoes, place them into a bowl, and rinse them lightly. This gets rid of the excess syrup.

Cut sweet potato chunks into smaller pieces - about 1/2' cubes. Pour enough tea into the bowl to mostly cover the sweet potatoes about 3/4 cup. Soak sweet potatoes for 10 minutes, occasionally stirring the sweet potatoes to make sure all of them are soaked in the tea. Drain the sweet potatoes.

Place sweet potatoes in a saucepan on low to medium heat, stirring frequently. The potatoes will begin to soften and get mushy. Add up to 1/4 cup of the remaining tea to the sweet potatoes. For firmer mashed potatoes add less liquid.

Mash the sweet potatoes with a fork as you continue heating and stirring them. Continue heating and stirring the sweet potatoes until you can't see any excess liquid.

Add a dash of salt - no more than about 1/8 tsp. Add butter and brown sugar. Continue heating and stirring the sweet potatoes until the butter and brown sugar are dissolved and thoroughly mixed in.

Continue heating and stirring the sweet potatoes for another minute or two adding in cinnamon and nutmeg if desired. Remove from heat. Serve while still warm.

Recipe can be adjusted by adding more sugar or placing mashed potatoes in 8x8 square baking pan, add dollops of marshmallow cream and heat until marshmallow cream is lightly browned.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Tea Turkey Brine

1 turkey (12-16 lbs work well, can use larger bird)
1-3 gallons of water
1 cup salt (kosher preferred but table will do fine)
1/2 cup white granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 quart apple juice
2 whole lemons
3 Tbsp whole black peppercorns
1/2 cup loose Oolong Orange Blossom or Apple Spice tea from Teaporia


Add 1 gallon of water, salt, and sugar to large pot and place over high heat until it simmers, stirring to completely dissolve the salt and sugar. Once salt and sugar is dissolved, add remaining ingredients and simmer another 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, let cool to room temperature.

Add the turkey to the brine. Add more water to ensure turkey is fully submerged.A 5 gallon plastic bucket or large stainless steel pot works well. Weight it down, so it is completely submerged, cover and place in refrigerator for 1 hour per pound (12lb turkey = 12 hours). A stainless steel lid with cans of food or brick works well to weigh turkey down.

After desired time has passed, remove from brine. Rinse if desired and pat dry. Roast or fry turkey as usual.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Cranberry & Tea Sauce

1 12 oz. bag fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brewed Cranberry-Orange (available in loose tea or tea bags) or Decaf Orange Spice (available in tea bags) tea from Teaporia. Brew as directed.

Pour one 12 oz. bag of fresh cranberries into a colander. Rinse well with cold water, sort out any stems or soft berries. Frozen cranberries can be used. No need to thaw them before using.

Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup brewed Cranberry-Orange or Decaf Orange Spice in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then carefully stir in cranberries. Return the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pour the cranberry mixture into a heat-proof bowl for sauce with whole fruit. Mash through mesh strainer for smooth sauce. Cover and let stand until cooled completely. Refrigerate. Mixture with thicken as it cools. Store sauce in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Yields 2 1/4 cups of prepared sauce. Store covered in refrigerator for up to one week


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Loose Tea On The Go

Even loose tea lovers can have the convenience of single serve teabags without sacrificing any quality.

The T-Sac size 1 is for making a single serving of tea. There is a gusseted bottom to allow the tea to expand and release all of its flavor. The T-sac is unbleached and chlorine free.

The rule of thumb for determining how much tea to use when making a cup is to use 1 teaspoon for every 6 to 8 oz. cup. Of course you can add more or less depending on how strong you enjoy your tea. Place a teaspoonfull of your favorite loose tea from Teaporia in a t-sac and brew as you would normally. Tea leaves can be reused for more infusions, you just need to reuse the t-sac a second or third time.

This is a great way to take your tea with you on the go. Create as many as you need for the

Order your t-sacs and favorite tea at Teaporia.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Herb Tea Bath

Relax in a luxurious herbal tea bath. Create for yourself or for easy gift giving.

1oz Lavender tea from Teaporia
1oz Spearmint tea from Teaporia
1 oz Chamomile tea from Teaporia
1oz Rosebuds and petals tea from Teaporia
1oz Jasmine tea from Teaporia
1oz Japanese sencha green tea from Teaporia
½ cup ground, unflavored oatmeal (you can easily grind this up in your blender)
½ cup powdered milk

Mix all ingredients well and add up to 1/2 cup to hot bath and relax

For a herbal salt tea bath:
omit oatmeal and milk and add 4 cups epson salt, mix well with Teaporia teas.

