tea4kate

Not Your Momma's Tea-Party Recipes

2010-06-23T20:41:00.000-07:00

What could be more refreshing on a hot summer day than the traditional Southern Sweet Tea? What about "Tipsy Tea"....a fun "party" variation of an old favorite!

My daughter gave the me the inspiring and delightful book called, "Porch Parties". This book is dedicated to cocktail recipes and lots of ideas for outdoor entertaining!

For "Tipsy Tea" start with a great Sweet Tea....

8 cups water
8 heaping teaspoons nice black tea in an infuser
1 cup sugar
Bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Remove pan from heat. Add tea in the infuser. Stir in the sugar. Steep for at least one hour.

Fill a glass with ice and pour tea over ice.

Now add 2 ounces of Orange Flavored Vodka that has been chilled. Cut a round slice of an orange and then cut in 1/2 and use as a garnish.

Woowee...yummy...I'm sure this will be a hit!

Another Great Tea "Cocktail" is the Green Tea 'Tini

This recipe calls for the use of a speciality item called:

According to the Zen Green Tea Liqueur website, this liqueur uses "green tea leaves from Kyoto, the historic capital of Japan, well-known for it's superior quality tea."

The Green Tea 'Tini recipe is as follows:

3-4 ounces Citrus Flavored Vodka....chilled

2 ounces Green Tea Liqueur (Zen Green Tea Liqueur)

1 ounce lemon-lime soda

fresh lemon or lime slices

Using a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, green tea liqueur, soda and ice. Shake well and strain into chilled martini glasses. Garnish with lemon or lime slices.

And toast to your health...after all your having your "green tea" aren't you?

Iced tea is quite versatile... and can be combined with many other beverages to enhance flavors and taste. The famous "Arnold Palmer"...1/2 lemonade and 1/2 tea is quite refreshing.

So this summer, make it a point to try some new recipes featuring a great standby...iced tea!

Happy Summer Infusions!!

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

Life's a Bowl of Cherries

2010-06-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

How many times have I heard "Life is just a bowl of cherries"?

And sometimes it's true. Life just couldn't be better!

Sweet and colorful, fresh and ripe....pleasant and perfect.

But like cherries in a bowl, I only have to wait a day or two and then, I find a cherry that is beginning to deteriorate...darkened skin...a little white place. The rotting process has begun!

I pick through the cherries, discarding all the decaying ones. Once again my bowl of cherries is perfect. I am diligent in this ritual until all the cherries have been eaten or thrown away.

I wish the "rotten" things in life could so easily be detected and so easily amended! My attentiveness might avert one disaster, and in the next moment, I am in the midst of another crisis.

I just want to enjoy that bowl of cherries!

Fortunately, tea time gives me the break I need to take a moment, breathe, relax and choose a new perspective to view my "chair of bowlies"! ( A Mary Engelbrit saying)

I like to listen to this version of the song...."Life is just a Bowl of Cherries" while I drink my tea and reflect!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqiqUeNyQyU&feature=related

Happy Infusions !

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

Perfect Iced Tea for National Iced Tea Month

2010-06-01T19:23:00.000-07:00

June is National Iced Tea Month. I have often wondered why July or August were not designated as the National Iced Tea Month. June's weather is often mild compared to July and August when temperatures rise and we are sweating profusely and seeking ice cold refreshments!

Staying hydrated in hot weather is important. Finding healthy beverages, besides water, that contain few additives and don't have a high sugar content, can be challenging. Iced tea meets this critieria!

Some of our flavored black and green teas make excellent iced teas; Cranberry Breeze, Arctic Raspberry, Shanghai Lime, Strawberry Cream Green. ( All them are so yummy!)

Most of us have made "Sun-Tea" without any issues, however, according to the Center For Disease Control, using the sun to make tea can promote bacteria growth. There are a few guidelines on the following website if you insist on making Sun-Tea. http://www.snopes.com/food/prepare/suntea.asp

Our Perfect Iced Tea recipe below uses boiled water which is a safer alternative to Sun-Tea. Brew and enjoy the summer months with the second most consumed beverage in the world...tea!

Perfect Iced Tea

For 2 quarts (1/2 gallon)

In a 6 cup teapot, place an infuser filled with 12 heaping teaspoons of tea.
Fill the teapot with water heated to 195 degrees.
Steep for 5 minutes.
Remove the infuser.
In a 2 quart container fill 1/2 with ice
Pour tea over ice
Add cold water if needed to make 1/2 gallon of great iced tea !!

Happy Iced Infusions,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

A Perfect Proper Cup of Tea

2010-05-19T14:39:00.000-07:00

This is a subject I have avoided. Most long time tea drinkers have their favorite brewing methods and it would be presumptuous of me to instruct them on the "How To's" of steeping tea! And I guarantee there are probably as many techniques for the "perfect cup" of tea as there are tea drinkers!

However, if you are new to the world of "loose" tea...tea that doesn't come in a bag with a little string and tag attached...then perhaps a few helpful hints will insure your success.

***Use loose tea*** Usually loose tea is better quality than tea in a tea bag. Broken leaves or leaf "dust" is what goes into tea bags.

***Add tea to teapot***Using an infuser or tea filter measure about one teaspoon per cup into the teapot. If you have a 4 cup teapot, you would add 4 teaspoons of tea. I usually add a little extra because I like a full bodied tea. You will have to experiment and decide how you like your tea. In some tea circles the loose leaves are deposited directly into the teapot and a strainer is used when pouring the tea into a cup. I prefer the filter or infuser method...much easier to clean and the tea doesn't become bitter.

***Water and Time*** Heat the water to boiling for black tea & steep between 3-5 minutes.

Cool water slightly for Oolong tea and steep between 2-5 minutes. Oolong can be steeped again using the same leaves.

Cool water to about 180 degrees for green tea. Steep between 2-4 minutes.

If you are using a white tea you only need the temperature of the water to reach about 165 degrees and steep it between 3-7 minutes.

If you use water that is too hot for green or white tea, it will become bitter.

Milk, lemon, or sugar can be added if you desire. Milk is not generally added to green, Oolong or herbal teas.

Store unused tea leaves in an airtight container.

And now you have one method of making a perfect proper cup of tea! Make a pot of your favorite tea and enjoy!

Happy Infusions,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

Award Winning Chocolates....Lillie Belle Farms

2010-05-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

Traveling north on I-5 we took a short detour into Central Point, Oregon.

Being a chocolate lover, it is difficult to drive past a sign like this without stopping!

The factory-retail store is an inconspicuous looking building.

Inside though, there is a multitude of incredibly finely crafted Artisian Chocolates. Over 60 different flavors of caramels, truffles and bon-bons!

Owner and Master Chocolatier, Jeff Shepherd uses organic raspberries, strawberries and marionberries which are grown on his family's farm only a coulple of miles from the store.

We purchased several wonderful chocolates. My Sweet Husband chose a Chilpolte Ganache, a dark chocolate infused with smokey hot sweetness of chilpolte pepper.

I picked three little "chocolate cups".....

A dreamy Lemon Buttercup....tart fresh lemon buttercream in a white chocolate cup.

Maker's Mark Cup..................decadent cup filled with pecan butter, dark chocolate and Maker's Mark

Whisky ganache topped with a large caramelized pecan.

Margarita Cup........................margarita buttercream in a dark chocolate cup with "salted rim".

I managed to arrive home with the chocolates untouched. But once I made a pot of tea....oh I savored every morsel of chocolate with every sip of tea!

Chocolates and tea are perfect companions!

If you aren't heading North any time soon, you can order these award winning chocolates on line.

http://www.lilliebellefarms.com/pilot.asp?pg=default

Happy Infusions.....enjoy with chocolates!

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

Poached Pears with Vanilla Ice Cream...

2010-04-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

While sorting through my cookbook collection, I came across this delightful recipe in my "French Women Don't Get Fat" book. (Very inspiring, by the way!)

I adapted it, since I didn't have any Muscat Beaumes de Venise on hand.... What kind of wine is this? Ah ha, I had to look it up and found out it's a dessert wine. (Sorry, my lack of wine knowledge is showing!) I decided to substitute a Sherry, but I think Brandy would also work...it's good to experiment, n'est-ce pa?

Here's the recipe:

Poached Pears with Vanilla Ice Cream

2 cups Muscat Beaumes de Venise or any good dessert wine

1/2 cup sugar ( I used 1/4 cup raw and 1/4 cup regular white)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

4 Bosc pears, peeled, cored and halved ( I cut them smaller to fit better in my dessert dish)

1 or more scoops of your favorite Vanilla Ice Cream ( I love homemade!)

In a heavy saucepan, bring wine and sugar to a boil. Simmer for 5 more minutes....

Add lemon juice and pears....cook about 10-15 more minutes on low to medium heat.

Cool and refrigerate.

When ready to serve, bring the pears to room temperature. Serve with a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream and a sprig of mint!

A refreshing dessert perfect with tea!

