Thursday, October 30, 2014

Chamomile, Lemon and Poppy Seed Muffins


Tea and muffins go together like t-sleeve® and teabags. These Chamomile, Lemon and Poppy Seed Muffins are great for serving at a brunch or to nibble on while having tea with a good friend. This recipe serves 12 so if you're having more than 5 people over you may want to make a double batch, they go so quickly. Enjoy this Chamomile, Lemon and Poppy Seed Muffins recipe provided for you below.
Ingredients
  • 250 ml (1 cup) whole milk
  • 3 tsp loose leaf Chamomile tea or 4 tea bags
  • 375 grams (2½ cups) self-raising flour, sifted
  • 155 grams (3/4 cup) caster sugar
  • 3 tbsp poppy seeds
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 125 grams butter, melted
  • 2 eggs, lightly whisked
  • To glaze or serve: lemon curd
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 180 C (350 F) and line a 12 hole muffin tin with liners or baking paper squares.
  2. In a small saucepan over low heat, bring the milk to a light simmer and add the Chamomile. Bring to a boil then set aside to infuse and cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, place the sifted flour, caster sugar and poppy seeds and stir to combine.
  4. Add the melted butter, lemon juice, zest and eggs to the dry ingredients.
  5. Using a sieve gently strain the milk from the tea leaves (if using bags skip this step) and add to the batter.
  6. Gently fold the batter, being careful not to overwork it.
  7. Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin cases.
  8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean - the muffins will continue to cook upon standing so be careful not to leave them in too long.
  9. Remove muffins onto a baking rack and let cool.
  10. Whilst the muffins are cooling, in a small saucepan over low heat, place 4 tablespoons of lemon curd and 1 tablespoon of water and heat until softened and runny.
  11. With a pastry brush gently glaze the tops of the slightly warm muffins.

SRC: Find more information and photos of these Chamomile, Lemon and Poppy Seed Muffins at: www.butterandbrioche.com/chamomile-lemon-poppy-seed-muffins/

Monday, October 27, 2014

Pumpkin Teapot Cozy

This Pumpkin Teapot cozy is so sweet and festive. If you crochet and knit then this is a fun project to try to replicate. Otherwise if you enjoy this cozy and want to buy one they are available to purchase here. Read the item details for this Pumpkin Teapot cozy below.
This is a colorful tea cosy shaped like a gorgeous pumpkin. Dedicated to Halloween, can be used and enjoyed in every season! Surprise your friends with this lovely pumpkin tea-cosy!
It fastens beneath the handle with a wooden botton.
The item is not available at the moment, it is made to ORDER within maximum 1 week.
Knitted and crocheted. Material: wool 55%, acrylic 45%. Size: it fits a 4 cups teapot and can be slightly adapted as for its soft shape: approx. circumference cm 50, height cm 17.
SRC: Find this Pumpkin Teapot Cozy and more at: www.etsy.com/listing/84483631/pumpkin-tea-cosy

Pumpkin Spice Tea Latte


We always hear about the Pumpkin Spice Lattes at the various coffee shops this time of year. This recipe is for the pumpkin spice appreciators who drink tea. While it is recommended to use Celestial Seasonings Sweet Harvest Pumpkin Tea, if you have a different brand in mind with a pumpkin flavor, go ahead and give it a try. Enjoy the Pumpkin Spice "La Tea" version by following the instructions below.
Ingredients
  • 2-3 bags Celestial Seasonings Sweet Harvest Pumpkin Tea
  • 1 cup milk
  • Pinch cinnamon
Instructions
If you have an espresso machine: Clean your machine’s coffee basket thoroughly. Cut open 3 tea bags, pour tea into basket and compress as if it were coffee. Brew a single “shot” and pour into coffee mug. Steam milk using wand and pour over brewed tea. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Without espresso machine: In a medium saucepan, gently heat milk over low heat until very warm but not boiling. Add 2 tea bags and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat, remove tea bags. Using a whisk, beat milk until it foams. Pour into coffee mug and sprinkle with cinnamon.  

