teaspoons & petals

introducing teaspoons & petals' spring haiku teacup collection: alice in wonderland

Can you believe that spring has sprung? blooming trees are gracing us with their delicate petals and the warm sunshine is making my heart skip a beat. I've been celebrating the floral beauties with cups of flowering tea and dreams of summer tea picnics.

As the months changed from crisp air to an occasional warm breeze, I immersed myself in everything Alice...In Wonderland. From paging through vintage books, taking a peek at the 1950's animated film, treating my eyes to the first-ever film version from 1903, seeking out mad tea party sweets, participating in a mad tea soap party, to planning a mad tea party at a local museum, I've been soaking in her wondrous world. This magical story inspired the theme for my 2010 spring haiku teacup collection. So I'd like to introduce my Alice in Wonderland line (now available on etsy)...

wondrous land awaits

enchanted forests and tea

alice sleeps to dream

drink me, dear alice

graceful fall to wonderland

pocket watch gleaming

 

hatter, hare and mouse

teapot orchestra whistles

a mad time for tea

much love to my friend and fabulous photographer,Courtney Apple, who creatively styled & photographed the Alice trio.

tea today & giveaway: rishi organic dragon well

As spring air soars throughout Philadelphia, my tea taste buds are craving fresh aromas and flavors. Fortunately, the lovely folks at Rishi Tea sent me a sample of their fabulous Organic Dragon Well.

The pan-fired dry leaves are a visual delight with their vibrant shades of green, mimicking nature’s blooming trees. First sip: the toasted grassy notes are rich and robust. The deep green flavor is fresh and smooth.

According to Rishi: “Dragon Well (Long Jing) is the most famous Chinese green tea, named after the Dragon’s Well landmark in the West lake area of the Zhejiang, where the tea originated. Dragon Well is a pan-fired green tea flat fried by hand in large woks one small batch at a time. This artisan processing technique yields a tea with leaves shaped like the blade of a sword.”

This savory Chinese green tea offers a roasted sensory experience, as its light & grassy aroma/flavor rapidly evolves on the palate. The delicate grassy notes complement and capture spring’s vivacious season, while the roasted, rich flavor comforts the body and soul during April’s damp days.

For those craving this classic Chinese treat, you are in luck. Rishi kindly sent me a second sample to share with my readers. So, here is your challenge: leave a comment with your favorite quote about spring & nature between now and April 30th. On May 1st, I will choose my favorite submission and send away the Organic Dragon Well for the inspiring winner to enjoy. Good luck!

a tea grows in brooklyn: barley tea & honey lollipop

As I stepped into the historic Williamsburgh Savings Bank for my first Sunday Brooklyn Flea experience, I couldn't help but wonder which creative pieces would inspire my creativity and what amazing flavors would captivate my taste buds?

After an hour of strolling down the wondrous aisles while peering at artistry-at-work, I was seeking a sweet treat as my parting gift. Making my way to the food vendors in the lower level, I was struck by the sight of a glowing amber treat on Liddabit Sweet's table of homemade sweets. I would soon learn that the sugary goodie that caught my eye was a Barley tea & honey lollipop. This unique treat is handmade in small batches in Brooklyn with roasted barley and Andrew's local honey.

First taste: The roasted barley comes though first with a punch of nutty flavor, which eventually gives way to the rich sweetness of the honey. Take note of the deep barley flavor in the first few licks since the honey tends to dominate the flavor over time, coating the taste buds. Such a unique flavor pairing that is sure to soothe a sweet craving or sore throat.

I recommend pairing it with a cup of Genmaicha to further the roasted nutty flavor experience.

tea party tip: planning a sit-down tea party? use these lollipops instead of place cards by tying a kraft hang tag adorned with each name.

p.s. many thanks so my dear friend, Sara, for planning my birthday Brooklyn visit.

floral notes: capturing the garden in one sip

A few hours ago, I had the pleasure of attending Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Evening Lecture: A Garden Well Placed (a wonderful birthday extension after yesterday's cherry blossom festival in Philadelphia). 

The title itself captured my attention and imagination as I waited for Xa Tollemache, an award-winning garden designer, to find her way into the podium light. Her thoughtful words and awe-inspiring artistry of the earth grounded me further in my passion for the garden.

One particular design that Lady Tollemache created was that of the Millennium Garden at Castle Hill in Devon. The beautiful path, shown above, is edged with Lavender Grosso. I can almost imagine walking along the path intoxicated by the fragrant aroma.

This delightful perennial is among one of my favorite natural beauties. The deep purple and blues swaying in summer winds as its soothing fragrance lingers. Although I find myself most connected to lavender's calm as I steep its delicate buds.

Inspired by Lady Tollemache's words, "We should all garden as though we will live forever," I plan to scour my local garden shop for the most perfect lavender to plant in my urban oasis. I hope to soon be sipping the floral tisane as I watch my patch of green blossom and dream of Lady Tollemache's earthly wonders.

tea today: Giada De Laurentiis' Ginger-Tea Lemonade

(photo courtesy of FotoosVanRobin)

I adore ginger. No matter how you slice it, dice it, dry it or candy it, this aromatic root is incredibly versatile and absolutely delicious!

During the chilly months I cure my winter blues by steeping white tea with fresh slices of ginger (and now & then I'll add some local honey for a sweet treat). This spicy steep warms me to the core and adds a bit of zip to the gray, snowy days.

But now that we've skipped into the month of April, my palate is thirsting for something sweet & cool. Last summer, I stumbled upon an icy ginger staple while perusing Giada De Laurentiis' delectable recipes. Giada's Ginger-Tea Lemonade is at the top of my must-make iced tea list for the warm months of 2010.

The tang of refreshing citrus and burst of spicy ginger are anchored by the hearty black tea.

Ice away my fellow steepsters:

Giada De Laurentiis' Ginger-Tea Lemonade

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 3 black tea bags, preferably English breakfast tea
• 1 1/3 cups Ginger Simple Syrup, recipe follows
• 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice, from about 3 lemons
• 1 cup sparkling water or club soda, chilled
• 2 cups ice
• Lemon slices, for garnish, optional

Directions

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat. Remove the pan from the heat and add the tea bags. Stir and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes. Remove the tea bags and discard. Add the Ginger Simple Syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling water.

Put the ice in a large pitcher. Pour the lemonade mixture over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices and serve.

Ginger Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped

In a small saucepan, over medium heat, combine the sugar, water and ginger. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool, about 20 minutes. Strain before using.