We are a big tea household. There’s something about having a warm cup to wrap your hands around when everything feels like it’s spinning out of control.
It’s more important than ever to create quite moments to collect ourselves and just be still and breathe. And while all kinds of comfort foods are trending right now, I’m also looking for simpler things, like long walks, good books.
One of the most comforting things I can whip up in the kitchen is a pot of tea–easily shared.
Loose-leaf Tea Rules
I stock all types of tea bags in the pantry, but typically reach for loose whole tea, both black and herbal. The quality is so much higher. I also enjoy the ritual of choosing from our collection of tea pots and infusers and the perfect mug.
Every morning, Benjamin makes a large French press of coffee, then we switch to tea after lunch. It’s not uncommon for Cece (11) to come home from school and make herself a cup of herbal tea.
By the end of the day, our counter is littered with sodden tea-filled infusers.
Upgrading to Tea Lattes
I switch between loose-leaf Earl Gray, Assam and Chai, sometimes black and other times with milk. I drink both cow and plant-based milks, but if you’re curious about the pros and cons of all the milk options on the market, here’s a good milk guide from The Guardian.
Recently I got a milk frother, so I now I turn barista and make myself a tall tea latte.
You can make a tea latte with just two ingredients: foamed milk + tea. It’s a great money saver compared to the coffee shop, and it’s a new ritual for my tea afternoons.
Foamed milk is the difference between a regular cup of tea and a tea latte. If you don’t have an espresso machine with an electric milk frother, the next best thing is a handheld milk frother. {I’ve read that you can also froth milk in a French press or immersion blender, but haven’t tried it myself.}
I received an offer from Zulay to try out their best-selling milk frother.* Since I used to have one that broke after six months, I loved the fact that this product comes with a lifetime product assurance and in-person support.
Tea Latte for Two Method
- Heat milk of your choice in microwave or on the stove top to bubbling hot but not boiling. The milk can be your preferred type, from fresh cow’s milk to macadamia nut to oat milk. Some milks foam better than others, and I’ve found the more I practice the better I get–and why those baristas deserve all the tips they get.
- Steep tea–any type green tea to chamomile to Earl Grey. Stronger is better. To avoid bitterness, I use a slightly larger quantity of loose black.
- While tea is steeping, froth the milk in a large pitcher about twice the volume of the milk so it doesn’t overflow. It takes some practice to get the technique down {and will vary depending on your equipment and milk choice}. With the handheld milk frother, I find it best to tilt the pitcher and focus the wand at the surface of the milk for the best foaming action.
- Pour tea into mugs, add milk to taste and top with spoonfuls of microfoam.
Vanilla Tea Latte for Two
Equipment
- milk frother
Ingredients
- 3 teaspoons loose leaf black tea, such as Assam, Earl Grey or Chai
- 8 ounces milk, such as whole, 2% or any plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon real vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon honey local or organic
Instructions
- Bring a tea pot of water to a boil and add the loose tea to the infuser in a tea pot. Just before the water comes to a boil, pour 12 ounces of the water over the tea leaves and steep for 4 minutes to make a strongly brewed tea that isn't bitter.
- Meanwhile, heat the milk in the microwave or on the stove top until steaming hot. Stir in the vanilla and honey. Transfer the milk to a container twice the volume of the milk and froth until as foamy. You'll get better with practice.
- Divide the tea between two 12-ounce tea cups or mugs. Add the milk to taste and spoon the foam on top.
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