SRC: Read more about the inspiration for this Pumpkin Spice Tea Latte recipe at: dineanddish.net/2014/10/tea-time-pumpkin-spice-tea-latte-recipe/

Cute Tea Costume

This tea bag costume is pretty cute on this toddler, but I think anyone could look good in this. The best part of this Halloween costume is the brand of tea can be customized to represent your favorite tea. Use a pillowcase for the bag, the side of a tea box and thin rope for the string, then some stuffing on an inside pocket to finish the tea bag look. If your really creative maybe you could create a t-sleeve® costume, if you do please share a photo with us at: www.facebook.com/tsleeve. Read what the grandmother who originated this look thought about her design below.
"My grandaughter is 2 and didn't ask to be a tea bag. I just thought of the idea, and it's so adorable."   
SRC: View 73 more Homemade Toddler Costumes at: www.parenting.com/gallery/homemade-toddler-costumes?page=68

Autumn Tea Recipe

Ingredients
  • 5 Tea Bags
  • 5 Cups Boiling Water
  • 5 cups unsweetened apple juice
  • 2 cups cranberry juice
  • ½ cup sugar (or more to taste)
  • ⅓ cup lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • A dash of cinnamon
Instructions
  1. Place the tea bags in a large heat-proof bowl.
  2. Add boiling water.
  3. Cover and steep for 8 minutes.
  4. Discard tea bags.
  5. Add the remaining ingredients; stir until sugar is dissolved.
  6. Serve warm or cold over ice.
  7. Yield 3 quarts.

What better time for Autumn Tea than the week of Halloween. With natural flavors of apple, cranberry and pumpkin spice it is no wonder why this tea is named after Autumn. This tea can be served warm or cold depending on your preference and if your feeling generous a kids version could be made by using caffeine-free tea. Find your Autumn tea ingredient list and instructions below.

Ingredients:
  • 5 Tea Bags
  • 5 Cups Boiling Water
  • 5 Cups unsweetened apple juice
  • 2 Cups cranberry juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar (or more to taste)
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • A dash of cinnamon

Instructions:
  1. Place the tea bags in a large heat-proof bowl
  2. Add boiling water
  3. Cover and steep for 8 minutes
  4. Discard tea bags
  5. Add the remaining ingredients; stir until sugar is dissolved
  6. Serve warm or over ice
  7. Yield 3 quarts
SRC: Find a recipe to make your own Pumpkin Pie Spice and more about Autumn Tea at: www.stockpilingmoms.com/2013/10/autumn-tea-recipe/#_a5y_p=1029261
Ingredients
  • 5 Tea Bags
  • 5 Cups Boiling Water
  • 5 cups unsweetened apple juice
  • 2 cups cranberry juice
  • ½ cup sugar (or more to taste)
  • ⅓ cup lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • A dash of cinnamon
Instructions
  1. Place the tea bags in a large heat-proof bowl.
  2. Add boiling water.
  3. Cover and steep for 8 minutes.
  4. Discard tea bags.
  5. Add the remaining ingredients; stir until sugar is dissolved.
  6. Serve warm or cold over ice.
  7. Yield 3 quarts
- See more at: http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2013/10/autumn-tea-recipe/#_a5y_p=1029261
Ingredients
  • 5 Tea Bags
  • 5 Cups Boiling Water
  • 5 cups unsweetened apple juice
  • 2 cups cranberry juice
  • ½ cup sugar (or more to taste)
  • ⅓ cup lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • A dash of cinnamon
Instructions
  1. Place the tea bags in a large heat-proof bowl.
  2. Add boiling water.
  3. Cover and steep for 8 minutes.
  4. Discard tea bags.
  5. Add the remaining ingredients; stir until sugar is dissolved.
  6. Serve warm or cold over ice.
  7. Yield 3 quarts
- See more at: http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2013/10/autumn-tea-recipe/#_a5y_p=1029261
Ingredients
  • 5 Tea Bags
  • 5 Cups Boiling Water
  • 5 cups unsweetened apple juice
  • 2 cups cranberry juice
  • ½ cup sugar (or more to taste)
  • ⅓ cup lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • A dash of cinnamon
Instructions
  1. Place the tea bags in a large heat-proof bowl.
  2. Add boiling water.
  3. Cover and steep for 8 minutes.
  4. Discard tea bags.
  5. Add the remaining ingredients; stir until sugar is dissolved.
  6. Serve warm or cold over ice.
  7. Yield 3 quarts.
- See more at: http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2013/10/autumn-tea-recipe/#_a5y_p=1029261