I have missed my "mint patch" that used to grow right outside our back door at the ranch. It was proflic! Of course, the dripping faucet helped! Every winter, it would die down, and I would wonder if this was the year it wouldn't revive. Behold, every spring, little green leaves appeared and I rejoiced!

This year I planted a little mint with my little viola's. I can quickly grab a sprig or two...right outside my back door again! Can't wait for iced tea season...of course this Saturday I have to make a Mint Julep and watch the Kentucky Derby!

Happy Infusions,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

Sorting the Cookbook Collection....

2010-04-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

I love each one of them. They have distinct personalities. How could I sort and throw out any of them?

There they were stacked on my counter awaiting their fate.....

My cookbook collection. My recipes. Those wonderful creations that had saved my reputation more than once.

Love this one. It's full of fabulous uncomplicated, gourmet, delicious recipes, and is a storehouse of information. It was a keeper.

My mother ask me to take home a few of her cookbooks the last time I visited her. Considering the current state of affairs, I thought this one might

be helpful....

Perusing through this collection from the Sunday Parade Magazine, I spotted several variations of the "Budget Casserole" and "Budget Stretcher" I remember my mother using. My favorite from this era, though, are the molded gelatin salads and the Baked Alaska dessert....

Oh dear... I hadn't found any to dispose of yet.

Memories flooded my mind when I reached for this one....

I went with my children and now I'm going with my grandchildren on field trips to Bishop's Pumpkin Farm in Wheatland, California. (That means Bishop's has been in business over 25 years!) This little book is full of memories and great recipes like the Applesauce Pumpkin Bread (moist and tasty)

and I love their Persimmon Cookie recipe. I put it in the sentimental stack.

In my quest to raise healthy children, I collected these two fine cookbooks. The Snacks has clever ideas for "presentation" of healthy foods and the CANDY

was invaluable for great traveling ideas...foods, games and "how to's". Ok, these two belong in the sentimental pile.

I felt like hugging some of these cookbooks. They're like old friends! When we moved to our ranch in Surprise Valley, I loved using recipes submitted by so many people I knew and saw at least once a month! Great food and sometimes a story or two makes this one a little like a story book.....

This darling notebook, given to me by my precious daughters, holds my accumulation of handwritten and typed recipes from

family and friends, and those I cut from magazines and newspapers.

And then there was the time My Sweet Husband and I attended a conference for small family farms and met a woman who was collecting recipes

and farm stories for her cookbook. We agreed to contribute and were published in this cookbook....

Probably one of the funniest cookbooks I've ever seen was given to me by my sister-in-law...

It does have the best bread pudding recipe I've ever tried! Sometimes it's fun just to read through the names of the recipes..."Uncle Willie's Swamp

Cabbage Stew", "Clara Jane Vickar's Creamed Tuna Lunch", "Betty Sue's Sister-In-Law's Fried Eggplant". It does have a whole section of recipes I don't

think I will ever use...."Boiled Squirrel", "Butt's Gator Tail", and " Aunt Donnah's Roast Possum". However, one should never say never! I'm not ready to
part with this one yet.

This was my first cookbook. I had to buy it for my high school Home Economics class. It's a basic, classical cookbook . It is beloved. Currently, the cover has been duct taped, and some of the index pages have come loose from the three ring binder, but for the most part, it is in great shape and still quite useful.

Well, I did manage to find six books to give away. I discovered I had never used a recipe from any of them and had no attachment to them.

Next there is the magazine recipe collection to sort through....the Bon Appetit, the Taste of Home, the Food Network.

Not right now though. I'm ready for a cup of tea!

Happy Cooking, Happy Infusions,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

Curds on the Way...

2010-04-13T21:29:00.000-07:00

On our way home from Grants Pass, Oregon we decided to gas up our truck in Central Point. We spotted a sign advertising the "Rogue Creamery". We had a little free time and since we delight in off road excursions when we travel, we drove in the direction we thought the creamery must be. After two miles and no creamery, we stopped a bicyclist and ask directions. She mentioned that it was a small stone building, not fancy, but assured us "the company wins all kinds of awards for their cheeses". After turning around, driving back the way we came and making an important turn (we missed the first time).....

We spotted the sidewalk sign and pulled into the parking lot......

A cement trough filled with spring flowers graced the front entry.....

We were greeted warmly and introduced to the historic cheese shop. Not only does this store carry artisan cheeses, but also local wines and craft beers.

We tasted cheeses; blue cheeses, cheddar cheeses and curds. A representative from the Longsword Vineyard, pouring for the day, offered us a taste of Sparkling Chardonnay. This is a delicious light wine we sipped while perusing the gift shop.

We purchased several cheeses and a bottle of the Sparkling Chardonnay. This was my first time to taste cheese curds and I wondered what you might do with them. The helpful personnel made a number of suggestions. I noticed they sold a batter mix to make fried curds. I purchased a bag of curds vowing to find recipes for them.

After we were home, I researched cheese curds. Cheddar cheese curds are small chunks of cheese solids which form in the cheese making process. The remaining liquid is called the whey, a watery, thin liquid. I learned cheese curds have a two to three week shelf life, however, fresh curds can be frozen for up to four months. Cheddar cheese curds are similar to fresh Mozzarella in taste and texture. Fried Cheese Curds are a staple at the Minnesota Wisconsin and several Mid-Western State Fairs.....now who would have guessed? I found several recipes and decided to try a couple.

Cheese curds should be at room temperature before being battered and fried.....

Minnesota State Fair Recipe for Fried Cheese Curds....

1 pound of fresh cheddar cheese curds

1 egg, beaten

1/4 cup milk

1/2 cup flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

Enough oil to either deep fry or you can fry with a little olive oil and not deep fry.

Beat egg, add milk and stir. Add baking powder, salt and flour. Stir until thoroughly combined. Drop the cheese curds in and mix gently until all are completely covered with batter. Heat oil in skillet or deep fryer. ( I use my wonderful trusty cast iron skillet). Working in small batches, being careful the battered curds do not touch, drop the curds into heated oil. Flip only once. Fry until a golden color. (Approximately one minute). Drain on paper towel if desired. Eat while hot/warm. These are tasty...reminded me a bit of Mozzarella sticks.

This next recipe is a bit unusual, but tasty and a little different. I am especially fond of Hungarian Paprika, so that is what I used.

Beer Batter For Fried Cheese Curds

1 cup flour

2 tbls garlic powder

2 tbls paprika

2 tsp salt

2 tsp pepper

1 egg

1 12 ounce can/bottle beer

Enough oil to deep fry or you can fry with a little olive oil and not deep fry.

Combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt,and pepper. Stir egg into dry ingredients. Gradually mix in beer until a batter is formed.

Drop in cheese curds and thoroughly coat with batter. Heat oil in skillet. ( I use my trusty cast iron skillet). Fry the coated curds approximately one minute, until golden brown. Be sure to keep them separated so they are not touching. Drain on a paper towel and serve hot/warm. These are really good with beer!

If you drive on Highway 5 into Oregon, be sure to make a stop in Central Point. Visit the wonderful Rogue Creamery. On the same side of the street there is also the famous Lillie Belle Farms Chocolate Shop ( I'll talk about this in another blog) and a great little Wine Tasting shop !

http://roguecreamery.com

Happy Excursions.....Happy Curds on the Way..... and Happy Infusions,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

Bananas in Brown Sugar Sauce

2010-04-02T17:47:00.000-07:00

Recalling the advice of my dear Homemaking teacher, Mrs. Whalen, I decided to try the recipe before making it for guests.

Fortunately, I even decided this two days in advance, and not the day before. When I retrieved the brown sugar from my pantry, the jar was filled with rock hard lumps!

I had heard putting a piece of bread in an airtight container with hard brown sugar would soften it overnight.

We only had whole wheat bread. I carefully laid a piece on top and looked for recipes without brown sugar.

I didn't really believe it would work by the next day. Since I had "read" that this was a guaranteed method, I presumed it would eventually soften the brown sugar.

The next day, it was perfect...not one lump!

I proceeded to make my....

Bananas in Brown Sugar Sauce for Two

1 teaspoon butter ( I used a little more)

1/2 teaspoon canola/vegetable oil

2 tablespoons brown sugar ( no lumps)

1 teaspoon lime juice

2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Sprinkle nutmeg and ginger (optional)

2 small bananas (quartered or sliced)

Scoops of..........Vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt

Heat butter and oil, add brown sugar and heat until it bubbles. Add rum, if desired, lime juice and spices. Cook slowly until it thickens slightly. Add bananas and cook until heat until tender.

Divide for two and ladle over a scoop or two of ice cream or frozen yogurt.

This is lovely and tasty ! I have made it with the rum and without, delicious either way. It is very rich and a little goes a long way!

I had a cup of Spiced Pear black tea with this.

Divine!

Happy Infusions,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

Backyard Baby Chicks....

2010-03-19T11:49:00.001-07:00

The baby chicks are now at the feed stores .....they are adorable !

