Tea Community Blog

In this month’s newsletter issue, suggestions were given on how to use tea in your everyday cooking. I want to continue with that theme and give another idea along with a recipe.  Think about using herbal teas in your cooking  and not just green, black or white.  

Although herbal teas do not possess the polyphenols that black, green, white or oolong teas do, they make delicious concoctions and offer an infinite number of flavor profiles that can enhance almost any dish that calls for liquid. Fruit, spices and herbs gives one much to choose from and provides a refreshing alternative to water and broths. There are a variety of techniques for incorporating teas into cooking. Try:

• Add a tea bag to boiling rice, pasta or simmering veggies.
• Brew a strong pot of tea and use in place broth in chillies, stews and stir frys .
• Infuse tea into butter for baking.  Melt the butter with tea leaves in it, allow to stand for a few minutes and then sieve out the leaves. Chill the butter to firm and proceed with your favorite recipe.

Try this healthy breakfast recipe: Vegan Chai Pancakes

• 2 cups whole wheat flour or other whole grain flour
• 1/2 cup wheat germ
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3 tbs stevia, natural sugar or other dry sweetener
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup strong Chai Tea, cooled (Masala chai or other herbal varieties, such Vanilla Rooibos, or anything with cinnamon)
• 1 cup non-dairy milk (substitute with water, more tea, apple juice, or even dairy milk if desired)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup apple sauce
• 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen—optional)

1. Preheat non-stick griddle or frying pan to high until water sprinkled over heated surface bounces.
2. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Add wet ingredients and stir until mixed.
4. Fold in berries, if using.
5. Use 1/4 cup measure to drop on hot griddle. Cook until bubbles form then flip and cook until brown.
6. Serve warm with fresh fruit, tea infused butter or syrup.

However you choose to have your tea, remember to “Think Outside the Cup”!