Monday, October 20, 2014

Meet t-sleeve® at PDXchange

Meet the Maker event at pdXchange will be hosting t-sleeve® maker Julie Forrest. Come learn about t-sleeve® and how it allows your favorite tea to be prepared anywhere on the go. Read details about the Meet the Maker event at pdXchange below.
We invite you for a holiday preview! We are stocked up with gifts galore and are featuring some of our local artisans and their best creations. Meet some of the artists in person and join in a night of shopping and conversation! 10% of the night's sales benefit - Education for Equality International. Receive a hand crafted gift with purchase too! (while supplies last) (Light refreshments served)
Just "Feed it, Steep it, Squeeze it, Go!" learn more at: www.tsleeve.com

Education for Equality International

Education for Equality International will receive 10% of sales from the Meet The Maker event held at pdxChange - Fair and Square. This is an opportunity to meet the makers of select products sold at the pdxChange in Portland, Oregon. Meet the Maker will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday October 22nd, 2014. Don't miss your change to meet Julie Forrest the maker of t-sleeve® and many more makers. Learn more about t-sleeve® and all it can do for you at: www.tsleeve.com. Read about what the Education for Equality International is doing below.
EEI is developing "Brave New Girl", a leadership skills curriculum for teen girls to learn conflict resolution, peacebuilding, nonviolence, and gender equality advocacy. Through this program we will also support tuition and education assistance for girls who have dropped out of school or who are at risk of dropping out due to financial difficulties.
Our founder has built a strong relationship with an NGO in the Barmer District of Rajasthan, India. Lok Kalyan Sansthan has been a leading organization that has focused on social, economical, and political empowerment of marginalized communities in some of the most remote areas of Rajasthan. Together we are united to support and empower young girls! 
 SRC: Learn more about Education for Equality International at: www.eduequal.org/what-we-do.html

Meet the Maker of t-sleeve®


Meet the Maker event at pdXchange will be hosting t-sleeve® maker Julie Forrest. Come learn about t-sleeve® and how it allows your favorite tea to be prepared anywhere on the go. Read details about the Meet the Maker event at pdXchange below.
We invite you for a holiday preview!We are stocked up with gifts galore and are featuring some of our local artisans and their best creations.Meet some of the artists in person and join in a night of shopping and conversation!10% of the night's sales benefit - Education for Equality InternationalReceive a hand crafted gift with purchase too! (while supplies last)(Light refreshments served)
Just "Feed it, Steep it, Squeeze it, Go!" learn more at: www.tsleeve.com/product-details.html

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Meet the Maker Event at pdXchange

PdXchange will be hosting a Meet The Maker event on Wednesday October 22nd between 5 and 9 pm. This is a great opportunity to get your holiday preview! They are stocked up with gifts galore and are featuring some of our local artisans and their best creations. For this event 10% of sales will go to the Education for Equality International. While supplies last, attendees will receive a hand crafted gift with their purchase. Snacks and light refreshments will be provided during the meeting of the makers. Check out the list below of Makers that will be attending this pdXchange event. 
Meet some of the artists in person and join in a night of shopping and conversation! Listed are the artists that will be joining us!

