Tea Infusers

I love drinking tea, as much for the routine that surrounds it as for the warmth it brings. To that end, I have a number of tea infusers from grated spoons to these two charmers, both gifts from friends.

There are a number of different tea infuser sizes because there are different kinds of teas. In general, larger tea infusers are used for loose leaf teas. The leaves expand when exposed to hot water so they need room to release their flavors and aroma.

Tea powders, often in tea bags, work well in smaller tea infusers just because there isn’t much to expand.

In the photo example, loose leaf tea would work well in the left tea infuser. Tea bags would work well in the silicone orange fish on the right.

Maybe because I have used the right tea cup a number of times but I read that silicone-based tea infusers sometimes have a plastic taste. I don’t pick that up with this tea cup but then it’s been well used so maybe it wears off over time.

As we move into the holiday season, consider giving a fun tea infuser as a gift. It’s something someone may use every day and think of you. I know I do with these two gift infusers!

Charlotte

Rolla, Missouri's Thai Restaurant, which I have to admit I have yet to try.

Thai Basil

Thai basil has intrigued me for some time. Besides the lovely purple flowers, it is one of those herbs I have yet to try in my cooking but that won't last much longer.

Thai basil is a member of the mint family. I am told it has a sweet flavor, similar to anise. Being a perennial, it's already on my must try list, any plant that keeps coming back is welcome in my garden.

Thai basil growing outside Sawadee Thai Restaurant in Rolla, Missouri.

So imagine my surprise when I pulled into the Sawadee Thai Restaurant parking lot to see these black containers with fresh Thai basil growing. If there was ever any doubt fresh herbs are used in their cooking, this should confirm it.