Herbal tea bath can be added directly to water or use an infuser ball to hold ingredients.


Gift ideas:

Place up 1/2 cup into organza bag with a handmade ingredient card attached.

Recycle old dyer towels and add 1/2 cup to center, pull edges to center, tie with satin ribbon.

Place up to 1 cup of the herbal tea bath in a tulle circle, tie with ribbon, place into an old teacup glued to a saucer, add a teaspoon and wrap. Received of the gift an add the herbal tea bath as needed with the teaspoon.

Add to recycle baby food jar, wrap top with a cloth circle, and tie off with a ribbon or raffia.

Place in a large sugar shaker for a fun twist.

Place in pepper shaker (recommended to drill holes bigger)

Add to mini baby bottles decorated with pink or blue ribbon, and mini pacifier for a baby shower favor

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Cucumber Tea Sandwich

1/4 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves or fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
6 slices of white bread (other bread may be substituted)
3-inch length of cucumber

Remove stems, rinse, and dry quickly

Chop leaves into small pieces

Place the cream cheese, butter, and leaves into a bowl and mix well.

Spread the mixture on the bread.

Slice the cucumbers thinly. For more of a crunch slice thicker. Place on one side of bread slices. Assemble sandwich.

Slice the crusts off assembled sandwiches. Slice sandwich into rectangles or triangles.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Our Winners Are...

I am feeling generous today so everyone was entered to win!



Drum roll please?








Our winner of a gift pack to include tea and scone mix of their choice from Teaporia is:



Jacquie

Timestamp: 2009-11-14 14:28:12 MST



Our winners to receive a tea sampler from Teaporia are:



Stefanie Zucker
Dana
The Working Mama
Rene'
Eight Helping Hands

Timestamp: 2009-11-14 14:28:40 MST



Congratulations to all our winners!

You can still enjoy great teas and mixes from Teaporia. Shop now and enjoy our vast selection of teas and mixes.

Not sure what to try? Contact me for a special sample selection for only $5 (shipping included). Receive 5 sample bags of loose tea (enough for 2 cups per bag) plus 10 t-sacs to make your own teabags.

Vanilla Chai Latte

As the cooler months approach, settle in with a wonderful chai tea. Unless you have an espresso machine, making a true latte can be difficult. Not to worry. You can make something very close and just as warm and delicious.

Brew a cup of Vanilla Chai Tea from Teaporia as directed. Add warm milk, sweetened condensed milk as desired, pinch of cinnamon, and top with whipped cream.

Its warm, delicious, and wonderfully relaxing.

Order your favorite chai tea at Teaporia

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Veterans Day

Thank you to all of those who have served and currently serving our country faithfully.

Thank you for our service and sacrifices.

What is a Tea Sandwich?

A tea sandwich is a small sandwich intended to be eaten at afternoon tea time.

The tea sandwich may come in many different forms but should be easy to handle and should be capable of being eaten in two bites. It may be a long, narrow sandwich, a triangular half-sandwich, or a small biscuit. It may also be cut into decorative shapes with a cookie cutter such as hearts and stars.

The bread is traditionally white, thinly sliced, and buttered. The bread crust is cut away clean from the sandwich after the sandwich has been prepared but before serving. Modern bread variations might include wheat, sour dough, or rye.

Fillings for a tea sandwich are light, and delicate in proportion to the amount of bread. Spreads might include cream cheese, mayonnaise mixtures, fresh vegetables such as radishes, cucumber, or watercress. The cucumber tea sandwich in particular is considered the quintessential tea sandwich. Other popular tea sandwich fillings include pimento cheese, smoked salmon, jam, chicken, and egg salad.

Tea sandwiches are flavorful. Tea sandwich recipes are savory fare, not sweet. Save the sweet for the scones and cookies.

Each tea sandwich is spread with soft butter or cream cheese, or something similar, to prevent soggy sandwiches. Peanut butter with banana slices or jelly is just right for a children's tea party.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

English Tea Cakes

Ingredients:

2 cups butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
60 walnut or pecan halves, toasted



Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in vanilla. Gradually add flour.

2. Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls into greased miniature muffin cups; flatten slightly. Press a walnut half into the center of each.

3. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

November Flavor of the Month

November has 4 delicious flavors to enjoy this month.


Cranberry (teabags only): SEASONAL - The fruity flavor of the season. Delicious as an after dinner tea spiced with a cinnamon stick!


Cranberry-Orange (loose tea & teabags): SEASONAL - The fruity and piquant nature of cranberry combined with the intense flavor of orange creates an amazing taste sensation. Add 1 or 2 cloves in your teapot or use clove honey for a wonderful flavor.



Chocolate Mint (teabags only): If you love hot cocoa, give this tasty tea a try! So much flavor, so few calories! Add a touch of half and half for a smooth and rich taste.


Pumpkin Spice (loose tea only): Notes of cinnamon and pumpkin abound. A cup is like the "nip" in the air during northern autumns. Try condensed milk with your next cup for a fabulous cold weather treat.

Visit Teaporia to purchase these and other great flavors this month brought to you by Tea Time with Liv

What is Tea?

If you were like me, you drink tea often but never thought about what exactly tea is. Here is some answers to what is tea and what is the type of tea you are drinking.

Teas are made from the same plant, camellia sinensis. Camellia sinensis is the species of plant whose leaves and leaf buds are used to produce tea.What makes tea different is the process they go through.

White tea
Unwilted and unoxidized. White tea contains buds and young tea leaves, with higher caffeine than older leaves.

Yellow tea
Unwilted and unoxidized but allowed to yellow. Yellow tea usually implies a special tea processed similarly to green tea, but with a slower drying phase, where the damp tea leaves are allowed to sit and yellow.

Green tea
Wilted and unoxidized. Green tea is a type of tea made solely with the leaves of Camellia sinensis that has undergone minimal oxidation during processing.

Oolong
Wilted, bruised, and partially oxidized. Oolong (Wulong) Teas are categorized between green and black teas. Their flavors vary in taste & character and bring complexity and depth that are not always present in other types of tea.

Black tea
Wilted, sometimes crushed, and fully oxidized. Black tea is generally stronger in flavor and contains more caffeine than the less oxidized teas.

Herbal tea
Herbal teas can be made with fresh or dried flowers, fruit, leaves, seeds or roots and contains no tea leaves. Therefore these are not actual teas.

Rooibos
Rooibos are a broom-like member of the legume family of plants. This is a type of herbal tea.

Chai
Tea with a mixture of aromatic Indian spices and herbs.

English Tea
Tea blended and mixed with various other plants in order to obtain a specific flavor. Example: Earl Grey - black tea with bergamot oil.

Organic
Organic teas come in different varieties and are grown without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Tea Blossoms

These flowering tea blossoms will change the way you think about tea. Place a blossom into the teapot (preferably a CLEAR teapot to enjoy the visual effect), pour in boiling water and magically watch as this blossom transforms itself into a beautiful flower right before your eyes!

LONGING HEART (pictured at left) - the infusion on this blossom is a very light green and contains a premium green tea and chrysanthemums.

Chrysanthemums in tea has many medicinal uses, including an aid in recovery from influenza.

Green tea contains polyphenols which are thought to improve health.

Allow to steep for 3 minutes or to your desired strength. Do not leave the flower in the pot if you are not going to infuse again the same day. Each pod is reusable and makes 2-4 pots of tea...depending on how long you infuse each pot.

Order your Longing Heart Tea Blossom from Teaporia and watch the magic of the blossom infusion in your teapot.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Tenderize Meat with Tea

1. Fill a pot with water and set on the stove. Set the burner so that the water in the pot heats but doesn't boil.

2. Spoon 4 tbs. of black tea leaves into the pot. Stir the tea leaves into the water to ensure that all tea leaves are moistened.

3. Steep the tea for approximately 5 minutes. Check on the tea regularly to ensure adequate heating for steeping. Increase the heat and add a few minutes to the steeping time, if needed.

4. Take the pot off the burner and strain the leaves from the water. Mix 1/2 cup of brown sugar into the water until it dissolves completely.

5. Unwrap 3 lbs. of meat and season it to taste using salt, onion, pepper and garlic powder.

6. Transfer the seasoned meat into a Dutch oven. Pour the water and tea mixture into the Dutch oven so that it covers the meat.

7. Cook the meat at 325 degrees F for about 90 minutes. The meat should be tender enough to slice with only a fork.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

How Afternoon Tea Began

Afternoon Tea was introduced by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford (1783-1857), one of Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting.

