Tea was introduced to Europe as a medicinal cure in the 1600s. In 1840, afternoon tea was introduced by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford to quell her hunger pangs between lunch and dinner. The fancy British tea is traditionally served at 4 in the afternoon. Most tea in America comes from the orange pekoe variety. The golden leaves contain tannin which are responsible for the flavor and color. One teaspoon of tea leaves is perfect for each six ounces water. If you use herbal tea steep 8 minutes. For green tea steep 3 minutes and for black tea, steep 5 minutes.

    Boiling water to heat teapot
    Boiling water for tea
    Tea leaves
    Sugar or honey
    Whole or fat-free milk

1.  Heat a teapot by filling it with boiling water. Discard water
     after 2 minutes. It is helpful to know how many ounces of
     water your teapot holds for the next step.

2.  Measure 1 teaspoon tea leaves for each 6 ounces of water.
     Place loose tea in a tea infuser, place in teapot. Fill teapot         
     with boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes or until it reaches the
     desired strength.

     Hint: For an English tea party, serve scones, small sandwiches
     and cookies on a pretty plate lined with a doily.

     Makes tea for 4

Stash Jasmine Blossom Tea

Intoxicating Jasmine, May 1, 2007 Stash's Jasmine Blossom Green Tea is a heady infusion with romantic undertones and a subtle elation. This premier tea is perfectly blended for a full-bodied taste and delicate floral bouquet. The finest green teas mingle beautifully with jasmine blossoms to make this a very satisfying tea with honey. ~The Rebecca Review