The Plaid Barn

http://www.theplaidbarn.com/

The Antlers

My current obsession.

Beach House; Tennis; First Aid Kit

The Middle East

and you'll find the peace of the Lord.

Village Tea Co.'s Strawberry Passion White Tea

So... I'm obsessed. I had just returned from our tea expo adventures in Vegas to a room full of people watching Laker game #5 and I was more interested in what was in my bag than what was on the screen. I mean, come on, it was like Halloween for a tea lover; open up your bag and say treat!

This was the first tea I tried the next morning. I knew I should have been reading and writing but I could not help it. I reached in and grabbed

Village Tea's Strawberry Passion White Tea.

Like most white teas (and teas in general), the smell is more fragrant and strong than the actual tea so if you ever come to sniffing around a sample, don't set your standards too high. It's light and satisfying, with soft, fruity undertones and delivers the characteristics of what every loose leaf should deliver: Fresh, crisp, and clean.
It's a Chinese Bai Mu Dan, also known as White Peony.



Oh oh oh! Let's not forget! These people are geniuses! Product wise, they have excellent tea as mentioned above that is wrapped up in little sacks (how friggin cute is that!). Most importantly, they make it easier for the loose leaf newb to enjoy a fine cup of tea. It comes with tea sachets (made out of 100% unbleached cotton). Even if you are familiar with loose leaf, you don't have to buy sachets (tea bags you fill yourself with loose leaf tea) because they come with.

I must admit, I have become somewhat of a snob. I always say, once you go loose, you can't go back...and that's all that I mean by that. I tried a tea bag the other day, to give it the benefit of the doubt (plus it was organic) but I couldn't do it. I will make an official apology for the tea that went down the drain and for the money and resources I wasted. In all seriousness, it just is not the same. Everyone should go loose!

For preparation, add 1 tbs. of tea per 8 oz. of water. I do about 2 overflowing tbs. for this ceramic to-go cup (white tea takes up more space so you need a little more tea than you would black).

Boil water, and let it cool down (approx. 150-180 degrees). Steep 2-3 minutes, longer if you want it stronger but it may become over steeped.

more to come...more to come

A La Vegan Tea Expo!

Dear Sirs and Madams,

This weekend was in my mind for about two years now. I did not have the opportunity to go last year but made sure that I could go this year. I met some amazing individuals who spoke my language: sustainable products with the willingness to put their best efforts in providing fair trade/ free trade practices along with organic options (or whole lines) for a healthier earth, a healthier you.

So I've decided to ease into this slowly. I would usually just post away but I want to savor each piece as I search for additional information on the companies I fell in love with. I am ever so lucky to work for a gluten-free market AND a tea shop that will hopefully start carrying some of these products. For now, I highly recommend these lovely products as they will be coming to a local market near you! Okay...enough of the fine print... LET's SIP and EAT.

Baby Cakes

Well hot and heavy, pumpkin pie, chocolate candy, trees and rice, ain't nothin' please me more than you... I love surprises ...especially ones which involve food. My darling ran to the grocery store to make these treats possible (recently also made me vegan strawberry coconut ice cream GAWK...delicious!!! I shall post that recipe soon).

I've been craving donuts for a while now...and I always mention them to people as they visit San Francisco to see if I can possibly enjoy one when they return, but alas, the task is a little daunting. So here was the reconciliation for that, and one which I thoroughly enjoyed. They were supposed to be donuts, but we are not in possession of a donut pan, so we made mini muffin cakes instead.

Let's give praise where praise is due...

http://theurbanhousewife.blogspot.com/2007/08/lolos-baked-vegan-donuts-glazed-or.html

I used a banana instead of egg replacer. Also, blending/mixing SHOOT...drawing a blank (runs to the fridge...) FLAXSEED MEAL! in your blender with water, the recipe is on the bag for most, but I believe it is 1 tbs. of flaxseed with 3 tbs. of water... it works wonders. For icing toppings, we used fresh coffee grounds, coconut flakes, and sprinkles of course.

Home is wherever I am with you.