Tea Talk

Here's a question: How many of you have tried hibiscus tea? Hibiscus tea is considered an herbal tea because it is made from the dried flowers of the hibiscus plant, which are native to Africa and subtropical climates. Hibiscus tea has a refreshing flavor that is both tart and slightly sweet. It reminds me of cranberry juice, the kind with no sugar added. When brewed, hibiscus tea has a beautiful ruby color. It is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants and has several potential health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and "bad" cholesterol, reducing blood sugar, and aiding in weight...

With summer in full swing, it's the perfect time for a Garden Tea Party. An outdoor tea party with good friends is a fantastic way to celebrate the beautiful summer season. We will brew some excellent iced teas and a pot or two of hot tea for a few ladies who prefer their teas hot. And then there are scones and lemon curd, savory tea sandwiches and sweets, bite-size desserts and treats, and several other goodies. It's a time to enjoy each other's company, laugh, and celebrate friendship. I love playing with fun table decorations like a pretty tablecloth and...

I’m so thankful to be an American, live in this beautiful country, and share in her many blessings. I love our great country! I thank all of the brave men and women who fought for our independence all those many years ago and who have since continued to serve to keep and protect our country. As we celebrate Independence Day this week, I hope you celebrate our amazing country’s birthday with family and friends. My husband and I will be having our traditional 4th of July party. He’ll be in charge of the barbecue while I handle the desserts and...

Do you ever wonder how some people can grow the most gorgeous flowers while yours look kind of sad? How about your trees and shrubs? Do they look healthy? If you are struggling with these problems, I have a great suggestion that can help. This is one of my favorite secrets. I bet some people whose flowers, shrubs, and trees you envy may do it too. A simple cup or pot of tea using your favorite loose-leaf tea can make all the difference! After you steeped your tea and are ready to clean your basket strainer, don't throw the tea...

June is National Iced Tea Month—not just a day or a single week but the whole month, and I love that! I've recently talked about teas that make great iced teas. That brings me to herbal teas, or, more specifically, to cold-brewing herbal teas, a topic I'm getting quite a few questions about. Herbal tea is any tea or tisane beverage that does not come from the tea plant camellia sinensis, from which we get black, oolong, white, and green tea. Now, let's talk about cold-brewing herbal teas. There are two views on this: yes, you can and no, you...