Archive for the ‘Whistling Tea Kettle’ Category
Warmth, tradition, and that distinct holiday taste of pumpkin pie. My holiday drink combines the best of my all time favorite treats into one scrumptious beverage. This year try my treat for a new and different way to enjoy chai tea, low fat ice cream, and the flavor of pumpkin pie to top it off. mmmmmm, like a little taste of holiday bliss!
Chai Pumpkin Treat (Directions): For a traditional touch, prepare your whistling tea kettle, place tea bags in boiling water, and let steep 5 minutes. Discard tea bags and set tea aside to cool for a few minutes. Combine tea and ice cubes in a blender, cover and blend 1 or 2 minutes. Add ice cream and pie spices, blend for 1-2 minutes until mixture is well combined, and scraping sides of blender if needed.
Ingredients
* 2 spiced chai tea bag
* 1 cup boiling water
* 4 to 5 ice cubes
* 3 cups light vanilla ice cream
* Dash pumpkin pie spice
* 4 tablespoons whipped cream, for garnish
My tastes tend to change with the seasons, and this is especially true with tea. During the holidays I begin craving spiced teas, cinnamon-laced teas, or warming creme’ teas. As I sip tea and enjoy the warmth of friends and family, I always find reasons to be grateful during the holidays.
A holiday tea party combines the magic of the season with the simple pleasures of a cup of tea. I love the sound of a whistling tea kettle as loved ones laugh and nibble on holiday goodies. Over the years I’ve accumulated some helpful hints to make our tea parties even better.
1. Select the right tea. This could be tea labeled specifically as Christmas tea or any spiced tea, cinnamon tea, mint tea or even a simple black tea.
2. Decorate your table with boughs of holly, strings of gold beads and spare Christmas ornaments. Let children help out by making paper snowflakes to adorn the table.
3. Light red and green pillar candles or add votives to your table.
4. Invite friends, coworkers and relatives, or simply celebrate with those visiting for the holidays - a great setting for a secret Santa gift exchange!
5. Make or buy Christmas cookies to accompany your tea party. If you’re really hungry, you can add ham or roast beef sandwiches.
6. Play Christmas carols or classical music in the background. Make sure that the volume is not so loud that it interferes with conversation.
7. Boil water for tea and add to teapot along with tea leaves or tea bags. Allow tea to steep for two to three minutes.
8. Serve tea and garnish with cinnamon sticks. Allow guests to add milk and sugar to taste.