nikkim

Fall is here.  The leaves are changing, the sun comes up later, and the mornings are cooler. Although I drink hot tea year round, it is during this time of the year that a hot cup of tea is even more appealing.  As my grandmother used to say… “it warms my bones,” which is wonderful since, I tend to be cold all the time.  The hot mug warms my hands and the liquor embraces the chest, spreading the warmth throughout my body.  Today, I’m enjoying a cup of Ali Shan Oolong also known as Taiwan Wu... Read Full Story

As I sat down to write today’s tea review of Ginger, Peach & Apricot , I began to think about fear… Often fear keeps us from following our passion. I know I have been there and many others as well, spending time maintaining the status quo instead of venturing out to tackle something they really love. For some it’s starting a business. For others it may be writing a book or taking a class. Regardless of what your passion may be, I challenge you to make a cup tea to fortify your resolve... Read Full Story

Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto Japan The history of Japanese tea begins with the birth of Japanese culture over a thousand years ago in the country’s ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto. Though today the region produces only 3% of the tea in Japan, Ujicha, named after the city of Uji just south of Kyoto, is the most sought after tea in the country. It is also where I learned not only to speak Japanese but where I first really immersed myself in Japanese culture and society, some 12 years ago.  I... Read Full Story

Combining the ancient disciplines of yoga and chado (the way of tea), we present a truly unique opportunity to explore their convergent paths. A gentle grounding yoga practice will release stress and tension, reconnecting you with your center and focusing your senses for tasting. For centuries tea has been a symbol of life, love, community, and power. We will discuss and experience teas from various countries and cultures, expanding your knowledge and understanding. Join us for this sensory... Read Full Story

We’ve all done it — poured hot water over our bag or leaves of Sencha or Gunpowder, then walked away to take care of a small chore, grab the newspaper or make a quick phone call. Twenty minutes later we walk back into the kitchen and see it — remember it — the cup of tea we were so looking forward to enjoying. Read Full Story

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It’s a fact that I love tea – I don’t anyone would argue that point. However, I’m also a blender and love making fruit smoothies. So to foster my love for both, I began drinking Orange-Mango-Banana Vivanno Smoothies with a shot of matcha from Starbucks.  Being the blender that I am, I thought – hmmm… I need to make my own version of the Orange-Mango-Banana Vivanno Smoothie.  So today, I introduce to you, the BOngo Matcha Smoothie, straight from my kitchen to yours.  The BOngo Matcha Smoothie... Read Full Story

No, I haven’t disappeared off the face of the earth, even though it has been awhile since my last tea review.  Yes, I have been drinking tea, unfortunately, I’ve been overwhelmed with work and getting my tea fix while on the go from the closest Starbucks. But when I sat down today, for a cuppa tea, I had a sense of nostalgia.  The sensory experience always forces me to slow down and center. Because who can drink a cup of tea without examining the leaves, inhaling the scents from the dry... Read Full Story

Each week Tea Escapade will scour available resources – cookbooks, the Web, even my own kitchen to identify great tea recipes for your personal use, tea room, or tea party. This week’s selection, Green Tea and White Chocolate Ice Cream, comes from the book, “A Taste of Chocolate” published by Dawnya Sasse in 2007. Ingredients: 8 oz white chocolate chopped into 1/2 inch pieces 2 C light cream 1 c heavy cream 1 tsp. pure vanilla 5 lg. egg yolks (be sure they are at room temp) 3... Read Full Story

Several months ago, I was contacted by Tea GW regarding a new product… Tea Pillows. As you can imagine I was incredibly intrigued to find out about this innovative use of tea. For years, I have read about the health benefits of tea, the cultural aspects of tea, the numerous varieties of tea, even the many accoutrements that can be used to enhance your enjoyment of tea. But never had I been exposed to a tea pillow. By trade, I am not a connoisseur of pillows, yet I could not resist learning... Read Full Story