Shadow of a Spout (24 page)

Cherry Blossom Cookies

Yield: 48 cookies

1 cup butter or shortening

3 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon almond extract

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon baking soda

1 cup finely chopped pecans or almonds (optional)

Slivered almonds and maraschino cherries to decorate

Cream the butter or shortening and cream cheese together, then add the sugar, egg and almond extract.

Sift the dry ingredients together and stir into the creamed mixture, then add the chopped nuts, if desired.

Chill the dough thoroughly, then form chilled dough into 1-inch balls.

Place them on an ungreased cookie sheet, flatten slightly and with your thumb make an indentation in the center.

Press a cherry half into the indented center of each cookie, and use slivered almonds to form petals around the cherry center.

Bake at 350° for 10 to 15 minutes.

A Cup of Enlightenment

A Brief Explanation of Types of Tea and How to Steep Them

by Karen Owen, aka Karen Mom of Three

The popularity of tea has been steadily gaining ground since tea was introduced in England in the 1660s. Tea first arrived in what is now the United States of America in the early 1700s, brought over by the Dutch. It later came to Canada in 1716 via the Hudson Bay Company. Today you can find tea and tisanes in almost every restaurant and grocery store. If you find yourself overwhelmed in the tea aisle of your local grocery store or in one of the ever popular tea shops, here is an explanation of the types of teas and tisanes which are the springboard for all the “new flavor” teas offered today.

Black tea
: Black tea is the most popular of all the teas. Black tea is a leaf from the Camellia plant that is fully fermented before drying. It brews a full-flavor, high-caffeine tea. Some of the most popular and well known black teas are Earl Grey and English Breakfast. Earl Grey is a black tea that has been flavored with oil of bergamot. English Breakfast tea is a blend of black teas that is rich in flavor and usually enjoyed with milk and sugar. Black tea originated in China but is now produced in many countries all over the world. Known for its antioxidant properties, stress relief and ability to lower the risk of stroke and diabetes, black tea is sometimes flavored with citrus, caramel flavors and fruit. It is offered in both tea bags and as loose leaf as tea shop blends. Black tea should be steeped once for two to three minutes and served fresh.

Pu-erh tea
: Pu-erh tea is a variety of fermented dark black leaf tea from China. It has a beautiful dark color and at first glance may remind you of a cup of coffee. Pu-erh tea should be steeped two to three minutes and can be re-steeped up to three times.

White tea
: White tea comes from the buds and leaves of the Chinese Camellia Sinensis plant, and is lightly oxidized, which means the leaves are browned in a chemical process that exposes them to moist oxygen-rich air for a short time. Grown and harvested primarily in China, this tea has many health benefits. White tea is the least processed tea and is full of antioxidants. It is believed that white tea can lower blood pressure and blood sugar, that it can help protect the body from heart disease and stroke and can strengthen the circulatory and immune systems. White tea should be steeped four to five minutes and can be re-steeped up to three times.

Green tea:
Green teas are un-fermented Camellia leaves and usually from China or Japan. Black teas are by far the most popular tea consumed around the world but green tea is gaining in popularity. Green tea has been shown to improve brain function and help with fat loss, and may lower the risk of cancer in those who consume green tea regularly. Green tea is high in antioxidants and L-theanine, an amino acid that can help with lowering anxiety. Green tea does contain caffeine, however not as much caffeine as black teas. Green tea should be steeped two minutes and can be re-steeped up to three times.

Matcha tea
: Matcha tea is a powdered green tea. It is made with a whisk and hot water to produce a frothy tea. This tea is very high in antioxidants.

Rooibos tea
: Rooibos tea is from an evergreen tree in South Africa. This is a tisane, a name given to a tea that is herbal and not from the Camellia Plant family. They are caffeine free, contain powerful antioxidants, have a high mineral content and aid in digestion and the absorption of iron. Flavored Rooibos teas are very popular. You can find flavored rooibos in both loose and bagged teas. Lemon and vanilla Rooibos are some of the most popular tisanes today. Rooibos tea should be steeped four to six minutes and can be re-steeped up to three times.

Fruit tea
: Fruit tea is a herbal tisane. Fruit is dried and then chopped or shredded for loose-leaf or bagged tea. Fruit can be added to a caffeinated tea but on its own is a lovely way to enjoy the best that summer has to offer year round. Fruit tea should be steeped four to five minutes and should only be steeped once.

Mint tea
: Mint tea is a herbal tisane created by drying the leaves of mint plants. Peppermint tea is very popular for aiding in the relief of stomach problems and stress and even as an appetite suppressant. This is an easy tea you can find in both loose-leaf and bagged teas or even a tea you can make from the mint leaves you grow in your own garden. To make mint tea, tear up fresh mint leaves and pour boiled water over the leaves, then steep for three to seven minutes and enjoy. Mint tea should only be steeped once.

Visit Karen Owen at her cozy mystery and tea blog: acupofteaandacozymystery.blogspot.ca.

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