In her day, the aristocracy ate a huge breakfast, little lunch, and a very late dinner. Every afternoon, the duchess experienced a "sinking feeling." With breakfast served at nine or ten in the morning, if any, only a small lunch, the Duchess found the need for light refreshments around four in the afternoon.

In the beginning the Duchess would have her servants sneak her a pot of tea and some breads. Eventually she invited friends to join her for an additional afternoon meal at five o'clock in her rooms at Belvoir Castle. The menu included simple foods including small cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, assorted sweets, and tea. This practice became so popular the Duchess continued the tradition by sending her friends cards asking them to join her for "tea and a walk in the fields." The inviting of friends to afternoon tea became a popular practice by hostesses as a social gathering.

The original menu for tea was bread, butter and an assortment of cakes but over time has changed to include three specific courses served in a specific order, particularly if in a three-tiered tray:

Savories on the bottom - Tiny finger sandwiches and appetizers

Scones in the middle- Served with jam and clotted cream

Pastries on the top - Cakes, shortbread, cookies, and sweets

Afternoon tea, because it was usually taken in the late afternoon, is also called "low tea" because it was usually taken in a sitting room or withdrawing room where low tables (like a coffee table) were placed near sofas or chairs generally in a large withdrawing room.

There are three basic types of Afternoon, or Low Tea:

Cream Tea - Tea, scones, jam and cream

Light Tea - Tea, scones and sweets

Full Tea - Tea, savories, scones, sweets and dessert

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

Proper Steeping

Suggested ratio is one teaspoon of leaves per cup of water. However, the light and voluminous teas will taste best with twice that amount.

To steep your tea:

Use boiling water when preparing black, dark oolong and herbal teas.

Use cooler water (under the boiling point) when steeping green, light oolong and white teas.

Steeping time is:

3-5 minutes for most black teas

5-7 minutes for dark oolong, herbal, rooibos and white teas

3 minutes for green and light oolong teas

DO NOT over-steep or your tea will taste bitter.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv

More Uses for the Green Tea Soother

Use as a cooling, refreshing bath splash; can be used either at room temperature or chilled.

Perk up tired feet by splashing them with Green Tea Soother.

For an anti fungal foot bath, pour a quart (liter) of Green Tea Soother into a bucket or shallow pan. Soak your feet for about fifteen minutes. Blot off excess but do not rinse. Cover your feet with fresh white cotton socks (to "lock in" the antiseptic quality of the tea). This is excellent for toe fungus, athlete's foot, or minor irritations of the feet from running, jogging, or standing for long periods of time. It's an ideal way to treat your feet before bedtime, but can be done at any time during the day.

Use as a mouthwash.

For minor cuts, rashes and abrasions, saturate a pure cotton pad with Green Tea Soother and apply directly to injury for at least five minutes. Repeat. This can be done up to four times a day. Repeat the next day, if necessary, but you should see healing at the end of the first day.

To sooth minor sunburn, soak a piece of flannel or cotton cloth in the green tea solution and lay the cloth on the sunburned area. Keep the cloth on for about 15 minutes until the burned area begins to cool.

To freshen up straightened or tired eyes, soak cotton pads in green tea solution, squeeze out excess, and lay them gently on your eyelids. Let the pad rest on your lids for about ten minutes. Repeat if necessary. This helps to reduce puffiness, red eyes, and eyes fatigued from reading, computer work or other close work.

Use as a blemish remedy. Rinsing the face with tea has an astringent, healing effect on the skin. Green Tea Soother is great for pimples, but any concentrate extract of green tea will work. Splash on the face or dot on blemishes with cotton. Do not rinse; allow the tea to do its work undiluted.

Green Tea Soother

Green Tea Soother Recipe

This is a wonderful, all-purpose astringent and an antibacterial solution. It is important to use unflavored teas because perfumes, oils, or flavoring agents might be harsh on minor injuries. This recipe is for a concentrated strength, NON-DRINKABLE solution!

1 CUP GREEN TEA
(SUGGESTED GREEN TEAS
ARE SENCHA, GUNPOWDER,
OR LONG JING)
1 QUART SPRING WATER

Directions
Brew tea in spring water either by heating water to 185 F (85 C) and steeping for 20 minutes or pouring room temperature sprig water on the tea and steeping for about an hour.

Cool the liquid.

