4. Directions Place 3/4 C. water in kettle and boil. Place a ceramic tea pot containing a ¼ C. of water in a microwave oven on full power for one minute. Place the teabag into the pot. Take the pot to the kettle as it is boiling, pour onto the bag and stir. Leave to brew for three minutes. The ideal receptacle is a ceramic mug. Pour milk into the cup followed by the tea. Add sugar to taste. Drink at between 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit
Around 1865 Gladstone commented and I quote “If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are too heated, it will cool you. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you.” In my opinion one of the greatest and simplest pleasures in life lies in enjoying a relaxing cup of tea. There are many opinions out there about what constitutes the perfect cup of tea. The answer to this quesiton is probably as varied as the number of stars. Today I am going to explain how I make my own personal, perfect cup of tea.
You will need a few supplies to assist you in this process. A kettle, a ceramic tea pot, a large ceramic mug or your favorite cup, a teaspoon, and a microwave oven.
There are a few ingredients that you need to get you started. A bag of tea of your choice, 1 C. soft water, some chilled milk and white sugar. The type of tea that you choose of course is a very personal choice but I prefer black teas primarily. My favorite is Darjeeling and other popular black blends such as English Breakfast, Earl Grey, and Irish Breakfast teas.
Let me share with you now how to make that perfect cup of tea. Place3/4 C. water in kettle and boil. Boil just the required quantity to avoid wasting time, water and power.While waiting for the water to boil place a ceramic tea pot containing ¼ C. of water in a microwave oven on full power for one minute.Place the teabag into the pot.Take the pot to the kettle as it is boiling, pour onto the bag and stir.Leave to brew for three minutesThe ideal receptacle is a ceramic mugr your favorite personal mug.Pour milk into the cup followed by the tea. You are trying to achieve a color that is rich and attractive. I sometimes add liquid flavored creamers for variety. One of my favorites is International Delights French vanilla. If you are feeling really adventurous try adding a sprinkling of cinnamon and a little whipped cream to the top! Unless of course you are being calorie conscious. Add sugar to taste. I personally prefer a less sweet variety and add only 1 teaspoon.Drink at between 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid vulgar gasping sounds and slurps of pain which result from trying to drink tea at too high a temperature.
To gain optimum ambience for enjoyment of tea I recommend a curled up, relaxing position in a favorite home spot where quietness and calm will be present.The addition of a good book or favorite music playing quietly in the background will also enhance the quality of your experience..One final note: : If you ever find yourself caught in a cold driving rain and come home soaking wet, don’t’ underestimate the power of tea during this time to warm the body and soul.
