The Floral Teapot

I was in Teavana on Saturday and wanted to pick up the new Oprah Chai Herbal blend to try.  I love the original Oprah Chai, that is perhaps one of my favorite chai teas of all time.  I bought 2 ounces of the tea, or rather I asked for 2 ounces but you know the tricks that Teavana plays.  "Is 2.5 ounces ok?"  I went ahead and said it was OK since I wanted to really try the tea.  I made a pot on Sunday.  The tea tastes identical to the original version.  I mean IDENTICAL.  The herbal blend has Cinnamon, Apple Pieces, Ginger, Carob Pieces, Lemongrass, Chicory Root, Natural Flavor, Blackberry Leaves, Cardamon, Basil, Puffed Amaranth Grain, Cloves and Black Pepper.  I thought at first the Lemongrass would be strong, as it tends to be in other tea blends such as Chamomile, however, the lemongrass is very mellow.  The spiciness takes over and that is what you taste.  This is amazing.  Such a good alternative to the original if you are...

Lately I have been trying to reduce my caffeine intake in order to sleep better and not feel so much of a crash in the afternoon.  I ordered several decaf teas from Harney and Sons to try.  I like that they offer sample bags.  These bags are just the perfect amount make one large pot of tea in my Breville Perfect Tea Maker.  Their shipping was fast, and, they had a special offer for free shipping over $25.  I tried the Decaf Darjeeling yesterday and it was good.  It didn't have that rich depth that I typically like from a Darjeeling but it was pretty good.  I steeped it once but felt it was too weak (steeped for 3 minutes) so I steeped it again and it came out perfectly.  I added a bit of rock sugar and soy milk to it, it really was tasty!  I like knowing that I can drink this tea all day long and not worry about the caffeine. In addition to the Darjeeling I also got the Decaf Paris, Decaf Orange Pekoe and then the Decaf Vanilla Comoro. ...

Once the weather starts to warm up I swap out my hot tea during the day for iced tea.  I still like my hot tea at breakfast, but, I just enjoy iced tea during the day.  I have made iced tea with various brands and with various types of tea.  I like fruity iced teas when it is very hot, but, for a normal day to day iced tea I love black iced tea.  I have made this with everything from english breakfast tea to lipton tea bags to find the perfect one.  I have to say, my favorite iced tea is Luzianne tea bags.  I know, the cheapest tea bags out there!  And, as a tea connoisseur I should scoff at the idea of using these types of bags.  I do make iced tea with loose-leafed tea, but, nothing beats good old Luzianne.  It is so refreshing with lemon (I don't add sugar to mine).  What do you like to use for your iced tea?