Pour into sterilized bottles and refrigerate. It's always best to prepare small quantities and
use promptly to assure strongest potency.

How to Brew Tea

Start with cold water, or use bottled water.

Measure into the teapot 1 tsp. of loose tea for every cup you plan to pour. Some tea drinkers, especially those who take milk with their tea, add an extra spoon for the pot. If you're using a mesh tea ball, don't fill it more than halfway, to allow for complete expansion of the tea leaves.

For black teas, bring the water to a full boil. Remove the tea kettle from the heat as soon as the water begins to boil. Boiling all the oxygen out of the water will flatten the tea's flavor.

For green teas, remove the tea kettle from the heat BEFORE the water begins boiling.

Fill the pot with the boiling water. Cover the teapot and leave the tea to brew. In general, black teas are best brewed for 4 to 5 minutes; green teas should brew for no more than 3 minutes.

When the tea is ready, pour and serve all the tea. Remove the infuser from the water so that it does not over brew. Tea tends to taste bitter if it gets overbrewed.

A good-quality tea can be infused three to five times. Just add more boiling water. Let it steep for a little more time with each brew.

Uses for Tea

Tea is not only a drink but also useful for us in many other ways. Take a look and see how tea can help you in everyday life.

1. Place your feet in strong tea concoction to get rid of the unpleasant odor


2. Soak a tea bag in cool water and place it over the site of injection to relieve the pain


3. Plunge a cotton ball in tea and wipe on the affected part due to ivy rash to relieve from the pain


4. Pour some cups of tea into the compost to accelerate the decomposition and create acid rich compost


5. Cool a sunburn. Apply a few wet tea bags to the affected skin. This works well for other types of minor burns (i.e., from a teapot or steam iron) too. If the is widespread, put some tea bags in your bathwater and soak your whole body in the tub.


6. Revitalize tired, achy, or puffy eyes. Soak two tea bags in warm water and place them over your closed eyes for 20 minutes. The tannins in the tea act to reduce puffiness and soothe tired eyes. Cold chamomile works well on puffy eyes too.
   


7. To soothe razor burn and relieve painful nicks and cuts, apply a wet tea bag to the affected area.
   


8. Make your own natural dye using brewed tea and herbs: Steep 3 tea bags in 1 cup boiling water. Add 1 tablespoon each of rosemary and sage (either fresh or dried) and let it stand overnight before straining. To use, shampoo as usual, and then pour or spray the mixture on your hair, making sure to saturate it thoroughly. Take care not to stain clothes. Blot with a towel and do not rinse. It may take several treatments to achieve desired results.
   


9. To give a natural shine to dry hair, use a quart (liter) of warm, unsweetened tea (freshly brewed or instant) as a final rinse after your regular shampoo.
   


10. Give pale skin a tan appearance without sun exposure. Brew 2 cups strong black tea, let it cool, and pour into a plastic spray bottle. Make sure your skin is clean and dry. Then spray the tea directly onto your skin and let it air-dry. Repeat as desired for a healthy-looking glowing tan. This will also work to give a man's face a more natural look after shaving off a beard.
    


11. Drain a boil with a boiled tea bag. Cover a boil with a wet tea bag overnight and the boil should drain without pain by the time you wake up next morning.
    


12. Breastfeeding a baby leaves your nipples sore, treat them to a cold bag of tea. Just brew a cup of tea, remove the bag, and place it in a cup of ice for about a minute. Then place the wet tea bag on the sore nipple and cover it with a nursing pad under your bra for several minutes while you enjoy a cup of tea. The tannic acid in the wet tea leaves will soothe and help heal the sore nipple.
    


13. Soothe bleeding gums with a tea bag. To stop the bleeding and soothe the pain from a lost or recently pulled tooth, wet a tea bag with cool water and press it directly onto the site.
    


14. To ease toothache or other mouth pain, rinse your mouth with a cup of hot peppermint tea mixed with a pinch or two of salt. Peppermint is an antiseptic and contains menthol, which alleviates pain on contact with skin surfaces. To make peppermint tea, boil 1 tablespoon fresh peppermint leaves in 1 cup water and steep for several minutes.
    


15. Tenderize tough meat. Place 4 tablespoons black tea leaves in a pot of warm (not boiling) water and steep for 5 minutes. Strain to remove the leaves and stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar until it dissolves. Set aside. Season up to 3 pounds (1.5 kilograms) meat with salt, pepper, onion, and garlic powder, and place it in a Dutch oven. Pour the liquid over the seasoned meat and cook in a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven until the meat is fork tender, about 90 minutes.
    