Education for Equality International

Scrapcycling - Michelle Adam

Wee Mindings - Isla Wilson

Raison Ethique - Caryn Dougherty

Karen Culture Weavers

Photography by Jon – Jon Steiner
Jon4efan2@yahoo.com

A Little Sun – Jessica Soleil

YoshiniG Creative - Yoshini Gunawardena

Tsleeve – Julie Forrest
SRC: Learn more about the Education for Equality International organization that this Meet The Maker event will be benefiting at: www.eduequal.org/

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Honey Lemon Ginger Cinnamon Tea


With the cold and flu season affecting your neighbors, friends and family you'll want to prevent your body from a germ invasion. Honey Lemon Ginger Cinnamon Tea is a power tea that prevents and defends your body from those nasty intruding colds that come around every year. Cinnomon is great for relieving symptoms of colds and flu and has remarkable anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties which is why it has been used by many ancient cultures and is still in use today. Ginger is great in this tea not just for flavor but also for that nausous feeling that comes with the flu. Read the benefits of honey and lemon below and hopfully you find this power tea before your body come downs with a cold or flu. 
Honey exhibits skin healing and antiseptic properties. Antimicrobial agents found in honey help prevent infections by eliminating bacteria in and around wounds. Many types of bacteria cannot live in honey so wounds heal, swelling calms down and tissue can grow back. Due to its ability to attract water, honey helps rehydrate dry skin. It can also help relieve sunburn pain and accelerate the healing process.
When added to tea, lemon juice can provide many health benefits. Lemon juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin which helps heal wounds and repair and maintain bones and teeth. As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps fight rogue molecules called free radicals that damage DNA and may contribute to the development of health problems, including cancer, arthritis and heart disease. According to the UMMC, studies suggest that vitamin C may help boost immune system function. Lemons contain bioflavonoids that help maintain adequate levels of vitamin C in every cell of your body.
An easy-to-prepare, soothing, fun and delicious traditional cold remedy. Use fresh, organic ingredients and raw local honey for best results:

1 teaspoon honey.
1/8-1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.
A few slices of fresh lemon.
A few thin slices of fresh ginger.

Learn more about this Honey Lemon Ginger Cinnamon Tea at: ww.herbs-info.com/natural-remedies-for-colds-and-flu.html


An easy-to-prepare, soothing, fun and delicious traditional cold remedy. Use fresh, organic ingredients and raw local honey for best results:
1 teaspoon honey.
1/8-1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.
A few slices of fresh lemon.
A few thin slices of fresh ginger.

An easy-to-prepare, soothing, fun and delicious traditional cold remedy. Use fresh, organic ingredients and raw local honey for best results:
1 teaspoon honey.
1/8-1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.
A few slices of fresh lemon.
A few thin slices of fresh ginger.
An easy-to-prepare, soothing, fun and delicious traditional cold remedy. Use fresh, organic ingredients and raw local honey for best results:
1 teaspoon honey.
1/8-1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.
A few slices of fresh lemon.
A few thin slices of fresh ginger.
- See more at: http://www.herbs-info.com/natural-remedies-for-colds-and-flu.html#sthash.F72HUpgQ.dpuf

Elderberry Tea

Cold and Flu season has arrived and if you enjoy naturally protecting yourself from illness you must read more about Elderberry Tea. Elderberry Tea can break up your fever, eliminate the chills and headaches related to flu symptoms, it also assists in clearing up congestion in your lungs, a common effect of the common cold. Elderberry Tea is one of the more potent anti-inflammatory prescriptions from mother nature as well as antioxidant and loaded with vitamins. Don't get caught with a cold or flu without your tea cupboard stocked up with Elderberry Tea and your t-sleeves®, incase your cold catches while on the go. Read more about the health benefits of Elderberry Tea below.
A cold / flu remedy with a "cult following", elderberry has been highly regarded since ancient times as one of the most powerful remedies against influenza, herpes and colds - either before or during infection.
This tradition has been upheld by several very positive scientific trials - a couple of examples:
One randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial (2004) found influenza recovery times cut by an average of 4 days across 60 patients - a very impressive result.
A 2009 In vitro (lab) study also found that Elderberry flavonoids prevented infection with the dangerous H1N1 ("swine flu") strain.
SRC: Learn more about these Elderberry Tea studies at: www.herbs-info.com/natural-remedies-for-colds-and-flu.html