When we lived on the ranch, we ordered chicks from the midwest. We bought some at the feed store too, but you could find more exotic chickens from a catalog. Our local Post Office would call us to come pick up our box of babies (chicks).

We kept them in the house by our heater for a few days with a heat lamp. Our daughters adored this arrangement. They would bound out of bed in the mornings and hold baby chicks before having to get ready to catch the school bus.

Depending on the outside temperatures, we eventually moved them to the nice little secure pen with a heat lamp in the chicken house. By the time they were hens, they were quite tame.

Our children have backyard chickens and our granddaughter loves to hold them.

She has two that she is especially fond of....this is Dora....

I've been contemplating, once again, about having a few Backyard Chickens....but then I also think about turning my front yard into a vegetable garden and my pool into a cement pond with catfish. I'm not sure I was meant to be a neighborhood resident. All those darn CC&R's !

Happy Infusions,
Kate
http://tea4kate.com

'Tis the season for planting...and growing....

2010-03-10T12:36:00.000-08:00

This beautiful sunshine calls me...." Come....Come...Come outside. Come dig. Come plant."

I heeded the call and ordered seeds !!

We've always been interested in the Seed Savers Exchange and used them extensively when we had a big garden at the ranch.

In the United States, it is the largest non-government seed bank. Seed Savers is an non-profit organization dedicated to saving and sharing heirloom seeds. An heirloom seed is defined by Seed Savers as "any garden plant that has a history of being passed down within a family....like pieces of heirloom jewelery or furniture."

Preserving and continuing to develop disease and pest resistant plants without modifying or altering the genetics of the seed takes time, dedication and patience.

Currently, though, there is tremendous pressure to patent and create genetically engineered plants and animals that will produce rapidly. These "mutations" are now part of our everyday lives. Depending on the study you read, there could be over seventy percent of processed foods on our grocery shelves that contain genetically engineered ingredients. It is estimated that about seventy-five percent of U.S. corn and eighty-five percent of soybeans are genetically engineered.

Typically, an engineered plant will produce seeds that are sterile so they can not reproduce. Sometimes, this is referred to as “terminator technology” because the plant’s ability to reproduce has been ‘terminated’ at the genetic level. This may not seem particularly important unless we know that these genetically engineered plants are not harmful to our health, and if we can continue to have access to a supply of "GM-free" (genetically modified-free) plants.

I highly recommend the following for plants and seeds:

http://www.seedsavers.org/

http://www.johnnyseeds.com/

http://groworganic.com

this company is in Grass Valley, CA...

A great resource is:

http://www.motherearthnews.com/

Happy Planting...Happy Growing....and

Happy Infusions,
Kate
http://tea4kate.com

There's no place like Portland....a fascinating gourmet experience.

2010-03-06T14:13:00.000-08:00

Portland, Oregon is a virtual epicurean wonderland ! And we are trying our best to take full advantage of all opportunites every time we have a chance to be there.

In our short visit, we were treated to fantastic Korean food at the Be Won on North 23rd Street in the heart of downtown Portland.

From their menu we were introduced to the different types of Korean food....

which can be divided into the following categories:

Juk:
a rice porridge often served as a restorative, can include chicken, vegetables, beans, ginseng and mushrooms

Jeon:

pan fried vegetables or seafood; there are also pancake-like Jeon that consist of meat and vegetables integrated into a batter

Guk and Tang
soup made from a variety of different vegetables, meats and seafood

Chi-ge and Jeongol

traditional Korean stews and casseroles

Jim and Jorim
dishes of meat or fish simmered in many ingredients and spices

Gui

broiled or barbecued dishes

Namul
lightly seasoned fresh vegetables or wild green dishes

Bokkum

stir fried dishes made with variety of vegetables, seafood or meat

Bap

boiled rice, often garnished with beans, barley, millet or other grains to enhance flavor or nutritional value

Kimchi

kimchi is a fermented vegetable dish made with Korean cabbage, cucumbers or radishes with a mixture of other vegetables and seasonings, there are more than 160 kimchi varieties differentiated by region and ingredients

Check out their fantastic menu items at this site:

http://www.bewonrestaurant.com/menu.asp

One evening, we had dinner at Hakatamon Restaurant next to the Beaverton Uwajimaya Asian Market. Hakatamon serves fresh udon noodles, made by hand by Chef Kato each day for the delicious udon soups. After we ate, we strolled through the incredible market with aisles full of speciality Asian groceries and gifts. A fantastic treat !

http://www.uwajimaya.com/

You can find out how the fascinating history of the Uwajimaya Market is connected to Northern California at this site.....

http://www.uwajimaya.com/history.html

At our next stop, (one of our favorite chain restaurants), we ordered classical Chinese food. PF Changs is delightfully consistent in their presentation and quality. The Gluten Free Menu is quite extensive and even includes dessert ! There are several locations listed on their website:

http://www.pfchangs.com/index.aspx

For a treat, we found the Saint Honore Boulangerie in Lake Oswego. This French bakery features handcrafted French breads and pastries. Quiches, sandwiches, salads and soups are also on the menu. Two of us ordered the Choquettes....puffy baked pastry with pate a choux and dusted with rock sugar. Two of us decided on the Gateau....Gateau Orange and Gateau au Chocolate....both flourless cakes, rich and flavorful.

http://www.sainthonorebakery.com/

One of these beautiful spring days, we might try.....

An Epicurean Walking Tour

http://www.portlandwalkingtours.com/tours/epicurean_excursion.php

Bon Vivant and Happy Infusions,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

2010-02-24T07:08:00.000-08:00

An absolutely compelling story ! The story of a real woman's life. The author's grandmother, Lily Casey Smith. Jeannette Walls writes in the first person to capture the "voice of Lily", and fills in details when necessary. She considers it a novel....in the tradition of "oral history, a retelling of stories handed down by her family through the years, and undertaken with the storyteller's traditional liberties."

I have heard these kind of stories. Some very similar to those in this book. My grandparents and parents are this generation. Spunky, self-reliant and seemingly fearless. Undeterred by "acts of God", (floods, winds and storms of any sort), undaunted by hard work, (they expected to work), and unflinching in their resolve to make a better life for their children.

Lily's journey through her early years, breaking horses at age six, riding horseback five hundred miles, alone, to accept a teaching job, and later running a huge ranch in Arizona with her husband and two children, is a gripping tale !

Have your tea ready....it's hard to put this book down, even to make another cuppa !

Happy Infusions,
Kate

Who the ? Where the ? Why the ?

2010-02-20T05:50:00.000-08:00

My Sweet Husband and I relished the thought of being at our ranch for a few days !

We left Redding and after about two and half hours we started up Cedar Pass.

On top, we encountered snow ! What a wonderful sight.

Dropping down into Surprise Valley, the snow disappeared.

Well, there were patches here and there.

After we did the arrival clean up, we took our tea and stood on our front porch

marveling at the quiet and peaceful view.

And then we decided to take a walk out in the corral.

My Sweet Husband..."Who the hell built this fence?"

"Where the hell is that blankety, bleep, bleep, badger?"

"Why the hell is that dog so happy?"

I suggested it might be time for another cup of calming tea !

May all your cares be soothed with a cuppa !

Happy Infusions,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

Out of the Blue

2010-02-14T14:09:00.000-08:00

Our collection of Blue Willow started with My Sweet Husband's grandmother in 1968. Married and struggling to work our way through college, we had purchased most of our dishes at the Salvation Army store. We received a lovely set of silverware, and lots of Corning Ware for wedding presents. Good dishes, we didn't have.

One day, out of the blue, Grandma and Grandpa arrived with two boxes of wrapped dish ware. She had been saving these Blue Willow dishes for My Sweet Husband. She told me that when he was a little boy, she was cleaning her dish cabinet and had set all the Blue Willow dishes in the give-away pile. My Sweet Husband ask her why she was giving them away, and she replied she didn't need them anymore. "But Grandma, I love those dishes," he said. So she stuck them back in her cabinet and moved them several times, saving them for this very moment.

She had purchased the Blue Willow from a restaurant in Alturas, California that was buying a new set of serving dishes. These particular Blue Willow are known as "grill plates".

Popular during the 1930's to the 1950's, these plates were ideal for the "Blue Plate Special" that was standard fare at many diners and cafes.

The deep blue color and the the Legend of Blue Willow are part of what contributes to it's long term appeal for collectors.

There are many versions of The Legend, but here is one: Once a wealthy Chinese mandarin, Li Chi, had a beautiful daughter, Koong-see. She fell in love with her father's humble accountant, Chang. Her father was very angry, since it would be inappropriate for them to marry, due to their different social classes. The mandarin dismissed the young man and built a high fence around his house to try and keep the lovers apart. Her father arranged for her to marry a powerful Duke. The Duke arrived by boat to claim his bride, bringing a box of jewels as a gift. On the day the blossoms fell from the willow tree the Duke was to marry Koong-see.