16. Clean wood furniture and floors. Just boil a couple of tea bags in a quart (liter) of water and let it cool. Dip a soft cloth in the tea, wring out the excess, and use it to wipe away dirt and grime. Buff dry with a clean, soft cloth.
    


17. Soak white lace or garments in a tea bath to create an antique beige, ecru, or ivory look. Use 3 tea bags for every 2 cups of boiling water and steep for 20 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes before soaking the material for 10 minutes or more. The longer you let it soak, the darker the shade you will get.
    


18. Shine your mirrors. To make mirrors sparkle and shine, brew a pot of strong tea, let it cool, and then use it to clean the mirrors. Dampen a soft cloth in the tea and wipe it all over the surface of the mirrors. Then buff with a soft, dry cloth for a sparkly, streak-free shine.
    


19. Control dust from fireplace ash. Before you begin cleaning, sprinkle wet tea leaves over the area. The tea will keep the ashes from spreading all over as you lift them out.
    


20. Perfume a sachet. Just open a few used herbal tea bags and spread the wet tea on some old newspaper to dry. Then use the dry tea as stuffing for the sachet.
    


21. Feed your ferns with a little tea. Substitute brewed tea when watering the plants. Or work wet tea leaves into the soil around the plants to give them a lush, luxuriant look.
    


22. For healthier potted plants, place a few used tea bags on top of the drainage layer at the bottom of the planter before potting. The tea bags will retain water and leach nutrients to the soil.
    


23. Speed up the decomposition process and enrich your compost with few cups of strongly brewed tea into the heap. The liquid tea will hasten decomposition and draw acid-producing bacteria, creating desirable acid-rich compost.


24. The tannic acid that occurs naturally in black tea is also said to help eradicate warts.
    


25. If making glycerin melt and pour soap, add tea in nearly any form to a mold of soap before it cools. The tea will settle in the bottom of the mold, (top of the bar of soap) and makes an excellent cleansing soap.
    


26. Chamomile tea is a natural sleep aid. Have a hot cup of chamomile tea 30 minutes before bedtime.
    


27. Tea sachets made with plain old black tea will help keep food odors under control in your refrigerator.
    


28. Chamomile or peppermint tea makes a very soothing footbath.
    


29. Sprinkle dry tea directly onto carpeting, and allow to settle in for about ten to fifteen minutes as carpet freshener
    


30. Tea leaves sprinkled under your rose bushes will give them a new lease on life in mid-summer. Tea provides tannic acid, which roses love.
    


31. Take care of a messy shave. A wet tea bag is a soothing way to treat shaving nicks and cuts.
    


32. Freshen your breath. A cup of mint tea is a good-tasting breath freshener for after meals, especially if you can’t brush your teeth, or don’t like gum or candy mints. Carry a few mint tea bags with you so you’ll always be prepared.
    


33. Seed your lawn with a tea bag patch. Sow grass seed in small bare spots with a used tea bag. Make sure the bag is moist, and place it on the dirt where you want the grass. Sprinkle it with seed. The bag will hold moisture and gradually decompose.
    


34. Let chamomile tea steep, then place in a facial steamer. Your skin will appreciate it.
    


35. If you have a broken fingernail that is still hanging on, cut a small piece of tea bag and coat in clear nail polish. Place over the broken nail and it will adhere the nail together until it grows out. Cover in a colored coat.
    


36. Fill a small gift bag or organza bag with lavender tea and place under your car seat for a great air freshener. It also has a calming effect.
    


37. Place tea leaves in a smoker box when grilling to give your foods a unique flavor.
    


38. Freeze leftover tea in an ice cube tray. Use these tea ice cubes the next time you need to cool iced tea.
    


39. Use a large sachet bag or small lingerie bag and stuff the bath bag with your favorite teas and herbs. Add salts, oils or flowers to enhance your bath.
    


