herbal infusion

I'm so excited because it is FINALLY snowing here in Dallas! I LOVE snow because of its quiet beauty and the incredible magic of each unique flake. (I know my Boston friends are rolling their eyes, but, hey, it's about time Mother Nature shared!)

AND, not only is it snowing, it is Tea Time, but not just any Tea Time — it's SMITH TEAMAKER TEA Time! I am SO excited about offering these thoughtfully crafted and memorably delicious teas created and hand blended in Portland by Stephen Smith, long recognized as one of the world's best tea makers.

One of my New Year resolutions I have actually stayed with — and really benefitted from — is working to become more mindful, more present in the moment right in front of me! And, Smith Teas are so elegantly flavorful that they really do make you stop, take notice, and the world just seems to melt away as you savor each sip. Really!

I thought I would share a bit of my Tea Time with you today — from the brewing to the sipping and savoring along with the ever-so-graceful snowfall. 

Always a tough choice, but I chose Big Hibiscus today. I start boiling the water.  When you see the size of all of the herbal goodies in the oversize, silky sachet — deep red hibiscus flowers joined with exquisite touches of Indian sarsaparilla, ginger, pink rose petals, and the fresh taste of elderflowers from Europe — you will know why a roiling boil is perfect for this luscious infusion. You then steep the tea for 5 minutes to allow all of the flavors to blossom fully and blend. Hard to wait!

I love these porcelain cups —originally from Japan — and have had them for years. I am trying to find some for the shop. Perfect for sipping and keeping tea warm, as well as having room for some tasty treats and/or your tea bag. These sweet treats are melt-in-your-mouth King Harold Gingersnaps from the heavenly Chocolate Maven in Santa Fe, NM. Yum!

And then, the finished brew —no wonder why Big Hibiscus is often called the Cabernet of hibiscus tea — is ready for me to sip while watching the snow fall outside my office window. Ahhhhhhhh.........Back to you in a bit, World.

Go here if you want some ahhhhh-inspiring-make-the-world-go-away Smith Tea of your very own or for a special gift.

Yes, it is a wonderful world.......