It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year (For Food and Drinks)
It’s November, and we’re writing about teas and jams that taste of caramel and hot apple cider. They practically don’t need any introducing, because right now most of you can’t turn around without running into something that is warm, sweet and delicious like apple cider. This season calls for cinnamon and nutmeg, warm mugs to thaw out chilled hands, and good company to share it all with.
From Republic of Tea we’re happy to share with you several wonderful seasonal selections of tea, as well as a jam, that are sure to bring a smile and requests for seconds. The office favorite was Caramel Apple Red Tea, which is warm and rich, and completely caffeine free (as are all rooibos teas). It tastes very much like a fresh caramel apple, and makes for a lovey dessert tea. Much like a black tea, rooibos is a hearty tea, and does well with milk or cream if you’re so inclined. If you’re not familiar with rooibos we absolutely recommend adding it to your tea selection. Many of our very most favorite teas are made from this African bush. This tea comes 36 bags to a can for $10, and is available now.
Next is another dessert tea, Coconut Cocoa which will become available early next month. This tea will make you want to wish those around you a “Mele Kalikimaka” (Merry Christmas in Hawaiian), with it’s definite taste of the tropics. This tea is herbal, so it’s mostly caffeine-free, with only a trace amount present. We found this one is best on it’s own, with perhaps just a touch of honey to sweeten it if you like sweeter brews. Very easy to drink and enjoy. A canister of 36 tea bags for $9.50, which will be ready to ship directly from Republic of Tea after December 7, 2009.
Every year Republic of Tea offers limited time only teas and goodies, and our next two products fall into the “grab it if you can find it” category. Their Hot Apple Cider Tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea that is a nice blend of apple and spices. It smells of winter and holidays, with spices like cinnamon,nutmeg, ginger and orange, even before it’s brewed. We found it to be a mild tea, and really preferred the Caramel Apple Red Tea which had a more robust flavor. Republic of Tea has sold out of their supply for the year, though you may be able to find this tea in local supermarkets. It’s a lovely choice if you are looking for a nice subtle holiday tea. Another seasonal item is the Hot Apple Cider Jam, which is a collaborative effort with Stonewall Kitchen. It has the same distinct spice blend as it’s tea counterpart, housed neatly in a jam along with chunks of apple. We found it to be quite sweet, and not as strong of a tea flavor as we would have hoped. Overall it is a nice jam, and very much in keeping with Stonewall and Republic of Tea’s high-quality standards. They won’t be doing this jam again next year (you’ll have your chance at the tea again in 2010), so if you’re lucky enough to have a jar already, or if you chance upon a jar we suggest taking the opportunity to try it. It’s a nice jam, perfect for breakfast toast, or to be used in your holiday cooking and baking. This jam comes in a 13 ounce jar, and the price will be dependent on your local retailer.
Eat well this holiday season, and take joy in sharing these wonderful flavors with those around you!
