If you are a fan of tea, then you’ve probably had it with milk and biscuits – but did you know that tea can be used for so much more than just that? In fact, there are many interesting ways to use tea in foods, drinks, and desserts. Read on for some delightful recipes that will have your taste buds dancing!
Tea-Infused Cocktails
A unique way to enjoy tea is by using it as a base for cocktails. For instance, why not try making a delicious lavender honey martini with Earl Grey-infused vodka?
Just combine 3 ounces of the vodka with 1/2 ounce of lavender honey syrup (which you can make yourself easily), 1/4 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 3 dashes of angostura bitters into a shaker filled with ice. Shake thoroughly and strain into a chilled martini glass. This lovely cocktail is both sweet and savoury, making it the perfect drink for any occasion
Savoury Dishes With Tea
There are many unexpected uses for tea in savoury dishes as well! For example, have you ever tried making “tea eggs”? These delectable eggs are boiled in a mixture of black tea leaves and spices until they take on a marbled appearance.
Simply bring 4 cups of water to boil in a pot and add 2 teabags of black tea. Add 2 cloves, 2 star anise pods, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns (or regular peppercorns if unavailable), and 5 tablespoons of soy sauce. Let the mixture come back to a boil before adding 8 large eggs. Boil the eggs for 25 minutes before transferring them to an ice bath to cool down completely. Peel the eggs when cooled off and enjoy!
Tea-Infused Desserts
Don't forget about incorporating tea into desserts too! Take this recipe for green tea macarons as an example - they are both beautiful and tasty!
Start by mixing together 1 cup almond flour with ¾ cup powdered sugar in a food processor or blender until combined evenly throughout. Then sift the mixture through a fine mesh strainer twice before adding 2 tablespoons matcha powder (or green tea powder) along with ½ teaspoon cream of tartar into the dry ingredients bowl; mix until everything is well blended together. In another bowl whisk together 3 egg whites until soft peaks form before adding ⅓ cup granulated sugar gradually while continuing to whisk until stiff peaks form; beat in ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract at this point as well. Fold the egg white mixture into the dry ingredients mix until all ingredients are blended evenly throughout; transfer batter into a piping bag fitted with round tip nozzle then pipe out 16 circles onto parchment paper lined baking sheets – leave enough space between each macaron shell! Bake at 320°F (160°C) for 12 minutes or until slightly browned around edges then let cool completely before assembling macarons by sandwiching together two shells with green tea buttercream filling made from softened butter mixed with matcha powder; garnish tops with sprinkles if desired before serving chilled or at room temperature – Enjoy!
As you can see from these recipes, there’s no limit when it comes to creating delicious dishes using various types of teas! Whether you prefer savoury or sweet flavours, there's something here for everyone who enjoys experimenting with different ingredients in their kitchen – so get cooking today!