The night before the wedding, the young account, disguised himself as a servant and slipped into the palace unnoticed. The lovers, escaping over the bridge, with the jewels, were spotted. The alarm was sounded and the mandarin chased after them. They escaped on the Duke's boat and arrived at a secluded island where they lived happily for many years. One day, the Duke discovered their secret. In revenge, he sent soldiers who captured them and put them to death. The Gods, moved by their misfortune, transformed the lovers into a pair of lovebirds so they could fly together forever, over the willow tree where they first declared their love for one another.

If you look closely at Blue Willow, you will be able to find many elements of the legend.

We have enjoyed adding to our collection when we travel or go "antiquing". One treasure I found in an old antique store in Missouri is this precious child's tin tea set. I can just imagine the mud pies placed delicately on those little plates and the delicious "tea" poured from the teapot into the cups.

One other great find was the Blue Willow measuring cup we found in a small shop in Fall River Mills, California.

Out of the blue, we were given a gift that has given us joy in continuing to accumulate. I hope you, too, have a collection that gives you immense pleasure every time you find another new piece !

Happy Infusions,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

Keemun In A Cup

2010-02-05T22:11:00.000-08:00

It's always like Christmas when new tea arrives !

I can't wait to open the box and then empty the tea into it's jar and steep a pot .....oh the aroma and the sight of that wonderful tea that has traveled so far to come into my life !

This particular tea, Keemun Mao Feng comes from the Anhui Province in China. It was around 1875 that a young man, She Ganchen, recently dismissed from government service in Fujian, decided to produce black teas in his home town region. Keemun became famous because it was the first black tea in a green tea area. Keemun is also prized because of myrcenal, an essential oil, not found in other tea leaves, which gives this tea its exceptional sweetness. Mao Feng is one of the rarest and best grades of Keemun tea.

Sometimes, unfortunately, this lovely tea is used in blending an "English Breakfast" style tea.

It is superb all by itself and should be enjoyed as such !

These perfect tea leaves produce an amber color, a sweet taste and a
divine aroma !

Let it rain or snow.....brew a pot of Keemun Mao Feng and pour a cup....tea time is anytime !

Happy Infusions,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

My Space...at the Oregon Street Antique Mall

2010-02-02T09:31:00.001-08:00

This is it.....my space at the Oregon Street Antique Mall. The first booth at the top of the new stairs ! I am very excited.

Today, we start filling it in....trying to create an inviting, welcoming area. I am hoping to be able to do a few "tea events" here also.

Please come by and say hi. I'll post my schedule as soon as I know the days I will be working. See you soon !

Happy Infusions,
Kate
http://tea4kate.com

From Russia With Love

2010-01-27T18:49:00.000-08:00

My tea from Russia was almost gone.

I decided to crank up, well, plug in, the Samovar, and make the last of the Russian tea in as traditional a manner as I know how.

A Samovar is a utensil consisting of a boiler with a faucet near the bottom, steam-holes and a teapot which sits on top, and some type of heating device. This is not just an ordinary piece of equipment, but a revered symbol of Russian hospitality.

The evolution of the Samovar is a study in technology and adaptability. Traditionally, a Samovar used charcoal to heat the water in the boiler. Today, nickel-plated electric Samovars reign. Only the Trans-Siberian Railroad has clung to the traditional smoky, charcoal heated Samovar.

I poured water into the base and plugged it in.

I made the concentrated tea for the little teapot on top. This step is very important and cannot be made with tea bags. Only good loose tea is suitable. The tea should be strong; the color of a chestnut. I delighted in the ritual of making tea and thinking of my tea from Russia.

A Mongolian ruler gave Tsar Michael I a gift of about 140 pounds of tea about 1638. Catherine the Great established regular imports of tea around 1736. The tea caravans brought more than 3 million pounds of loose tea and tea bricks by camel along the silk road. This amount of imported tea allowed the price to be lowered and thus in Russia, the lower and middle class could enjoy tea. Today, tea is grown in Georgia, and neighboring Azerbaijan, both countries a part of the former Soviet Union.

"Good tea takes patience and commitment." ( Daniel Nagy)

First, I added the concentrated tea to my cup.....

The concentrate is very strong, and as one writer said, "Never drink it undiluted, because it has a strong narcotic effect, causing increased heart rate, hallucinations and restlessness."

Next, hot water from the spout..........dilutes the concentrate to suit my taste.

And my tea is ready !!! Of course, some like lemon, or milk (but not together), sugar, honey, rum or vodka ! I like my tea straight up ! No additions. I will use my Samovar again, and again.

Happy Infusions,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

Early Morning Mist

2010-01-24T11:42:00.000-08:00

early morning mist

grayness greets the day

fragments of late night conversation

breathed over 7 Deadly Zins

traverse in circles

introspective quest.

Help for Haiti....World Vision

2010-01-17T10:15:00.000-08:00

Haiti.... we have friends who came to the United States from Haiti. They still have family in Haiti. Our hearts and prayers are with the Haitian people as they strive to survive the devastation of the 7.0 earthquake which struck Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, January 12th.

Americans have already donated millions to the Red Cross and other organizations ready to invade Haiti with life saving supplies We are cautioned to be aware of schemers who would fleece those wishing to "do something". Wisdom, old fashioned good sense, needs to prevail in choosing which groups to support.

For years, our choice has been World Vision, a "Christian Humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice." World Vision started in the 1950's because Dr. Bob Pierce wanted to help orphan children in Korea. (Some of you will understand why this group has my heart !). Over the next several decades World Vision expanded it's work world wide to include disaster relief, work with communities in education, health care, vocational and agricultural training for families to become self-supporting and healthy.

World Vision has been working in Haiti for over 30 years and at the time of the earthquake had about 370 staff based in Haiti. The relief director of World Vision, Edward Brown, said, " We would be very concerned about a quake of this magnitude anywhere in the world, but it is especially devastating in Haiti, where people are acutely vulnerable because of poor infrastructure and extreme poverty."

So please, pray for the people of Haiti, donate, give as you are able, but with wisdom. And if you choose World Vision, here is their website:

http://worldvision.org

Blessings,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

How Many Tubs Can You Stack & Carry ?

2010-01-04T13:42:00.000-08:00

The day we decided to take down Christmas, I ask My Sweet Husband to carry in the storage tubs from the garage.

I scooped the stockings off the mantle and carefully carried the angels to the table to be bubble- wrapped.

My Sweet Husband had not returned with one tub.

I dismantled the snowman display and gathered the nutcracker collection together.

Still, My Sweet Husband had not returned with one tub.

I unplugged the church and village scene. I wrapped baby Jesus, Mary & Joseph in tissue.

And still, My Sweet Husband had not returned with one tub.

Just as I was wrapping up the shepherds and wise men,

My Sweet Husband brought in the tubs !

All of them at one time !

Yep....you can move the guy to the city, but ya just can't take the country out of him !!

Happy Infusions,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

The Party Isn't Over....

2010-01-03T10:23:00.000-08:00

It's true. The party isn't over.

We continue to celebrate....January is National Hot Tea Month !! Yay !! Those windy, snowy days of winter draw us to hot beverages like children compelled to step in mud puddles. We love our hot chocolate, hot coffee, and of course, the most healthy choice, hot tea !!

Tea is no longer limited to those old flavorless paper tea bags. Our choices are bountiful and delightful. Tea from around the world is widely available on the internet, and, in bigger cities, tea rooms or tea shops specializing in loose tea offer a tantalizing selection.

This ancient beverage, believed by generations to improve a myriad of body and mental issues, has, in the last decade, been studied, researched and proven to have attributes contributing to enhanced health. (There is a lot of information about tea online, however, I highly recommend this site http://www.teausa.com/general/teaandhealth/218g.cfm ).

Apart from the scientific studies, I propose, that the time it takes for preparing, and the wait (infusion) that is required for tea to be ready to drink, affords us, in our hectic world, moments of respite. Instituting "tea time" releases us from the daily intensity of life and has to contribute to our health.

I have resolved to institute a little change in my tea times for 2010. I intend to choose one teapot a week from my eclectic collection. I'm starting the New Year with this whimsical Koi teapot made especially for me by an artist in Southern California.

I am dependent on tea times: mornings, afternoons and evenings. It's my breathing space.

I encourage you to institute " tea time" in your life, if you haven't already, as part of your healthy resolutions for this New Year !

Happy Infusions in 2010 !!

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

Bourbon Balls & Velveeta Cheese Fudge

2009-12-23T21:55:00.001-08:00

One year in the late 1960's when we were poor, newly married and college students, we decided to give all our family Bourbon Balls for Christmas. These were popular with our friends and we had lots of fun making them ! They are easy and fast and just need a day or two to blend all the flavors.

My daughter & son-in-law gave me a sweet little Christmas with Paula Deen book, full of stories and recipes...my favorite kind of cookbook ! The most unusual recipe in the book, and maybe the most unusual recipe I've ever seen, is the "Chocolate Cheese Fudge. It calls for Velveeta Cheese ! I mean, if you are from the South, Velveeta Cheese is a staple ! But I have never heard of it being used in a recipe for Fudge !! I had to try it. It's tasty...not really a gourmet fudge, but good and quite unique!