40. A strong foot bath of black tea will strengthen the pads of a dogs feet
    


41. To eliminate food odors on hands, especially fish odors, rinse hands with tea
    


42. Clean Persian and Oriental carpets by sprinkling nearly dry tea leaves on it and then sweeping them away
    


43. To heal plantar warts, place a hot wet teabag on it for 15 minutes a day
    


44. Hot teabags make an excellent compress for the eyes to soothe pinkeye
    


45. Place hot teabags on canker sores or fever blisters to draw out infections
    


46. Wash face with tea to cure acne
    


47. Cold, wet teabags will soothe bee stings and insect bites


48. Sip a warm cup of spearmint tea to soothe nausea or stomach. Great for pregnant women suffering from morning sickness


49. Take an old pair pantyhose, add used pieces of soap, and tea leaves for a great body scrub.


50. Tea dye paper for an antique look when making custom cards.

Only 12 Days Left!

Become a fan here at Tea Time with Liv and follow us for your chance to win a FREE gift pack of tea and scone mix from Teaporia in your choice of flavors!

Invite your friends and earn an extra entry for each friend. Tweet, Blog, Facebook us, and more and you can earn even more entries! (please note where you have shared us for verification to earn entries)


Want even more? I am giving away 5 sample packs of tea from Teaporia!

Tweet about us, comment, invite your friends, and learn about tea.

All entries will be accepted until October 31, 2009. All entries will be tallied the first week of November. All winners of the free gift pack and sample packs announced November 8, 2009.

Good luck! Here's to a teariffic day!

Mesh Pincer Spoon

Loose tea does not have to be intimidating. A simple infuser such as a mesh pincer spoon make tea brewing easy.

A mesh pincer spoon allows loose tea leaves to fully expand for a great cup of tea. Ideally suited for use in teapot, teacup, or pitcher.

Just add 1 tablespoon of loose tea and steep as directed. Works best for single cups but can brew up to 24oz of tea.

Save used tea leaves and use again. Because loose tea is higher quality tea you can brew more than once up to 3 times total. Black teas work best when infusing multiple times.

You can order a pincer spoon and other tea accessories at Teaporia

Tea Cookies

Tea Cookies

* 1 cup butter, softened
* 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
* 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 pinch salt
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
* 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar for dusting

1. Beat together the butter and confectioners' sugar till creamy. Add vanilla.
2. Mix the dry ingredients, stir into creamy mixture. Blend well.
3. Add the nuts, mix well, roll the dough out into two balls. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
4. Flatten dough out and cut into 15 or 20 equal size pieces, shape into balls. Place on an non-greased cookie sheet.
5. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 10 to 12 minutes till firm but not brown. While still warm roll into confectioners' sugar, let cool and roll again.

The Buckingham Palace Garden Party tea from Teaporia is a great pairing with this delicate cookie

Dying with Tea

Tea dying is a great way to be creative. You can dye curtains, place mats, paper, colored lace, dolls, shoes, sheets, even eggs. Tea comes in a variety of colors giving you a wonderful array of colors to use.

Tea dying works best with white, beige or light colored items but try even dark colors. It will change the color in subtle ways. Experiment and see what you love.

Something fun is tie dying with tea in various colors. Black tea gives a beautiful beige, raspberry is a lovely pink/red, and green give a delicate pastel olive, chamomile can give hint of yellow.

Use masking tape on table cloths to create squares or stripes. Use single tea bags to stencil wording on walls, fabric, paper. Tea dye old lace and wrap handmade cards for a great gift.

Don't worry about using unused tea. Save those used tea leaves and tea bags. Its a great way to get more than just one use out of those tea leaves.

The best way to tea dye fabric is with boiling water. Use this tea dying time guide and adjust as needed:

10 minutes for light color
30 minutes for medium color
1 hour for darkest color

Stir fabric and water often to ensure more even color. About every 5 minutes. Do not boil on stove. Just use boiling water.

You may soak longer if needed. When finished dying, place in dyer to set the color or use an iron just before fully dry to set the color. If your fabric item is too dark, wash with laundry detergent before drying to lighten the color.

Have fun with it. Try different teas and see what colors you get.

Who Invented theTeabag?

Legend has it that Thomas Sullivan, a tea importer from New York City was angry at the high cost of tin boxes that he used to send samples to his customers. Around 1904 Thomas Sullivan switched to small cloth bags. It was intended for the recipient to remove the loose tea for brewing. One recipient that received the cloth bag, brewed a pot of tea by simply pouring hot water over the bag — and the rest is history.

The first tea bags were made of hand-sewn muslin. Modern tea bags are typically a paper fiber that is heat sealed. Heat sealing teabags was invented by William Hermanson. In its early years, teabags resembled small sacks. In 1944 the rectangular tea bag was invented.

