Many nations ritualistically brew tea with an elevated sense
of respect, which may trace back to the scarcity of tea or even the importance
that tea brings to getting together the family or close friends, In any case,
tea is appropriate anytime one wants to pamper oneself with a peaceful
interlude. For the Persians, tea is taken at breakfast, lunch, dinner and
in between with at least one or more refills. The Persians’ have been enjoying
tea for many centuries. The Japanese even have a tea ceremony.
The Caspian restaurant in Santa Clara blended their own tea, which
would have remained entirely their
secret were it not for its popularity among their patrons who wished to extend
the experience to their own homes and friends. My version of their blend
consisted of a pinch of the spices lemon verbena and cardamon added to a brew
of Orange Pekoe and Earl Grey Teas. Recently, I became aware of the
availability of dried Kaffir lime leaves and subsequently add a leaf or two to
steep in the water, then subsequently use water to brew the tea. I suppose I could also add lemongrass.
This is a one-cup recipe, which can simply scale as
necessary.
1 Tea bag, Twinings, Ceylon Orange Pekoe Tea
1 Tea bag, Twinings, Classics, Earl Grey Tea
Pinch of Lemon Verbena(1/2 teaspoon per 2 cups water)
Pinch of Lemon Thyme (1/2 teaspoon per 2 cups water)
Pinch of Lemon Thyme (1/2 teaspoon per 2 cups water)
Pinch of cardamon (1/8th teaspoon per 2 cups water)
1 Kaffir lime leaf
Other optional and alternate spices/flavors
include cinnamon, turmeric, aromatic chilies, and rose-water1
Boil 2 cups of water. Add Kaffir lime leaf. Allow to steep
for several minutes. Reheat until just boiling, adding balance of ingredients.
Allow to steep to desired strength. Pour trough a sieve into pre-heated cup.
Note:
- Chai Tea or "Spiced Tea" is often a variation of black tea to which is added cardamom, ginger, clove, black pepper, bay leaf, star anise or fennel and often include milk.
- More than 50 varieties of tea: http://www.twiningsusa.com/