Hope you enjoy the recipes and may your Christmas be full of joy and peace and lots of tea !!

Bourbon Balls

Ingredients:

1 box vanilla wafers
6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate--finely chopped
½ cup brown sugar, firmly packed
¼ cup light corn syrup
⅓ cup Bourbon or Brandy
pinch salt
2 cups pecans or walnuts, lightly toasted & finely chopped

Crush the vanilla wafers until fine. Use a food processor or place vanilla wafers in a heavy duty plastic bag & crush with a rolling pin.

In the top of a double boiler, melt the chocolate. Remove from the heat. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, bourbon & salt & stir to blend. Stir in the crushed vanilla wafers & half & half.

Spread the remaining pecans on a plate. Shape the dough into 1" balls. Roll the balls in the nuts & coat thoroughly. In a container that can be tightly sealed, layer the balls, separating them using wax paper. Refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.

Makes approximately 4 1/2 dozen 1" balls.

To toast pecans or walnuts: Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread the nuts evenly on a cookie sheet. Toast for 8-10 minutes. Cool before chopping.

Velveeta Cheese Fudge

Ingredients:

½ pound Velveeta Cheese, sliced
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped nuts
2 -16 ounce bags confectioner's sugar-sifted
½ cup cocoa

Lightly spray the bottom of a 9 " square baking pan with vegetable oil cooking spray

In a sauce pan, melt the cheese & butter together over medium heat. Stir continuously until smooth. Remove from the heat. Add the vanilla & nuts.

In a large bowl, sift together the sugar and cocoa. Pour the cheese mixture into the sugar-cocoa mixture, stirring until completely mixed. Candy will be very stiff. May need to use your hands to do the final mixing.

Remove the candy from the bowl and press it evenly into the square pan. You may need to pat the top of the candy, because of the amount of butter.

Refrigerate until firm. Usually about 30 minutes. Should make about 36 small squares.

Joy and Peace and May everyday be your cup of tea !

Happy Infusions,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

Hot Tea-Toddy--- Hot "My-Chai" and more....

2009-12-15T22:18:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season for gathering, celebrating, eating and drinking. Tea, that versatile, cooperative, beverage is easily incorporated into a myriad of cocktail drinks. This time of year, I am especially fond of hot drinks. An old favorite...the Hot Toddy made with tea is warm and toasty. Most black and green teas mix well with honey and lemon, and experimenting with a Toddie recipe can elicit a whole repertoire of hot tea mixed drinks.

In this blog, I've included a recipe for a Hot Tea-Toddy, a Hot "My-Chai" tea, and a White Russian also using chai tea. My daughter introduced me to a simple way to use tea in mixed drinks with Tea-Forte's collection of cocktail infusions.

We wish you a beautiful, happy and very Merry Christmas !

Kate

Hot Tea-Toddy

Ingredients

1 ounce brandy, whiskey, or rum
1 tablespoon honey
¼ lemon
1 cup hot water
1 ounce tea or 1 tea bag (black or green--your preference)

Steep the tea in the hot water for 3-5 minutes. (Depending on the tea and your preference..the longer the steep, the stronger the tea.

Use the honey to coat the bottom of a mug. Add the brandy, whiskey or rum and the juice from the lemon.

Pour the hot tea into the prepared mug, stir and enjoy !

Hot "My-Chai"

Ingredients

1 ounce or tea bag Chai tea
8 ounces hot water
3 ounces milk
1 ounce bourbon
¼ ounce amaretto (almond-flavored liqueur)
¼ ounce Grand Marnier (orange-flavored liqueur)
1 wedge lemon
3 whole cloves

Brew the 1 ounce of loose chai tea (placed in an infuser) or the 1 chai tea bag in 8 ounces of hot water for 3-5 minutes, depending on your preference. The longer the steep (brew) the stronger the tea.
While the tea is steeping, put the cloves into one end of the lemon wedge & set aside.
In a saucepan, combine the tea, milk and simmer, stirring gently.

Pour the tea/milk mixture into a tea (or coffee) mug. Add bourbon, amaretto & Grand Marnier. Stir briefly.

Add the lemon wedge, with the cloves dipping into the hot "My-Chai". Enjoy !

Chai White Russian

Ingredients

1 ounce or tea bag Chai tea
2 ounces rum
2 ounces light cream or half & half
1 ounce sugar syrup
Method

Place Chai tea bag or tea infuser with 1 ounce of Chai tea in a glass. Pour rum over tea infuser or tea bag and steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your preference. The longer the steep the stronger the tea. Add cream and sugar syrup and gently stir. Add ice. Enjoy !

Tea Forte Exotic Cocktails

These are very pretty drinks and easily made. We've sampled several and can

recommend them with confidence !

Again, Happy, Merry Christmas ! May you be blessed and may everyday be your cup of tea !

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

Oh my, I love Sweet Potato Pie !

2009-12-10T21:36:00.000-08:00

I don't remember the first time I tasted it. It must have been in the South someplace. My Grandmother didn't make it, and not one of my Aunties made it. My Mom didn't either. One day, somewhere, at some time, I tasted it and fell in love. And I have held Sweet Potato Pie in high regard ever since !

I adapted this recipe from a storybook full of recipes: Sweety Pies by Patty Pinner. She says, "What a woman cooks is a window into her womanly personality---what she thinks, how she behaves, how she feels about herself and the people she cooks for." I'm still mediating on this little quote, wondering what the full implications could be ? If she means, what a woman cooks, when she cooks, well then, that might open a window into my "womanly personality".

Frankly, sometimes, I don't cook. I eat cottage cheese and yogurt or a bolonga sandwich with mayo. I use whole wheat bread though. I think this means I'm flexible, healthy and maybe not in the mood to clean up a cooking mess ! I am blessed though..... I have a Sweet Husband who is an excellent cook and he enjoys it.

When I do cook, I love to bake this Sweet Potato Pie. My family and friends keep coming back for seconds. If there is any left, we have pie for breakfast ! I'm sure your family will want second helpings too.

Sweet Potato Pie

Ingredients

9" Pie crust

3 medium sweet potatoes

2 large eggs

1 ½ cups sugar

1 teaspoon lemon extract

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ cup butter, melted

½ cup half-and-half or evaporated milk

1-2 tablespoon bourbon (optional)

Cover the sweet potatoes with water and boil until tender. Drain. Let them cool.

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare the pie crust.

After sweet potatoes have cooled, peel and mash in a large bowl until smooth.

Add the eggs, sugar, lemon extract, bourbon (optional), salt, and nutmeg and beat together until blended and smooth.

Add the melted butter and half and half and beat until creamy. Pour into the pie crust.

Place in the oven. I usually put it on a cookie sheet, just in case it spills over.

Should cook about 45 minutes. Test the center for doneness. Set on a wire rack and cool completely.

Can be served with whipped cream or plain. I think its perfect plain.

Chicken (or Turkey) In Every Pot...Pie

2009-11-18T00:39:00.000-08:00

It seemed like the perfect evening for a pot pie. Rainy and chilly .

Our guys are at the ranch, braving the cold, taking care of cows, and fixing an old yellow truck and two chain saws. They are killing mice and stalking one sneaky raccoon that has taken up residence in our fruit shed.

My daughter and I decided to make a chicken pot pie and watch chick flicks!

Pot pies usually describe a method, rather than a recipe. Generally, a pot pie is a crusted pie made with poultry or meat and chopped vegetables in some kind of sauce. A little trivia note: the first frozen pot pie was made by Swanson in 1951.

This recipe is delicious and perfect for leftover turkey.

We just put the chicken and vegetables in the crust, now it's ready for the oven.

Ready for serving.

Tender flaky crust, yummy chicken and vegetables....oh so good !

Chicken or Turkey Pot Pie

Ingredients:

2 pastry crust (bottom & top) to fit your casserole or pie dish

6 tablespoons butter

6 tablespoons flour

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

1 ¾ cups chicken stock or broth

1 cup half-and-half or cream

2 cups cut up cooked chicken or turkey

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup cooked chopped carrots

½ small onion, diced

2-4 cloves garlic, minced or diced

1-2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Roll out pastry crust to fit the bottom of the casserole or deep dish pie pan you are using for your pot pie. Line your dish with the pastry. Set aside.

Saute the garlic and diced onion in oil. Drain and set aside.

Melt the butter in a skillet over low heat, blend in flour and seasonings. Cook over low heat, stirring until mixture is smooth & bubbly. Remove from heat.

Stir in chicken stock or broth and half & half (or cream). Bring to a boil, stirring. Boil 1 minute. Stir in chicken (or turkey), peas, carrots, onions & garlic.

Pour chicken mixture into pie crust. Roll out the other crust to fit the top of your casserole or deep dish pie pan.