A cold / flu remedy with a "cult following", elderberry has been highly regarded since ancient times as one of the most powerful remedies against influenza, herpes and colds - either before or during infection.
This tradition has been upheld by several very positive scientific trials - a couple of examples:
One randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial (2004) found influenza recovery times cut by an average of 4 days across 60 patients - a very impressive result.
A 2009 In vitro (lab) study also found that Elderberry flavonoids prevented infection with the dangerous H1N1 ("swine flu") strain.
Elderberry extracts are readily available online - here are links to order on Amazon:
Nature's Answer Sambucus Super Concentrated, Black Elder Berry, 8-Ounce, Glass
Sambucol Original Liquid Black Elderberry 7.8 fl.oz
*NOTE: Elderberry is generally considered safe but If you're collecting your own berries, you MUST know your species, because some red berried Elders are poisonous.
- See more at: http://www.herbs-info.com/natural-remedies-for-colds-and-flu.html#sthash.F72HUpgQ.dpuf
A cold / flu remedy with a "cult following", elderberry has been highly regarded since ancient times as one of the most powerful remedies against influenza, herpes and colds - either before or during infection.
This tradition has been upheld by several very positive scientific trials - a couple of examples:
One randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial (2004) found influenza recovery times cut by an average of 4 days across 60 patients - a very impressive result.
A 2009 In vitro (lab) study also found that Elderberry flavonoids prevented infection with the dangerous H1N1 ("swine flu") strain.
Elderberry extracts are readily available online - here are links to order on Amazon:
Nature's Answer Sambucus Super Concentrated, Black Elder Berry, 8-Ounce, Glass
Sambucol Original Liquid Black Elderberry 7.8 fl.oz
*NOTE: Elderberry is generally considered safe but If you're collecting your own berries, you MUST know your species, because some red berried Elders are poisonous.
- See more at: http://www.herbs-info.com/natural-remedies-for-colds-and-flu.html#sthash.F72HUpgQ.dpuf

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Chamomile Healing Body Scrub

You do not want to miss out on this Chamomile Healing Body Scrub. This is easy to make at home, uses natural ingredients and will do wonders for your skin. Chamomile has many beneficial properties including it's natural cleansing properties, natural skin lightening agent which is great for acne scares, it is also very soothing for skin irritations and sunburns. These are just some of the reasons this Chamomile Healing Body Scrub recipe is so effective. Give this recipe below a try and your body will thank you.
Take one cup of raw sugar and mix in equal parts of brewed chamomile tea and jojoba oil. Next, add a tablespoon of lemon juice and a few drops of vitamin E. This recipe is gentle enough to not cause further skin irritation, while getting rid of the dark or red spots inflammation often causes.
SRC: Learn waht inspired Kristin Jackson of Bustle to create this body scrub at: www.bustle.com/articles/41985-the-benefits-of-chamomile-tea-go-way-beyond-soothing-your-cold-3-beauty-recipes-to

Cinnamon Anise Tea


This Cinnamon Anise Tea was posted by Anncia on Just A Pinch Recipes. The recipe includes 2 tsp of anise seeds, which provide a sweet "licorice-like" aromatic taste. The anise seen has historically been used as a spice, fragrance and as a treatment of digestive problems and for pain relief. This might be the new tea flavor you have been looking for. Enjoy the Cinnamon Anise Tea recipe below.
Serves: 2
Prep Time: 5 Min
Cook Time: 5 Min
Cooking Method: Stove Top

Ingredients:

  • 3 c water
  • 2 tsp anise seeds
  • 3 inches cinnamon stick
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • 2 black tea bags

Directions:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients, except tea bags, and bring to a boil.
  2. Allow to simmer for three minutes.
  3. Strain.
  4. Pour liquid into serving cups with one tea bag each and allow to steep for three minutes or to desired strength.
  5. Serve hot.
SRC: Find more Just A Pinch recipes at: www.justapinch.com/recipes/drink/drink-non-alcoholic-drink/cinnamon-anise-tea.html?co=a&cpage=1

