Retreats, Teas, and Fun!
When I heard that the recent Women's
Retreat (God Can Do the
Impossible was the theme), that I was privileged to
attend, was having a Tea Party, my heart—I'm sure—beat just a bit
faster with excitement. Who doesn't love a lovely Tea Party?
The setting was beautiful, the colors summery and light. I thought it
created a relaxing atmosphere. With friends by my side and light
conversation, it was a perfect atmosphere to enjoy an early afternoon
tea luncheon.
Of course, the food was varied and
delightfully delicious! Mini glazed ham sandwiches, along with
chicken salad croissants, stuffed mushrooms and other goodies, plus a
delectable selection of sweets served as the menu.
Everything I ate was totally delicious. I felt I was
dining with royalty. :)
When it came to the teas, there was a
variety to choose from.
Let me explain something here: I'm a late bloomer when it comes to teas. What I mean by this is: I wasn't raised drinking teas--any kind.
But after I was married, my husband and a couple of close friends introduced me to a variety of teas, and I've gradually learned to enjoy several different flavors.
A skit about
worrying too much (lots of laughs) inspiring talks that made me cry
and smile, fellowship, meeting new friends, singing together and, of
course, the laughter, food and relaxation—all created an atmosphere
that was perfect for me.
What a weekend!!
Did you know that...
originated in
Africa? (Hibiscus Tea)
tea
first arrived in Britain in the
1650s,
where it was served as a novelty in London's coffee houses?
in
the early 1900s, Jane Austen drank green and black teas?
that
these states, it is believed, drink the most sweet tea: Alabama,
Arkansas, Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, Kentucky, North
Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia?
About Hibiscus Tea and
the Book:
In my
most recent novel,
Hunter's Rose, Book Two of the Troubles
in the West series (a
historical, romantic suspense),
one
of the protagonists—Rosita—is given a hibiscus plant by her Tia
(Aunt) Maria, who relayed the tale of her mother bringing it to the
plantation in Mexico years ago, after her marriage, and guarding it
as if it was a person. Sharing it with Rosita gave the young girl the
opportunity to be able to prepare it for her husband and the other
cowboys at their new ranch, along with the mint tea that was growing
on their land.
Here's a recipe
that Rosita might have used, give or take a few ingredients.
Agua
de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea)
Prep
Time: 10 mins
Cook
Time: 25 mins
Yields:
2 quarts
Ingredients:
2 quarts
water
¾ to 1 cup
sugar (depending on how sweet you like your tea)
1 cup dried
hibiscus flowers
½ cinnamon
stick (optional)
a few thin
slices of ginger (optional)
Allspice
berries (optional)
Lime juice
(optional)
Orange or
lime slices for garnish
Method:
Put 4 cups of the
water and sugar in a medium saucepan. Add cinnamon, ginger slices,
and/or a few slices of allspice berries if you like. Heat until
boiling and the sugar is dissolved.
Remove from heat.
Stir in the dried hibiscus flowers. Cover and let sit for 20 minutes.
Strain
into a pitcher and discard the used hibiscus flowers, ginger,
cinnamon, and/or allspice berries. At this point youu can store the
concentrate ahead, chilled, until ready to make the drink.
Add remaining 4 cups of water
Suggestions:
Alternately, you can add ice and chilled soda water for a bubbly
version, or if you want to chill the drink quickly. Or...
Add a little lime juice for a more punch-like flavor. Or...
Instead of sugar, you can always use honey. Or...
Serve over ice with a slice of orange or lime.\
Hibiscus Tea is healthy, but research it and make sure it works
for you! Most of all enjoy your tea and tea parties! “A cup
of tea is a cup of peace.” Sen Sshitsu VX
.jpe)