Cover top with this crust, seal, cut away excess crust and make several slits in the top.

Bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool at least 10 minutes before serving.

Happy Infusions,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

http://twitter.com/tea4kate

The Pursuit of Pleasure......

2009-11-14T14:16:00.000-08:00

A delicious moment in time is when I can sit with a good cup of tea and a good book. (Unless you have your own stash of great tea, a good book will be much easier to come by than a good cup of tea).

I was raised by a father and mother who revere books. My father reads strictly for information. His books center around whatever subject he happens to be pursuing at the moment: auto mechanics, horse racing, stock market, health products or internet sales. His office resembles the "How To" section of a bookstore.

My mother reads for pleasure. She reads best sellers, historical fiction and a few self-help authors. It is hard for me to suggest a "good read" for her, because, usually, she has already read the book and one or two others by the same author! Several months ago I thought I had a genuine "find". I wanted to introduce her to Big Stone Gap, by Adriana Trigiani. I called to share my excitement and discovered she had read that book, and several others by this author. Recently I had been thinking about purchasing Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls. My mother and I were discussing Thanksgiving plans and she mentioned she had two books she wanted to loan me. Oh yes, that's right, Half Broke Horses ! And of course, the other book by Jeannette Walls, The Glass Castle. I'm telling you, when it comes to books, it's hard to keep up with her.

Her office is like an overstocked library. Her desk is surrounded by bookcases on each wall. Books are shelved, stacked and in various states of cascading disorder. And she has read them all. She is a book lover and a book giver. She is of the opinion that a book is one of the finest gifts to give or receive.

The other day I had the privilege of thumbing through the worn red notebook she takes when shopping for a book gift. A page is designated for each family member where she has listed what book she purchased and for what occasion. This wouldn't seem unusual, except over the years, her family has continued to expand and now, counting the youngest great-grandchild, there are thirty-three family members and another one on the way !

A personalized bookplate adorns the inside of each grandchild and great grandchild's book. Each bookplate is chosen according to the child's interest. I have to check with her before I can buy a book for my own grandchildren !

I tell myself this explains why I am a little fanatical about books. I tend to purchase for future reading, not necessarily for the moment. I'm not sure I know what to do with myself, if I don't have something to read !

At the Author's Fair in the Shasta Mall I scored these treasures.

A stop at Barnes & Noble to gather a few joke books...our grandson is memorizing jokes, and of course, making them up. He's also crazy about baseball and learning to read....

and our granddaughter loves dogs, horses and rhyming.

On Tuesday, Cindy Martinusen Coloma was at Barnes & Noble for a book signing. I anticipate curling up with one of these lovely books and a nice cup of tea.

There are few pleasures as enchanting as a good book and a good cup of tea...both carry me into other realms.

Happy Reading and Happy Infusions,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

http://orgegonstretteacompany.com

http://twitter.com/tea4kate

Good News Is Happening on Oregon Street !!

2009-10-28T21:41:00.000-07:00

After months of patiently working to obtain a building permit....

the Oregon Street Antique Mall ......

is in full swing ( that's with a hammer and crow bar) in creating a new stair case...

which will open up the entire second story. Several dealers are arranging their wares in anticipation of the completed project. I know there is a grand opening planned and we'll keep everyone up to date !!

And right next door at Tapas Downtown there is more construction activity....

come take a peek.....

Yes, the walls have been knocked down and the gallery area is being expanded !!

This new room will accommodate large groups...so book your Christmas party now !!

We are blessed and thankful to be multiplying and growing on Oregon Street !!

All this work just makes me want to have a cuppa tea !

Happy Infusions,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

http://oregonstreetteacompany.com

http://twitter.com/tea4kate

Tea Tasting and Friends.....

2009-10-26T03:39:00.001-07:00

A big thank you to all our family and friends who attended the Tea Tasting Party at the Antique Cottage and Garden Friday night. I miss all of you and it was absolutely divine to connect again with so many of you !!

Thank you also to Lynni Miller, the owner of Antique Cottage and Garden, and Kelly and Mark, who all pitched in to help us get ready ! Lynni, the goodies were perfect with the teas....thanks !

Congratulations to the winners of the door prizes !!

My Sweet Husband is the best ! He patiently loaded and unloaded teas, teapots, hats and all kinds of other necessary "stuff" !

We couldn't bring the entire tea room inventory......

so we brought some old favorites ..... and some new ones to try.....

Of course, we had to brew a pot of our most requested tea at the tea room...French Creme Brulee...

and what's a tea party without a green tea ? We tasted our lovely Japanese Bancha !

Aunt Ressie May, a strawberry-kiwi fruit infusion (no Camellia sinensis-- no real tea--) has been a delicious choice since we first introduced it as our signature "Drink Pink" tea several years ago.

A blooming tea contributed to the ambiance of the evening...

The weather couldn't have been more perfect and the garden was delightful.......

Thank you again everyone for making this enjoyable, and successful and we look forward to the next Tea Tasting Party !

Happy Infusions,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

http://oregonstretteacompany.com

http://twitter.com/tea4kate

Worth the price of admission

2009-10-21T14:29:00.000-07:00

Our family made our annual trek to McCloud for our Pumpkin Train trip this last weekend !

Riding in the open air car on the top deck, through the piney woods, our view was spectacular....

though a bit windy.

We delighted in being together on a train full of friendly, happy families....

We joyfully discussed how to find the exact, perfect pumpkin.

And we were transported by the magical sound of the train whistle....

Departing the train for the pumpkin patch, we left our faithful "guardian of stuff"....

and began the search for The Right Pumpkin.....

Studying the pumpkin possibilities is one approach....

another approach is checking to see how tough it is.

At last a selection is made...our rule is you have to be able to carry the pumpkin you choose !

And everyone agreed, it was worth the price of admission !!

Happy Pumpkin Days....have some tea and enjoy !

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

http://oregonstreetteacompany.com

http://twitter.com/tea4kate

Buttermilk Pumpkin Muffins

2009-10-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of our annual Pumpkin Train Trip I made a batch....well, it's a huge recipe, so actually I made about 4 dozen Pumpkin Muffins! They are delicious ! Especially nice with a cup of Masala Chai tea or a good Assam tea !

Here is the recipe:

Buttermilk Pumpkin Muffins

1 cup cooking oil

1 cup buttermilk

2 ½ cups pumpkin

4 large eggs

MIX THESE INGREDIENTS

THEN ADD:

1 tablespoon cloves

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon salt

1 ¾ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

2 ¾ cup sugar

4 cups flour

1 cup pecan pieces

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F.

Mix all ingredients . Bake for approximately 15 minutes.

Take out of pan and cool on a rack.

This is a huge recipe and makes about 4 dozen medium sized muffins.

Enjoy.....and Happy Infusions,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

http://oregonstreetteacompany.com

http://twitter.com/tea4kate

Cream of Wheat...and a stroll down Memory Lane

2009-10-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

My Sweet Husband and I were standing in the kitchen, discussing breakfast options. The wind whipped the tree branches back and forth and the rain pounded on the roof. We rattled off several possible choices; an omelet with sausage, waffles with whipped cream, scrambled eggs and toast, Cream of Wheat.

Rainy mornings and Cream of Wheat...a comfort food..stirring happy memories of childhood and those fun-filled years of rushing to have a healthy, yummy breakfast for three lively kids before they bolted out the door to catch the school bus.

I settled on Cream of Wheat. Warm mush ! I like my Cream of Wheat with butter and sorghum. Sorghum is similar to molasses, but much better !

I've never been able to find sorghum in grocery stores in California, so I am forced to ship a case home from my favorite supplier, an Amish family in Dunnegan, Missouri.

(This is my sorghum stash !)

Whenever I dip into my sorghum cache, I am instantly transported to Amish country.

It is another world. Quiet country roads...rolling green hills...and signs that remind us to share our space.

And then I begin to reminiscence about My Grandpa's Farm. A lovely Amish family purchased his farm after he died.

He would be blessed to see how they have loved and cared for his farm.

They expanded the house...(they have 10 children)....and resurrected the outhouse.

(My Grandpa did not have an indoor toilet or shower until 1978. He never did get around to tearing down the old outhouse and it stands today where it stood when we were kids. Showering, before he built the indoor bathroom, meant you filled a 5 gallon bucket, which sat on the roof of the cellar, with warm water. You proceeded down the steps into the dark cellar, stripped down, turned on the water using a valve on a hose, soaped up, hurrying and hoping to have enough water to rinse ! We thought it was like camping out !)

They repaired the roof and are still using the beautiful rock barn My Grandpa built.......

Wow..with a bowl of Cream of Wheat and sorghum I had a stroll down memory lane !!

Now it's time for tea !

Happy Infusions,

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

http://oregonstreetteacompany.com

http://twitter.com/tea4kate

NEVERLOST....

2009-10-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

I used to call for directions to a shop or restaurant.

Then I began googling to get directions.

