Tea time: Favorite Teas, Local Honey & Cranberry Biscuits

As the weather cools, there's nothing more relaxing than wrapping your hands around a warm cup of tea. Whether you're looking for a soothing morning drink, a cozy afternoon break, or something comforting during cold and flu season, tea has become one of my favorite simple pleasures. Paired with local honey and a homemade biscuit, it's the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the season.

A Few Favorite Tea Tips

One of the things I enjoy most about tea is the variety. Every blend has its own unique flavor and aroma, making it easy to find one that matches your mood or the season.

A few simple tips:

• Use freshly boiled water for the best flavor.
• Steep black teas a little longer than green teas, which can become bitter if over-steeped.
• Add local honey after the tea has cooled slightly so its natural flavor shines through.
• Store tea in an airtight container away from heat and light to help preserve its freshness.

Whether you're enjoying a quiet morning or winding down after a busy day, a cup of hot tea has a way of making life slow down for just a few peaceful minutes.

As a coffee lover, I've recently had to switch over to hot tea in the mornings. The coffee was giving me heartburn.

But you know what? Hot tea is WONDERFUL! I've been enjoying a cup of tea with honey every morning. I don't even miss coffee.

My favorites are:

Earl Grey
English Breakfast
Green Tea
Black Tea

For cold and flu seasons, my daughter likes the Celestial flavors - Apple & Cinnamon, Lemon, and Chamomile. Don't forget to use honey to sweeten your tea -- it's rich in vitamins! Also, try to buy your honey LOCALLY. The pollen gathered by your bees can help your immune system fight local allergens. So many health benefits!

I enjoy sweetening my tea with local honey whenever possible. Many people believe local honey may help them during allergy season, although scientific evidence is mixed. Either way, I love supporting local beekeepers and the wonderful flavor that fresh local honey adds to a cup of tea.

Variety of teas 

I enjoy collecting tea baskets when Christmas goes on clearance. You can find a neat variety of teas and biscuits that you wouldn't normally buy at a fraction of cost.

Holiday Teas

With the holiday's fast approaching, need an idea for cranberry sauce? Here's a delicious biscuit recipe to serve with your hot tea!

Cranberry Tea Biscuits Recipe

2 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons shortening
1 egg
1 cup jellied cranberry sauce
1/4 cup sour cream
grated cheese

Directions
Preheat oven at 400F.
Sift dry ingredients together and cut in shortening.
Beat egg creamy and add cranberry sauce and sour cream
and mix well.
Add to first mixture.
Roll or pat out on a floured board and cut into, square biscuits.
Place on baking sheet and sprinkle with grated cheese.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.