A new aquisition!

Hubby bought this for me over the weekend. I had a wheelchair weekend. Lots of pain and inability to walk. Soooo, hubby says we are going to the malls, it is cool in there.
(We are having high 90's in Charleston with heat indicies of 100+)

I have a stop at our most northern mall that is called Gloria Jean's. It is a purveyor of coffee, tea and accoutriments of both.
Hubbers knows the past few months I have been trying to build my teacup collection. I had been in a bidding war on ebay for a shamrock teacup - Beleek, that went up to $50.00 for one teacup and saucer. I had to let it go and pout for a bit hoping that there were going to be more...no such luck so far. Then I found a lady who painted her own teacups, I found a pretty shamrock one on her site but it got sold and she doesn't repeat patterns. Her loss...mine as well.

On our roll around the mall, I wanted to stop in Gloria Jean's for a sneak and peek at all of their individual teacups. They still have the tea set I want to buy my little niecling as soon as she gets a bit older to handle ceramics. hubby handed me a few to look at but he had already got this one down. He said it would make him happy to know while he is at work that I am drinking my tea with my favorite pattern bought by himself.

How can you not love a man like that?

I bought 2 bottled teas today, they are in the fridge getting cold and I hope to critique them later today. The high is suppose to reach 98, so cold tea will be a blessing from the Goddess!

Brightest Tea Blessings!
Saphyre Rose - Charleston's tea mistress!

It 93 outside and time for tea!

It is true, I could drink hot tea during a heat wave but it wouldn't be as refreshing as this recipe for a tea sweetener syrup.

I do believe we have spoken before about making simple syrups that are very good for iced teas. Because the sugar is already dissolved in the syrup, it is a great way to add sweet to a glass of tea that came from an unsweeetened pitcher.
Here in the south, we use a simple syrup that has the flavor of lemons and sometimes mint.

This syrup involves lemongrass. A great ingredient for Asian cooking can now be used for teas and drinks of many varieties.

Fresh Lemongrass Syrup:
2 stalks fresh lemongrass, coarsely chopped 2 cups water 1 cup sugar
Place the lemongrass, water, and sugar into a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, and simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes.
Strain the mixture and cool.
Cover and refrigerate for up to a week.

You can try this syrup for a real Asian flare with an Oolong or even a green tea. The delicacy of the lemongrass will not overpower, but I think compliments the green teas flowery aroma.
I have used this syrup over freshly cut fruit for a compote. It has a variety of uses. If you use this syrup, post your comment here or at my email and let everyone know how you liked or didn't like it.
I am hoping to hear from you!

Brightest tea blessings!

I can't believe how long it has been!

Over a month since putting a post up!
WOW!

I have collected a few new recipes for tisanes. I have made a new batch of lavender sugar. I got both a fresh plant and some dried flower heads. This has been curing for about a month and I lifted the lid this afternoon and it was beautiful! I tasted and it was very flowery.

I am looking to get some violets to candy for a tea I am planning for on the 31st of July. A virtual and physical tea party that will include both my sister witches and my family. I am having trouble in finding the flower heads. It is very hot in Charleston these days. Today's high was 94. So delicate flowers, I guess are getting burnt before they can get plucked.
I have a few plants outside of my entrance that are showing signs of sunburn. Shade is at a minimum here these days...except when the afternoon storms breeze through.

I wanted to check out the blog before going to bed and when I saw how long it has been, I decided to post and then update more tomorrow.

Make sure to check back for more recipes and a critique on a new magazine I just got a subscription for called "Tea Time".

Until then, Brightest tea blessings!