But now, I have a new BFF (Best Friend Forever)....a GPS (Global Positioning System). The sound of it, Global Positioning System, is incredibly Sci-Fi or maybe Techie. I'm neither, so I like to say it and imagine that I am somewhere in the universe, and have no fear, because, this Global Positioning System knows the way to my home....wherever home is at the moment .

My Sweet Husband rented a car in Virginia with this NEVERLOST GPS. I didn't think we needed it, and I wasn't sure it would be reliable, since this was a rented car.

But he likes the GPS we have in our van. Truthfully, the van GPS has saved our bacon several times in Portland, when we consistently miss the "slight left middle lane veer to the right" exit onto the next freeway! The GPS knows how to get us through downtown Portland...no easy task....and back on the right freeway!

We entered the Williamsburg motel address in the NEVERLOST. I continued to be mildly skeptical and kept the printed directions out of sight, folded neatly in my purse, just in case this GPS failed.

We had no trouble getting on the freeway from the airport, but when we got off and started having to find streets and make turns....which we occasionally missed...I was grateful to hear the words" recalculating route" emanating from the NEVERLOST !

On the day I went by myself for tea and shopping, hearing "recalculating route" and "when possible make a legal U turn" made me feel all warm and fuzzy... cared for, safe and secure. I knew I would get where I was going. No matter what mistakes I made, the NEVERLOST gently and continually recalculated my route trying to help me find my way. It never through up its hands and declared it was "so done" with me because I kept making wrong turns !

Wouldn't it be incredible if we had a LIFE GPS. We enter our goal and begin our journey. With the first bad decision, and the next and the next, the device would "recalculate our route". Modifying our mistakes, the LIFE GPS would alter our route constantly guiding us toward the intended goal.

Sounds like my relationship with my Lord ! Navigating life is difficult! I have made many wrong turns and gone down some crazy roads and always, gently and consistently, I see Him adjust and "recalculate my route". Not in anger and disgust, only with love and patience, redirecting my mind and heart, and I am NEVERLOST ! Sometimes I'm late to the party, but I get there feeling safe and secure and beloved !

Happy Travels.... and have some tea along the way !

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

http://oregonstreetteacompany.com

http://twitter.com/tea4kate

www.oregonstreetteacompany.com

Watch Your Step In Williamsburg

2009-09-30T12:29:00.001-07:00

In Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia......

walking is the primary mode of transportation.

Occasionally, a messenger might come charging down the street......

or a military officer might ride by on a mighty steed.

Docile yoked oxen can be found resting in the shade before returning to their work in the fields.

Horse drawn vehicles are everywhere.

Functional and fast......

Fanciful and flowing....

First-class and formal....

In the evenings the horses retire to a serene green pasture..

surrounded by a split rail hand-notched fence.

And I wonder how, in those lovely long dresses,

did the ladies tip-toe through all the piles of horse poop scattered all over the road ?

Happy wondering....let's have a cup of tea and be grateful for this wonderful day !

Happy Infusions,

Kate

Museum of Glass, Tacoma, Washington

2009-09-16T16:16:00.000-07:00

The Hotel Murano in Tacoma, Washington suggested we visit the Museum of Glass.

We had been invited to a glass blowing session at our resident glass blower in Surprise Valley. That experience was fascinating and as a homeschooling project it was incredible.

The working artist at the Museum of Glass work in pairs....on delicate, transparent compositions.

Shaping and sculpting.....

then into the fire......

and out again for more shaping and sculpting......

The works of art produced are delightful and whimsical....

and quite stunning !

Happy Infusions,

Kate

I never quit trying...

2009-09-10T21:02:00.000-07:00

Our daughter and son in law have the two most well behaved playful pups !

Emma is a chocolate lab and Gracie is a Chihuahua/Schnauzer mix. Gracie's motto is "I never quit trying". Now that could refer to begging for one more morsel dropped from the table, or looking for her favorite orange ear plugs, or it could mean trying to steal the toy that Emma just caught !

Emma and Gracie eagerly await the toss of the toy.

Emma is incredibly agile and leaps to catch the toy !

Gracie immediately rushes in for the interception........

......determined to steal it away !

Emma is victorious, but look at Gracie...she isn't giving up, she's still trying to get that toy !

Gracie and Arnold Palmer have a lot in common ! He once said, " I've always made a total effort, even when the odds seemed entirely against me. I never quit trying; I never felt that I didn't have a chance to win."

What a great motto ! May we always keep trying !

Happy Infusions,

Kate

Thank God It Was A Recording

2009-09-07T21:55:00.001-07:00

After the dump run and a few more clean up chores at the ranch, I decided to hook up my Wild Blue internet and connect with the more populous parts of the world !

Wild Blue is especially helpful to us who live in the most remote areas on God's Great Earth ! (Birds really like Wild Blue too).

We always unplug the internet when we leave. We know from experience that an unexpected storm and power outage might occur and wreck havoc with all kinds of systems ! This has been firmly established in our minds after we lost 2 freezers full of beef !!

I plugged in the internet device. However, my computer kept saying " perhaps you are out of range". Well, that made me hoppin' mad ! It isn't cheap to have high speed internet service in the boondocks and I sure expected it to work !

I called the tech support number, which of course, re-routed me to another number and then it wasn't even a "living" human being, but a recording asking me to go through a few simple steps. While listening, and remembering not to respond to the recording, I performed the required tasks. Like a robot I unplugged and plugged in the device again. And, still holding the phone to my ear, I saw there was another cord lying there. The recording continued to give directions, which I only half heard. I plugged in the second cord and low and behold, my device started showing the tell tale yellow light that says we have a wireless connection !

Thank God I had been talking to a recording and not a real person !

Obviously, I should have had a cup of tea first....but, you know, any time is a good time for tea !

Happy Infusions,

Kate

The Mortgage Apple Cake...and tea !

2009-09-04T12:18:00.000-07:00

My Sweet Husband and I saw Angela Logan on Fox News talking about making apple cakes and selling them to make her mortgage payment.

http://www.bakemeawish.com/blog/?p=292

Very creative! Very entrepreneurial !!

We decided to participate. And we love apple cakes !

(My mother-in-law gave me a great recipe a very long time ago)

We ordered a cake.

I guess everyone else ordered one too, because it took quite awhile for our order to even process.

At last, one day on the porch.....the package .....

I'm crazy about "wrappings and bows and designs and all kinds of packaging"....Kimberly Nicole in Redding always makes your purchase special with her cute bags & tissue !)

First the lovely ice pack..(can an ice pack be lovely? I just think it's so sweet how the website name is on everything . Even the ice pack ! What a great idea !)

The cover covering the inside box....(the ice pack was on top of this)

The top of the box........( we are starting to get somewhere now....)

The box itself.........(have to take time to admire the beautiful box)

A description of some of the other gourmet cakes offered by Bake Me A Wish......(this could be important if we want to order any other cakes ...)

A sweet Thank You card....................(I appreciate a thank you now and then)

And finally the delicious, moist Mortgage Apple Cake !

I had a cup of Rajah Darjeeling tea with my slice of cake..but any number of wonderful Assam or Nilgiri teas would have been perfect !

My mother-in-law's apple cake is not quite as dense as the Mortgage Apple Cake, but every bit as delicious...it is one of our family's favorite cakes ! This cake is divine with all kinds of tea !

Grandma Dolores' Beloved Apple Cake

4 cups diced apples

2 cups sugar ( white or brown...sometimes I use a combination)

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

pinch of salt

1 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs beaten

1-2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup chopped nuts (optional---can use 2 cups if desired or even a few raisins...)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9x13" pan.

Mix apples and sugar together and set aside.

Mix the flour, baking soda, salt and spices then stir into apples.

Stir the oil, eggs and vanilla together, then blend into apple mixture.

Pour into pan and bake for about 45-50 minutes.

This cake is good without a frosting...but a cream cheese frosting is delightful on this cake !

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 8 oz pkg cream cheese

1/4 cup melted butter

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 pound of powdered sugar

Mix all ingredients until smooth and creamy.....spread on cake after it has cooled.

Happy Infusions !

Kate

http://tea4kate.com

http://oregonstreetteacompany.com

http://twitter.com/tea4kate

A Play Day.....I felted !

2009-08-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to play !

You know, make mud pies, or design sand castles.

Ignore, drown out, and escape those "adult issues" requiring a thoughtful decision making process.

Not for a life time, not even necessarily for a week or even the whole day......merely for a few hours.

Had to be a hands on activity...creative...there had to be an end product !

Cooking maybe?

That requires concentration. Nope !

Scrapbooking? Again...requires concentration.

I wanted to do something with my hands and let my mind entertain me....wander around and explore hidden places....and surprise me !

I can't paint or draw....and my spinning wheel is broken.

But I have wool...lots of wool !

Wool I had dyed years ago in Surprise Valley.

Wool that I recently bought in Surprise Valley !

Found my felting books and brushed up on various projects and techniques.

Didn't want to spend the time to felt a pair of boots......and good gracious it's way too hot to even try these on !

