Perfect Cuppa

What a beautiful sensation!
Settle down in your favourite armchair, some soft music playing in the background and hugging a hot cup of tea. This has to be almost as heavenly as it can get.
But where did the tea tradition come from and how can you make a "perfect cuppa"?

Well it is generally believed that the tradition of the Cup of Tea in Britain came from the King Charles ll era.
His wife Katharine, began to set the tea trend. It was at the suggestion of King Charles II that Katharine introduce the social hour over tea. Many artists began designing tea cups that are considered some of the best all over the world. It was years later that demand for tea sets grew.

Queen Victoria continued this tradition when she appointed Richard Twining II, as "Purveyor of Tea in Ordinary to Her Majesty." Twining was to become one of Britain's leading Brands. Lemon was sampled in his tea which became as popular as milk.

Victorian Ladies looked forward to leisurely sitting in their velvet seated chairs as the last of the sunlight filtered through lace covered windows. The sterling silver pot was filled with steaming hot tea, which was served in their finest China, as the day wound down. This activity was known as "High Tea".

The special social gatherings for tea would produce these fine ladies in their high-buttoned shoes and stockings. The gatherings produced the most beautiful table settings which were considered the status of these leisurely ladies and were high society rituals.

Today, a tea break is fast becoming a trend for a business conference instead of the cocktail hour.

It is easy, but beware! It is also easy to make tea badly.

Heat the Tea Pot! Pour hot water into a China teapot and let it sit until time to use.

Using cold, fresh tap water, fill the kettle and bring it to the boil.

As the water in the kettle is about to boil, empty the teapot, dry it and measure into it 1 teaspoonful of tea per cup plus "one for the pot." Or use one teabag for every spoonful.

When the water has come to a full boil (called a rolling boil), take the teapot to the kettle. Don’t allow the water to over-boil or stop boiling

Immediately pour the water over the tea leaves.

Put a lid on the teapot, cover it with a tea cozy and let it steep for 5 minutes. Never allow the tea to stew. If more is required make it fresh.

Stir once during the steeping process. Using a strainer, pour the tea into china cups and serve with lemon, sugar or simply on it's own.