Baking with Matcha

Throughout the summer I was fortunate enough to live in close proximity to my sister who is currently obsessed with baking. She devotes a lot of time to baking and as a result has gotten very good at it. This means that anyone living with her has constant access to a marvelous array of treats. After the summer ended I found myself missing the baked goods that I was so often greeted with, so I started my own foray into the world of baking and, being me, I could not start any adventure without my most trusty nonhuman companion: Tea.

That is how in my brief interval between homework assignments today I decided to try out a recipe for green tea muffins. I selected a simple muffin recipe that incorpated a tablespoon of Matcha. I used my Strawberry Matcha au Lait from Lupicia, due to the fact the my unflavored Matcha from Republic of Tea is currently in a different state.

The finale result was encouraging. The muffins were very tasting, although if I did it again I would add an addition tablespoon of Matcha. I also added different toppings to each muffin because my homework was making me think about American individualism. My roommate, when asked about the muffins, remarked, "They were so good, holy shit."

(Here is a link to the recipe I used: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Green-Tea-Muffins)

A Pleasant Surprise (From Lupicia)

In the recent past I payed two visits to Lupicia. The first visit resulted in my purchase of a Strawberry Matcha au Lait. I was delighted to find that this came with a free sample of Tsugaru, a green tea with apple. It was marvelous. I usually don't enjoy fruity teas, but the apple was subtle enough that it mostly enhanced the flavor of the green tea, thus resulting in what I call "tasting like what a hug feels like." (Other substances that possess this quality include: Pho and the green tea sucking candies that once inhabited my kitchen.) After drinking the Tsugaru I decided that the next time I was in the vicinity of Lupicia I should probably obtain more of it. However upon my arrival I discovered that there was no more Tsugaru to be obtained, but seeing as I was already there I bought a Caramel and Rum Rooibos, which came with another free sample. Twas a Muscat black tea and it was also delightful. Perhaps not quite as pleasant as the Tsugaru, but I tend to favor green teas, so I am a tad biased.

Peppermint Tea (From TenRen)

I have just finished making my sister peppermint tea which she iced, because even though it is presently raining she cannot abide warm temperatures. I thought I would share some quotes from my sister about peppermint tea:

"I don't care where you come from. I don't care what kind of leaves you have. As long as you make me feel as happy as any other tea would, I will love you anyway."

"It makes me feel happy and minty fresh on the inside."

"Peppermint is just a beautiful addition to this world."

In conclusion my sister is rather fond of peppermint tea.

This peppermint tea is from a sampler of herbal teas. The other teas included were: Chamomile, Ginger, Chrysanthemum, "Relaxing Tea" and "Spirits Tea." The additional tea featured above is some of the Relaxing Tea that I made for myself. I was not completely sure what is in it and the tea bag was not very helpful so I consulted TenRen's website. Apparently it is a blend of chamomile flowers, catnip, valerian root, hawthorne berries, peppermint and strawberry leaves. Knowing this I now agree that "Relaxing Tea" is a very appropriate name.

A Day In The Life: 24 Hours Of Tea

Several years ago I heard about a study that examined some of the health benefits associated with drinking Green Tea. I remember thinking to myself: That's great, I love Green Tea! I just can't imagine drinking it everyday, like the people in the study did. Suffice it to say, times have changed.

8:15pm:

 Strawberry Sencha (From Townshends Tea Company with a tea ball from Davids Tea)

10:00pm: 

Toasted Walnut (A Green Tea From Davids Tea)

12:00pm (I got to sleep in. Twas a wonderful and unusual experience): 

Strawberry Matcha (From Lupicia) 

Note: I am now the proud owner of a milk frother.

2:00pm: 

Russia Caravan (A Black Tea From Peet's Coffee and Tea)

7:20pm: 

Ginger Tea (From TenRen)

In my world herbal tea counts as tea, even though strictly speaking it is not tea since it is not made from a tea leaf. However this particular ginger tea is undeniably a tea, as it includes both ginger root and tea leaves.