Heaven of Tea

Fall is here and nothing is more inviting on a crisp fall day than cozying up to a cup of tea. Here are a few favorites, perfect for celebrating the season.

Back to School
Skip the cookies and milk and welcome your student home from a hard day at school with a warm cup of Rooibos Tropica and a slice of pumpkin tea bread (see recipe below). Known for its relaxing effect this tea is the perfect way to unwind and visit before delving into homework and after-school activities. As Rooibos teas are naturally caffeine free, they make an especially good choice for children.

Trick or Tea!
Halloween is fast approaching. What better way to celebrate than a pumpkin patch tea party! Throw on some spooky tunes and invite guests to bring their pumpkins by for a carving party. Small haystacks make perfect seating and set the mood. Enjoy ghoulish cupcakes with Chai/Chai Blend or Haute Chocolate.

Be sure to steep extra tea for your trick-or-treaters and their parents. It will be a welcome respite from the chilly night air before they rush out to plunder more treats! And don’t forget, candy is not just for the kids! Go ahead and indulge in a cup of Spice of Life to satisfy that sweet craving and relax after a long night.

Giving Thanks
Thanksgiving is a perfect time to show your loved ones how much you appreciate them. This year forgo the flowers and bring your holiday host something truly unique. Teavana Chai Teas bring out all the scents and flavors of the season. The warm, spicy tones make the perfect accompaniment to that last slice of pumpkin pie—and your hosts will think of you with every sip! For other great gift ideas visit Teavana’s Tea Gifts.

Cheers!

Pumpkin Tea Bread

½ c. margarine
1 ½ c. sugar
2 eggs
1 c. canned pumpkin
1 tbsp. orange zest
¼ c. orange juice
2 ¼ c. all-purpose flour
½ tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. ground cloves
½ c. chopped walnuts
½ c. chopped pitted dates

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease one 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar, and 1 egg. Beat in second egg until smooth. Mix in pumpkin, orange rind and juice.
3. In another bowl, measure and stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nuts, and dates. Pour all at once into batter in mixing bowl. Stir only to moisten. Pour into prepared loaf pan.
4. Bake for about 1 hour or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Transfer loaf to rack. Cool and wrap.

Allrecipes.com