Experience the World in Your Teacup

October 13, 2010

There is an abundance of cookbooks and how-to recipe books out there, but I recently reviewed one dedicated entirely to tea and teatime. The World in Your Teacup: Celebrating Tea Traditions Near and Far by tea certified specialist Lisa Boalt Richardson, blends recipes with cultural insights to bring the reader an understanding of why tea is so important around the world. 

According to Richardson, tea has a worldwide value as a beverage that can unite people.  It’s not only for refreshment, but the ceremony surrounding tea drinking is an important part of each day and an expression of hospitality in many countries, including our own.  From China to England and from Kenya to Russia, The World in Your Teacup allows the reader to explore recipes, as well as how this staple has been taxed, fought over, danced around, and sipped by kings.

I found this book more interesting than your typical cookbook because of the story behind each tea and the customs surrounding the making and serving of teas throughout the world. I chose to try Kenyan tea and the recipe for Marmalade Bread, which is often served with tea in that country. The recipe was easily followed and the outcome was delicious. The Marmalade Bread had a subtle sweet taste and was a perfect complement to the tea. These different tastes gave me a chance to savor both the food and my quiet teatime moment, which was quite refreshing.

So, find comfort in the relaxation of a quiet afternoon, and make your own teatime one of gathering good friends and sharing yourself.

Jessica S.
Colbern Road Branch