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Strawberry Green Tea


This Strawberry Green Tea is great for sipping all day long. It takes ten minutes to create this delicious liquid and makes six servings. If you have not tried green tea with a flavorful fruit addition this recipe is a must try for you. Grab your ingredient list and instructions below.
Ingredients
1 Pint Strawberries, washed and hulled
1 Cup Sugar (to taste)
5 Cups Water
5 Bigelow Green Tea with Lemon tea bags
Instructions Place hulled strawberries in blender and puree until smooth. Pour in medium saucepan and add sugar.  Bring to boil.  Remove from heat and set aside to cool.  Bring 5 cups cold water to a boil.  Pour over 5 tea bags and let brew for 5 minutes.
Mix strawberry mixture and green tea together and chill.
Serve chilled over ice. 
SRC:  To find more Bigelow tea recipes visit: www.bigelowtea.com/Tea-Tips/For-Entertaining/Recipes/Beverages/Strawberry-Green-Tea-Recipe#.VDQ-vBbNsfg 

Become A Tea Taster


In a recent advertisement tea tasting was described as "the best job in the country but one that few know exists". This job position would provide the opportunity to travel the world and drink tea while getting paid. You do not just wake up and apply for this job, it takes five years to train a palate to identify the origin and blend of each sample, blindfolded. If this is something you are interested in don't let the palate training time discourage you. If you have ever had a cup of tea you already have some progress made. Read more about this exciting Tea Tasting around the world job position below.
New recruits on a starting salary of around £25,000 spend their first months sipping their way through hundreds of spoonfuls of tea a day under the eye of a supervisor, memorising the names and groups of leaves and mastering the bespoke language used by different tea companies to describe them. Imbibing is only a small part of the job, however. In order to balance what they taste with the realities of the market, trainees have to understand the full process of the tea trade from crop planting to the supermarket shelves. They are drilled in presenting market reports at the weekly buying meetings in which that week’s purchases are recited and forecasts for future prices, availability and demand discussed. Then, after detailed courses on blending different varieties to suit public demand, comes a lengthy training trip overseas to study the manufacturing process and how tea is bought and sold and to meet the network of traders that they will ultimately do business with.
SRC: Read more about How to become a tea taster at: www.theguardian.com/money/2014/oct/07/how-do-i-become-tea-taster

Monday, October 6, 2014

Halloween Tea

Halloween is coming up and why not let your cup of tea celebrate. With the fun seasonal flavors in this blend it is a must try. The 3oz pouch is $10 which breaks down to .27 per cup. Read more about the Happy Halloween Tea Blend below.
This Happy Halloween blend consist of different flavors over the years when I was a kid. These flavors consist of orange, chocolate chip and masala chai black teas. This blend is awsome, because it somehow taste like a candy pumpkin pie. (just perfect taste and not too sweet) THIS BLEND HAS BEEN TESTED and TASTED. During halloween season...halloween flavors run out Very Fast. Get yours and a tin to create memories...for you and friends and family.    
SRC: Find your Happy Halloween Tea Blend at: www.adagio.com/signature_blend/blend.html?blend=43613

