Tea at the Unicorn Wine Guild

Tea-related education and events, the enjoyment of the beverage and the culture of tea

Company’s Coming – Quick Summer Recipes For Serving Great Tea (Or a warm spring day)

It seems like “fast” never quite seems “fast enough” when guests show up on your doorstep.  Summer and friends go hand in hand and when it comes to summer drink recipes, any tea lover will tell you that nothing ever seems to go as quickly as we want or expect. (like the time you tried to make iced tea in a hurry and ended up with a watered down mess.)  Well, let me do my part to help you speed things up with two summer tea recipes that help you serve your guests as fast as possible (especially if you’re strapped for time).

Recipes #1: Smoothies Work Well if Serving 2-4 Guests

Tea smoothies are loved by all ages and combine cool refreshing ingredients with speed.  I suggest keeping a few ingredients in the freezer to make this process even easier.

1 Cup Greek Yogurt (Vanilla or Plain)
1 Cup Iced Tea
1 Cup Frozen Fruit – Your Choice (must be frozen in order for this recipe to work!)

This is a great mix and match basic recipe.  Toss in stevia or honey and sweeten to taste.  Blend to the consistency that says “summer” and serve with a fresh wedge of fruit on the glass.  This recipe serves 2-3 people and takes only moments to prepare.

Recipes #2: Punches Work Well For Group Gatherings

This recipes is critical to your success if you are planning a reunion or bbq gathering.  Grab a big punch bowl or glass beverage dispenser and create this simple cool drink.

Toss in a pitcher of strong iced tea (sweetened works best) and mix with one bottle of citrus based soda.  Add some fresh lemons and limes and a cup or two of orange juice to taste (can be a frozen concentrate.)  This quick and easy punch offers refreshment for a crowd in a hurry.

Both of these recipes put some entertainment power in every tea lover’s corner. But don’t forget, there’s a lot more simple ways to use tea this summer, so don’t let this article be the end of your journey. Instead, let it be the beginning of your quest for more knowledge.

By the way, our shop offers a fantastic collection of teas perfect for summer entertaining.  Visit us online at : http://www.Unicornwineguild.com or in person at our shop in Belpre, Ohio.

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Cooking with Tea- Tips and Tricks That Work Like Magic

Cooking with tea is one of the fastest ways to grab greater health and vitality in a hurry. Here are two simple ways to begin cooking with tea today.

Tea Secret #1: Tea Makes a Great Rub

Tea can serve as a spice for a variety of meats such as chicken. pork, fish or beef. The key is using a simple recipe that is easy to apply. Here’s one I recommend for pork or beef. (think smokey grilled steaks..yum!)

2 Tablespoon Lapsang Souchong or other good black tea
1 teaspoon Sea Salt
1 teaspoon Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Black pepper

Grind all the ingredients together and spread over your meat (both sides.) Let your meat rest,covered in the rub, for several hours in the fridge. Your dinner will soak up the terrific smoky taste of the Lapsang leaves and be ready for the BBQ.

Tea Secret #2: Tea Makes Great Marinade

If you love cooking with chicken then green tea will be your best friend. Use this simple recipe to marinate chicken or fish that you plan to bake, pouch or grill.

Brew 5 Tablespoons of your favorite green tea in 6 ounces of 180 degree water (prior to boil.) Steep for 5 minutes. Pour the tea into your marinade dish and mix with 1/2 cup of orange juice, one Tablespoon of olive oil, some fresh chopped rosemary and a bit of salt and pepper. If you love garlic or onions toss in a bit as well.

Add your chicken to the marinade and let the flavors meld together overnight in the fridge. (Be sure to turn the chicken a few times to make sure it is well coated.)

Prepare as desired. YUM!

Once you understand the facts about cooking with tea, you can move forward with confidence – and testing these recipes is a great start for anyone who loves tea and wants to improve their health.

By the way, if you’re interested in cooking with tea and still have questions, why not contact us? We sell great loose leaf tea along with wine and gifts. Visit us online at http://www.UnicornWineGuild.com or come in and see us in person at the Unicorn Wine Guild, Belpre, Ohio.

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