Tea Diva

French Press Coffee

My husband and I are true coffee aficionados. We have a coffee grinder, to grind whole bean coffee, a coffee machine, an espresso machine and a French press pot.

French Press Coffee
When my husband is traveling out of town, on business, I still like to have a cup or two of coffee. I am a freelance writer, and work out of my house, so I usually have a couple of cups of coffee almost everyday. When I'm by myself, I often use our French press coffee pot, instead of the large coffee brewer.

French press coffee, has a smooth and creamy texture, which reminds me of hot chocolate. I tend to put a bit more creamer in French press coffee, then regular brewed coffee, just the way I've gotten used to drinking it I guess.

Christopher Bean Coffee
Although I could use the coffee grinder, to grind up whole bean coffee, I usually use pre-ground coffee with the French press. In addition to being a full-time freelance writer, I am also a sponsored, amateur athlete. Christopher Bean Coffee, based out of Daytona Beach, Florida is one of my sponsors for the 2009 race season. Every quarter, Christopher Bean sends me 6 packages of their delicious, pre-ground coffee.

Making French Press Coffee
To make French press coffee, I fill the electric tea kettle with water and turn it on. While the water is coming up to temperature, I prepare the rest of the items. My French press coffee pot makes 4 small cups of coffee, enough to fill 2 large coffee mugs. I place 4 tablespoons of coffee grinds in the bottom of the French press.

When the water comes to a boil, I turn off the tea kettle, wait for the water to stop boiling, then fill the French press with the hot water. I place the lid on the French press, and let the coffee brew for 4-6 minutes. Then you press down on the lid, which is fitted with a permanent metal filter, until the lid hits the bottom of the pot. Then I pour a tablespoon of flavored coffee creamer in a large coffee mug, and fill the mug with freshly brewed French press coffee.

Additional Brewing Tidbits
Coarsely ground coffee should be used in a French press pot. If you have a coffee grinder, you can use whole bean coffee, and grind it specifically for use in a French press coffee pot. I have a Bodum French press coffee pot, the carafe is made out of glass, while the lid, handle and bottom are made out of red plastic. The plunger/filter is permanently attached to the lid.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Tea Diva

Recipes for Herbal Teas

Teapot Song
I’m a little teapot, short and stout
Here is my handle, here is my spout
When the kettle’s boiling, hear me shout
Tip me over, pour me out.

Herbal Tea Formulas
Here are some formulas for creating tea blends out of your favorite herbs and spices. Use one part of each ingredient listed in the tea recipe you are following. To make a single cup of tea, use 1/2 teaspoon of dried herb leaf for each ingredient listed. You can make these blends in bulk, to have on hand when you are ready to make a cup of tea.

British Herb Tea
This tea makes a caffeine free blend which is similar in taste to traditional black tea. Oswego tea (AKA bee balm or bergamot) was used by Native Americans as a refreshing beverage. Colonial Americans, through their contacts with the various Indian tribes, became aware of this herb and its myriad uses. Oswego tea was one of the many herbal tea substitutes used by the American colonists during the Revolutionary War, which was set off by the events of the Boston Tea Party.

• Sage
• Bergamot
• Lemon balm

Cough and Cold Brew
The anise hyssop adds a natural sweet flavor to this tea. Brew a cup of this tea anytime you are starting to feel a cold come on.

• anise hyssop
• angelica
• cinnamon basil
• catmint

Lemon Drop Tea
This tea tastes terrific served with a bit of honey, and a fresh slice of lemon.

• lemon balm
• lemon basil
• lemon grass
• lemon verbena
• loose green tea leaves

Stress Relief Tea
Take this blend 1/2 hour to an hour before going to bed to help you unwind, relax and get a restful nights sleep.

• chamomile flowers
• lavender flowers
• lemon balm
• catnip

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Tea Diva

Tea Party Recipes

My daughter and I have hosted a number of tea parties at our house over the years. Last year we held a tea party, called the Girl's Club Tea Party, for mom's and their daughters. I used the tea party as a way to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Societies Team in Training program.

 

Lemon ricotta cheesecake

I am always looking for unique and delicious treats to serve at the tea party. These recipes could also be served at bridal showers, breakfast buffets, or even as part of a holiday dessert party.

1. Lemon Poppy Seed Teacakes; Recipe for a Cookie-Like Treat Enhanced with Citrus and Poppy Seeds.
2. Ham and Cheese Quiche; Recipe for a Hearty Egg Custard Pie.
3. Banana Bread and Banana French Toast; Two Recipes for Sweet and Delicious Recipe Dishes.
4. Walnut Chicken Salad with Herb Butter; Delicious Finger Food to Feature at a Tea Party or Bridal Shower.
5. Rosy Jellyroll Cake; Recipe for a Raspberry and Vanilla Cream Filled Dessert.
6. Blueberry Muffin Recipe; A Sweet Treat with a Cinnamon Enhanced Strudel Topping
7. Sage, Lavender and Mint Desserts; Shortcake, Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies and Lavender Custard Recipes.
8. Quick Bread Recipes; Chili Cheese Cornbread, Garlic Herb Bread and Parmesan Cheese Biscuits.
9. Gingersnap Cookie Recipe; How to Create a Soft and Chewy Ginger Flavored Dessert.
10. Orange Thyme Teacake; Recipe for a citrus enhanced dessert.
11. Pumpkin Spice Muffins; Recipe for an easy to prepare, moist and spicy muffin.
12. Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake; Recipe for a creamy citrus and herb enhanced dessert.
13. Quick and Easy Tart and Creamy Lemon Bars; Recipe for a classic lemon dessert.
14. Vanilla Bean Dessert Recipes; Learn how-to make vanilla pudding, vanilla flavored sugar and vanilla infused hot chocolate.

Quiche

Try making one or more of these goodies for your next party.

 

Lemon tea cake

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Cuisine Diva