Many tea lovers consider the tea bag one of the worst inventions of the 20th century since tea that is brewed loose, is generally much tastier than tea make from dunking teabags.

Many of today's tea bags contain fannings, the leftovers, after whole tea leaves have been sorted and selected for loose tea packaging. There are a few premium companies today, such as Teaporia, who use whole tea leaves in their tea bags providing a optimal flavor.

Caffeine

Many households drink caffeinated beverages on a regular basis without worry or awareness. Others are concerned for various reasons and because of this watch their caffeine intake regularly.

To help aid those concerned about the amount of caffeine consumed in daily beverages, here is a quick chart:

Caffeine Per 6-oz. cup in Milligrams

Espresso(2 oz)
60-90 mg

Drip coffee
60-180 mg

Black tea
25-110 mg

Oolong tea
12-55 mg

Green tea
8-16 mg

Herbal tea
0 mg

Spearmint Tea

A pungent cool fresh taste that takes your breath away. It is savored for its refreshingly light aroma and natural, caffeine-free flavor. Spearmint tea can be enjoyed hot or cold. Spearmint is similar to peppermint but less potent.

Best enjoyed after meals, spearmint tea has been told to help stop heartburn, as well as relieve pain due to gas and bloating. Spearmint tea is also a good nausea and stomach ache soother. This is great for moms to be that are suffering from morning sickness.

Spearmint tea has also been known to aid in the natural digestion of food. This mint tea is also relaxing and helps calm nerves. Spearmint has been used to relieve headaches and tension for years. Next time you are having a stressful day, have a cup of Spearmint Tea.

Shop Teaporia for Spearmint tea and all your favorite necessi-TEAS!

Pumpkin Pie Squares

Pumpkin Pie Squares

* 1/2 cup butter, softened
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup rolled oats
* 2 eggs
* 3/4 cup white sugar
* 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
* 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Mix in flour. Fold in oats. Press into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Bake in preheated oven 15 minutes, until set.
4. In a large bowl, beat eggs with white sugar. Beat in pumpkin and evaporated milk. Mix in salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Pour over baked crust.
5. Bake in preheated oven 20 minutes, until set. Let cool before cutting into squares.

Pair with your favorite Chai Tea from Teaporia

Paint Me

If you have a little girl in your life (daughter, niece, granddaughter, sister, godchild) this is a wonderful gift. Not only do you get to share in the childhood memories that last a lifetime, you share in the special time creating a tea set all her own. This will be her very special unique set that nobody else has. Nothing is more special than that.


When you are done with creating that special tea set, have a party! Brew some yummy bubble gum tea with REAL bubble gum. This tea combines a smooth caramel flavor with a strawberry and lemon character to create a taste sensation for the younger ones all their own. Please remember to REMOVE the gum BEFORE brewing.

Order a set for the holidays. What little girl doesn't love tea parties!

Shop Teaporia for all your necessi-TEAS!

Selecting a Teapot

A good teapot keeps brewing water hot for faster infusion, and it retains the heat so the steeped tea stays hot.

When choosing a teapot, pay special attention to the spout. The top of the spout should come up to the same level as the top of the pot so the pot can be filled without tea spilling out of the spout. Also look at the spout opening. More elongated ones are less likely to drip. Round pots are the easiest to clean out. When selecting one, run your fingers up the inside of the pot. Avoid pots with a prominent ridge on the inside as the wet leaves will catch there when you try to scoop them out.

Know the type of teapot you need. Are you wanting a teapot that sits on the stove or one to fill with boiling water. Not all teapots can be placed on direct heat and can damage the teapot and heating surface.

If you do not typically make tea for more than 1, opt for an all in one teapot. These are smaller giving you enough water for 2 cups of tea and includes a teacup w/ saucer.

Recycle your teapots and teacups!

Give away teapots you are no longer using provided they are in good condition. Use chipped teapots, ones that are missing lids, or teapots that you no longer use, as centerpieces. Fill them up with flowers, fruit or candy arrangements. They make excellent centerpieces since they are the perfect height for uninterrupted conversation at tea time or other meals! Old teacups are great for holding candles. Glue cups are saucers together, drill a hole in the bottom, and plant single flowers. These look great on the windowsill. Keep on your dresser to hold rings or collect the change that jingles in your pocket.

Have a tea break and treat yourself to a new teapot from Teaporia.