By J. Rose Allister (Guest Blogger)
What is it? TEA! (I know what you were thinking, naughty. Heh.)
Believe it or not, January is National Hot Tea Month. Yes, a whole month dedicated to this comforting, versatile beverage, and for good reason. In honor of this, here are some random facts about tea, a recipe, and a free giveaway!
Tea is consumed more than any drink in the world except for water.
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Tea contains ½ the caffeine of a cup of coffee, and the bulk of the caffeine a cup of tea is released during the first 30 seconds of brewing. Throw that brew out and make another cup for an even greater reduction in caffeine.
Despite all the different kinds of tea (oolong, Earl Grey, green, darjeeling, etc.), all teas come from one plant: Camellia Sinensis.
Tea can absorb odors in your fridge (similar to baking soda) and can be used to fertilize your garden.
Irish consume more tea per capita than any other group.
Boasted medicinal properties of tea include reducing cholesterol, weight loss, anti-cancer aid, stress reduction, anti-venom, and even combating certain infections
One cup of tea contains as many antioxidants as 10 cups of apple juice.
I have a recipe to share with you in honor of Hot Tea Month: Chai. Ever tried this? Chai is a spicy milk tea that originated in India and has become a popular drink worldwide. The mixture of tea, sugar, milk, and cinnamon spices is great on a wintry day—or iced in the summer!
Recipe for Chai Tea Mix Ingredients courtesy of AllRecipes.com
1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1 cup French vanilla flavored powdered non-dairy creamer
2 1/2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cups unsweetened instant tea
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
Combine ingredients in a bowl, then process in blender or food processor 1 cup at a time until all is well mixed into a fine powder. Store in a tightly covered container. To make chai tea, stir 2 rounded tablespoons of chai mix into a mug of hot water.
Makes about 6 cups mix
Now, how about a free giveaway? Get a little tea/goodie sampler in honor of National Tea Month! Post in the comments here for a chance to win. One commenter will be selected to win the pack. Good luck, and happy tea month!
BIO:
J. Rose Allister is an award-winning romantic and erotic story writer, and the author of novels KATA SUTRA and THEIR SECRET PARADISE. For more info on her work, visit The Power of Passion: http://jroseallister.awardspace.us
KATA SUTRA--Rated SCORCHING
Available at Bookstrand.
THEIR SECRET PARADISE—Rated 4 Flames
Available at AllRomance eBooks and Fictionwise.
