Violet Tea

  This is the year I try to make as many tree, bush, and flower teas as I can.

I started with the Magnolia Tree, then I tried the Cherry Blossoms, and now I am trying the violets.

I have violets all over my yard. They are beautiful.

Violets are good internally as a blood cleanser, helps reduce inflammation, helps to lower blood pressure, and is respiratory remedy.

1/2 C violets, flowers, leaves, and stems

8 ounces 180 degrees water

Steep 8-10 minutes

Serve over ice

How beautiful is this blue color????

This tea has an earthy, floral sweetness.  Again, not something I want to drink a lot of.  Or if I did, I would add it to a base of green or white tea for some depth.

But they do make a great garnish!!!

I then made a matcha and added the violets as an edible flower for the garnish.

1 Peter 4:10-11, ESV

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Cherry Blossom Tea

 This is the year I try to make as many tree, bush, and flower teas as I can.

I started with the Magnolia Tree, now I am on to the Cherry Blossoms.

I went to Akron to see the Cherry Blossoms...and then realized that one of the cherry blossoms trails was right near the hospital my friend had just delivered at!!!!  I was able to hold this adorable bundle of joy! 

I had purchased salt preserved cherry blossoms, so I thought I would use those to make the tea.

I got this tea from Jungle Jim's in Cincinnati. 

Take 2-3 salted preserved blossoms, soak in warm water 5-10 minutes to remove the salt, swish around.

towel dry.

steep in 175-degree water for 2-3 minutes

add sugar or honey if you want.

If you want it stronger add more blossoms.

I took my pre-soaked blossoms to Akron in my teapot. 

I took my Chinese teapot basket, teacups, tea, and I headed out.

I was so disappointed that the cherry blossoms were mostly gone.  I was a week to late.

What is edible in your garden??

It still was a decent day, even if most of the blossoms were gone.

I sat with my tea and watched the Canadian Geese.

The tea was okay, but I do have to say I should have soaked it longer.  It had a saltiness to the tea still in the taste.

I did some research, and you can make 8 ounces of Cherry Blossom Tea with 6-8 tea blossoms.

Cherry Blossoms reduce stress and support relaxation.  They help lower cholesterol, support cardiovascular, they are rich in antioxidants, and reduce inflammation. 

Next season I plan on going to DC to see the blossoms and gather a bunch for some great tea!

1 Peter 4:10-11, ESV

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Magnolia Tree Tea

This is the year I try to make as many tree, bush, and flower teas as I can.

I am starting with the Magnolia Tree.

I snagged some blossoms.

This flower has been traditionally revered for its beauty and medicinal properties, often used to alleviate stress and promote relaxation.

I took 25 petals

Wash the petals with water very gently running cold clean water over them and keep them aside.
3 grams of flowers per 8-12 ounces of water
Add magnolia petals to the water and let it cool (steep).

*********************

I did about 25 petals to 8 ounces of hot water and steeped for 10 minutes.

The water turned a nice light pink color.

The tea was okay.  It had earthy floral notes.  I am not going to run out an plant a magnolia tree in my yard to get blossoms, but it was not bad.

It is fun to try new things.

1 Peter 4:10-11, ESV

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

 

Chai Class and Painting with Verna at HeBrews in Shreve

One of my favorite classes to lead is a chai class.  It is so fun and interactive.

I set up for class in Shreve in the Gathering Place- I love this room.  

Everyone was able to try two chai teas- one sweeter and one spicier.  Then everyone was able to blend their own chai tea.  Then we would have a water color painting class and share treats.  What a great deal for $30.

The clay cups are from India, Kulhad cups.  They are meant to be disposable and a single use.  They claim they are cheaper than paper or plastic cups and better for the environment.  Also when you are done with them, you throw them on the ground- they are biodegradable.  They say the streets are littered with the broken clay cups.

Chai sellers use these cups to sell from along the streets of India and Pakistan.

Typically we not use these cups, I just have them out for display.  Although, at this tea one lady did want to try it so I gave her one.  She said it added an earthiness to the chai.

If you do have a clay cup and want to use it and reuse, check on line for cleaning.  You don't want to use soap!

They all received a list of Indian spices and how they effect each of us and their flavor notes.  They also had a recipe card to record their blend along with a to go container to take their tea home.  They had a mortar and pestle to use as well.

The two chai teas they sampled today.  Natural Hope- Indian Spiced Chai and then Ohio Tea Company - Vanilla Mint Chai.

Such a fun group!

I gave them an Assam broken leaf tea as the base.  And the sugar that we used is jaggary- which is what they use in India.

I showed them the way to make chai as well as shared how chai got it's start.

They got to try the tea as well.

Everyone's blend looked a little different, which is great.

Let me know if you would like me to bring a chai class to your next party!  Typically the class is $15 a person and you get 2-3 chai teas to taste and then you are able to blend your own tea to take home.

I also have other countries or region tea class:

 Chinese/Gong Fu class for $10 a person

Turkish Tea class for $10 a person

Hong Kong Milk Tea class for $12 a person

Moroccan Mint Tea class for $10 a person

Thailand/Thai Tea class for $12 a person

Iraqi/Kurdish Tea class for $12 a person

Japanese Matcha class for $15 a person

Taiwan Bubble Tea Flight of 4 class for $15 a person

Russian Caravan Tea class for $10 a person

South American/Yerba Mate class for $10 a person

English Afternoon Tea class $15 a person

Arabic/Yemen Tea class $10 a person

We had some delicious snacks from HeBrews too.

We then had a water color paint class with Verna Horvath.

 

Contact Verna if you want her to lead a painting class for you.

So much fun!!  Verna did a great job walking us through the painting steps.  

Mine did not turn out too bad. lol.

This was the class!

Do you know what I am holding??  Noel and I had some fun with this...

Check out Shreve!  HeBrews Coffee and also Brick and Velvet next door. 

https://www.shrevehebrews.com/

104 S Market St, Shreve, OH 44676

Attached to HeBrews is the Gathering Place.  You can rent this place out for events.  I love having my tea parties here!!  This is the side entrance.

1 Peter 4:10-11, ESV

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.