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Pistachio Chai Muffins


These Pistachio Chai Muffins are a delicious way to expose picky children to healthy flavors. With everyone having different preferences, this recipe is a great starting point with adjustments to the spices and icing as your taste buds see fit. Many people have reviewed this recipe with their version of the best ingredient proportions, take a look at those review here before you start. Find the starting point ingredient list and directions for Pistachio Chai Muffins below.
Ingredients
    7.9 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 3/4 cups) $
    1/2 cup packed brown sugar
    1 teaspoon baking powder
    1 teaspoon baking soda
    1/4 teaspoon salt
    2 chai blend tea bags, opened
    1 cup low-fat buttermilk
    1/4 cup butter, melted $
    1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
    1 large egg, lightly beaten $
    Cooking spray
    1/3 cup shelled dry-roasted pistachios, chopped
    1/2 cup powdered sugar
    1 tablespoon water 
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 375°.
    2. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 4 ingredients (through salt) in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Cut open tea bags; add tea to flour mixture, stirring well. Make a well in center of mixture. Combine buttermilk, butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and egg in a bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.
    3. Place 12 muffin-cup liners in muffin cups; coat liners with cooking spray. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle nuts evenly over batter. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes in pan on a wire rack.
    4. Combine remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon water, stirring until smooth. Drizzle evenly over muffins.
SRC: Learn more about these Pistachio Chai Muffins at: www.myrecipes.com/recipe/pistachio-chai-muffins-50400000111987/

Coconutty Thai Iced Tea


This Coconutty Thai Iced Tea is a sweet treat for your taste buds. With only 2 tsp of sugar you can feel good about this beverage tasting like a candy bar without the caloric damage. The light coconut milk will not fit in your t-sleeve® so this is a recipe is better suited for preparing at home. Grab your ingredient list and procedures for preparing it below.
Ingredients 
2 bags black tea
    2 cups water
    1 cup light coconut milk
    2 teaspoons sugar
    1/4 cup shaved or shredded coconut (to rim glass)
 Procedures
  1. Boil water and let tea steep 3-5 minutes. Stir in sugar, and allow tea to cool to room temperature.
  2. Dip the corner of a folded paper towel in coconut milk, and brush evenly around the rim of each glass. Spread shaved coconut on a clean surface, and gently press the rim of each glass into the coconut to coat it.
  3. Pour tea carefully into two glasses. Add 1/2 cup coconut milk to each glass. Add ice and serve immediately.

SRC: View the nutritional facts for this Coconutty Thai Iced Tea at: www.yummly.com/recipe/Coconutty-Thai-Iced-Tea-Serious-Eats-293169?columns=5&position=4%2F62

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Chai Tea Muffins


It will be a very good morning to wake up to these Chai Tea Muffins. With a little pumpkin spice and vanilla these chai tea flavored muffins will be perfect Autumn morning starters. Get your Chai Tea Muffin ingredient list and directions below.

Ingredients:
2 cups of All Purpose Flour
2 tsp of Baking Powder
½ tsp of Baking Soda
½ tsp of Salt
¾ cup of Granulated Sugar
1 tsp of Pumpkin Pie Spice
¼ cup of Vegetable Oil
1 Tsp of Vanilla Extract
1 ¼ cup of Milk
4 Chai Tea Bags
2 Eggs
¾ cup of Chopped Walnuts, toasted

For the Frosting:
3 ounces of cream cheese, softened at room temperature
2 Tbsp of Unsalted Butter, softened at room temperature
1 tsp of Vanilla Extract
½ tsp of Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 ¼ cup of Confectioner Sugar
3 or so Tbsp of Milk 

Process:

1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, line 2 muffin tin with 18 liners and set aside.
2) In a small saucepan, add the milk and bring it to a simmer, turn the heat off and add the tea bags, allow it to steep for 5 minutes.
3) Squeeze out the tea bags and discard.
4) In a large bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice, set aside.
5) In a small bowl, add the walnuts and ½ cup of the dry ingredients, toss the walnuts around to make sure they are all coated in the dry mixture.
6) In another large bowl, using a hand held electric mixer, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
7) Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and continue to mix with your mixer wile streaming in the chai tea milk mixture. Fold in the walnuts and mix through just until they are evenly distributed.
8) Divide the batter evenly among-st the lined muffin tins and bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center. Cool completely on a wire rack.

To make the frosting:
9) In a large bowl, whisk together the butter, cream cheese, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice until creamy. Add the powdered sugar and 1 tsp of milk at a time until you get the desired consistency for a runny glaze.
10) Drizzle over each once and enjoy! 

SRC: Find more information about Chai Tea Muffins at: www.laurainthekitchen.com/recipes/chai-tea-muffins/