A Splendid Illustration by Bett Norris

“But when we consider how small after all the cup of human enjoyment is, how soon overflowed with tears, how easily drained to the dregs in our quenchless thirst for infinity, we shall not blame ourselves for making so much of the tea-cup.”  Okakura Kakuzo,The Book of Tea

Hello lovelies! ´・ᴗ・`

My day starts with a hot cup of masala chai and ends with a soothing chamomile brew. Tea is such an integral part of so many cultures around the world and I believe that it really bonds people together. Friends chat, ladies gossip, men play chess, children build dollhouses-all over cups of this delectable beverage. I thought it would be nice to share some tea recipes which you can prepare in the comfort of your kitchen and take a sip of a different culture each day.

1. INDIA – MASALA CHAI

Serves:  2
Preparation time: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon Orange Pekoe tea(black tea leaves)
2 cups Water
1/2 cup Milk
2-3 cardamoms crushed or powdered
1 inch ginger grated
1 pinch of cinnamon powder (optional)
2 tablespoons Sugar (add more if you like it sweeter!)
HOW TO
1)Boil water on high flame.
2)Add milk, grated ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and allow it 
to come to a boil.
3)Turn down the flame and add the tea leaves.
4)Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes till it gets a nice brown hue
5)Turn the flame off, strain the chai, enjoy!

2. MALAYSIA/SINGAPORE/INDONESIA – TEH TARIK

Serves:  2
Preparation time: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon  Black tea
2 cups    Water
 4 tablespoons     Condensed milk
HOW TO
1.  Boil water on high flame.
2. Add black tea and allow it to come to a boil.
3. Switch off the gas and strain the tea equally into two 
cups.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of condensed milk to each cup and stir 
well.
5. The last step is to pull the tea and make it frothy. 

3.  MOROCCO- MINT TEA

Serves:  2
Preparation time: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon  green tea
3 cups    Water
1 tablespoon sugar 
4-5 leaves of fresh mint
HOW TO
1.  Boil water on a high flame.
2. Switch off the flame and pour some of the water in the 
kettle.
3. Add the green tea, sugar and mint leaves in the kettle and stir well.
4. Fill the kettle with the remaining water.
5. Serve hot!

4. KUWAIT- KUWAITI SAFFRON TEA

Serves:  2
Preparation time: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS
3 cups water
2 whole cardamom pods, broken
1 pinch saffron powder/saffron leaves
2 black tea bags
1-2 teaspoons sugar
HOW TO
1)In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water, saffron and cardamom over medium heat. 
2)Cover and bring to a boil.
3)Add tea bags and let the tea steep for one to two minutes.
4)Serve hot!

 5. HONG KONG- SILK STOCKING TEA

Serves:  2
Preparation time: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon  Black tea leaves
2 cups  Water
4 tablespoons  Condensed milk
HOW TO
1) Combine water and tea leaves in a small saucepan over 
medium heat.
2) Bring to a boil and reduce the heat.
3)Remove from heat. Stir in the condensed milk and return to the heat.
4)Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
5)Strain and allow to cool. Serve over ice.

Until next time..