I would create a flat piece of felted "art" . I had everything I needed !

Wool

Soap (old fashioned Fels Naptha),

a bamboo mat for rolling the wool,

a sink,

unlimited hot and cold water,

and lots of towels for slop and mess !

Several hours later, sporting shriveled fingers, and a very happy mind, I spread out my "felted art" to dry !

Infuse your life with Play Days !!

Happy Infusions,

Kate

Parental Alert: FREE HEALTHCARE...Send your kids outside !!

2009-08-03T09:08:00.001-07:00

What I heard on the news seemed doubtful. My mind whirled with questions: Why? How could this happen? Who doesn't know sunshine is good for you ?

Reports have surfaced implying 7 out of 10 children in the USA are not getting enough Vitamin D. High blood pressure, low calcium levels and possibly heart disease are a few of the health issues concerning doctors.

Seven out of ten is an incredible number of children lacking in something that is FREE --------SUNSHINE! Vitamin D is naturally produced by humans when exposed to sunlight. A report from Reuters suggests that most children could benefit from a little more sunshine and without sunscreen for at least 15-2o minutes a day.

http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE5736

H320090804

What's happened to children being outdoors? My mother informed us on a daily basis that playing OUTSIDE was good for us. (I never imagined that she might want a little peace and quiet). We had each other and all our neighborhood friends and outside was where we wanted to be anyway ! Our children spent hours outside and of course, on the ranch, they had to work outdoors summer and winter. I am grateful that our grandchildren happily absorb many rays of health giving sunshine.

I live in a lovely neighborhood and am aware there are children here. I don't hear them everyday. Maybe they are outside when they are someplace else. If this neighborhood is any indication though, there is truth in those reports !

I sure hope parents start sending their children outside more...after all...it's good for them and it's FREE HEALTHCARE !

Happy Sunshine Infusions,

Kate

Sleepless in Redding

2009-08-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

Last night I called for sleep.

I shouted, whispered, pleaded and it remained....

Elusive.

I wondered why it wouldn't come.

I read.

I watched a Turner Classic Movie.

I stared at Twitter.

I checked Facebook .

I willed to dream.

I chased thoughts down steep, winding paths only to become lost in a piney forest.

I swam in murky doziness.

I conversed with Moose and Max. The dogs.

I prayed.

I greeted Saturday, August 1st with a groan.

Perhaps, a cup of strong tea....a potion of promise.

A Band-Aid for today.

It's a "canna" not a "cuppa".....

2009-07-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

I had to make a quick stop at Orchard Nutrition yesterday.

http://orchardnutrition.com

I was tired and thirsty, and on the verge of cranky ! But there in the cold drink fridge was a little blue and white can. A "canna" iced tea ! Not any old iced tea, not that sweet stuff with wierd flavors, no, it was....Oolong iced tea !

I adore Oolong tea !! And ITO EN products ! This little "shot", a small can, 6.4 fluid ounces, is

flavorful and tastes like an Oolong is supposed to....full bodied and toasty with an astringent finish. Copious amounts of antioxidants are found in black and green and oolong tea...all good for you !!

http://webmd.com/food-recipes/features/antioxidants-in-green-and-black-tea

Ice cold, unsweetened, all natural and no calories, deliciously refreshing for the hot trip home !

May everyday be your cuppa ( or canna ) of tea !

Kate

The "Urge" for Cornbread and Buttermilk

2009-07-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

One day the urge overtook me.

I just wanted a tall glass of cold buttermilk and cornbread. I don't know what it is about a hot summer day that makes me want buttermilk and cornbread.

When I had the Oregon Street Tea Room (on Oregon Street in Redding ), sometimes

I would sneak into the kitchen and pour myself a tall one. The entire staff was appalled.

Them: "Yuck !!"

Me: "What ? What' s the matter?" I thought they'd seen mouse droppings or something totally deplorable.

Them: " Are you really gonna drink that ? "

Me: "Of course. Haven't you ever tried buttermilk ?"

Them: "Buttermilk is for cooking, not drinking"

Me: " Have you ever tried it ?"

Thus began the survey and " taste test" of buttermilk.

I converted no one !! Not one of them appreciated the thick, smooth, tart and buttery flavor as it slid down their throats. ( Two of them gagged ).

I guess, like other unusual foods (sushi, kimchi, escargot, pork fried rinds) buttermilk is an acquired taste. For me, it's a "comfort" food...I can shut my eyes and see my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. All of us, sitting around the dining room table, laughing and shouting, pouring our buttermilk and smothering our cornbread with butter and sorghum !

Funny how memories and food are connected.

Nammer's Cornbread Recipe

My husband loves this corn bread because it doesn't fall apart. (His biggest complaint about cornbread). The color is not a bright yellow because of the sorghum.

My Grandma always baked her cornbread in a square cast iron skillet. I don't have a

square one so I use my 10" round one.

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F

2 cups Cornbread and Muffin Mix

1 egg

2 tablespoons sorghum (or honey)

2 tablespoons soft butter plus a little extra for the skillet

1 1/4 cups buttermilk

After you have put all the ingredients in a bowl to mix, add the extra butter to the skillet and stick the skillet in the pre-heated oven. Mix your ingredients. By now, the butter should be melted in the skillet, so carefully, with a pot holder, pull it out and pour the cornbread mixture into the hot skillet. Bake for 25-30 minutes. It will be nice and crusty on the bottom ! So delicious with a tall glass of buttermilk or a cup of strong black tea, one that takes milk and sugar !

May all your infusions be filled with joyful memories !

Kate

Cowboy Ethics and The Last Lecture

2009-07-19T13:10:00.000-07:00

The book and the letter from the court came in the same week.

Cowboy Ethics, a western "picture book", written by James P. Owen, makes a case for what Wall Street could learn from the "Code of the West". In the forward, David Stoecklein, (also the photographer), says, " The West is a place where the fence is always tight, but the gate is always open to friends and neighbors. It is a place where a man can make tough decisions without looking over his shoulder or worrying what someone else will think. A cowboy get his strength from knowing what is right and what is wrong and being true to his beliefs".

The Code is summarized in ten principles:

1. Live each day with courage

2. Take pride in your work

3. Always finish what you start

4. Do what has to be done

5. Be tough, but fair

6. When you make a promise, keep it

7. Ride for the brand

8. Talk less and say more

9. Remember that some things aren't for sale

10. Know where to draw the line

http://cowboyethics.com/index.html

At first, I viewed the book as entertaining, full of gorgeous photographs and good stories. People I know and love have always abided by similar tenets; it didn't seem necessarily relevant to our personal lives. I decided this gem would be added to my " Great Gift Ideas" list.

A few days later, the letter arrived from the court stating that our "friends" were filing bankruptcy . We had loaned them a great deal of money to buy equipment to start a business.

A contract had been drawn up and signed with an agreed upon repayment schedule. For the last six months we had been trying to communicate with them. All of our calls and letters were ignored.

Bewildered, we wondered why they hadn't at least called or written to us to let us know they might be considering bankruptcy. Perhaps we could have recovered some of our loss with the sale of the equipment.

Smack !

Suddenly the book on ethics and a code of behavior became relevant. Realistically, I understand there is no way to legislate ethical behavior. Even in countries where punishment is severe, there are those who push the line and break "the rules".

I don't think we, us, the American people, have lost our commitment to honor principles. I do think we have to be diligent in remembering and teaching (especially by example) a code of ethics, values, what we stand for !

July 25th will be the one year anniversary of the death of Professor Randy Pausch, the author of The Last Lecture. He said in an interview with Diane Sawyer, that he wanted to leave his children memories of values, of what he stood for, not just memories of himself. The following interview is heart-rendering !

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/LastLecture/

He was Dr. Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at a prestigious college in the east, but his values, his code of ethics closely resemble the "Code of the West".

May we always remember however we describe our behavior, whether it is a "Code of the West" or "values" or "what we stand for", the choices we make concerning our "manner of conducting ourselves" do matter !!

Happy Blessed Infusions,

Kate

Building a fence....Do It Right !

2009-07-17T12:40:00.001-07:00

My husband commented to a young friend of ours the other day,

" You know Gabe, that fence you and I built is still in good shape !"

(Meaning the fence remains straight and taut having withstood herds of cows leaning on it, calves determined to crash through it, and deer

jumping over it).

Gabe, now nineteen, reminisced about the summer he was thirteen and stayed a week or so with us at the ranch to help build that fence.

I thought about all the fences my husband has built, starting when his mom married his second dad, Sherman. Sherman grew up in Likely, California on a ranch tucked deep into the

mountains. After Sherman married Phil's mom, they always had donkeys or horses. Phil and his siblings built and rebuilt miles and miles of barb wire fences.

And since we've always had horses and cows, our son, daughters, son-in

-law to be, several nephews and young friends learned to build good strong fences capable of corralling critters and prevailing, in tact, through the years.

Barb wire fences are tough to build and maintain, especially if the terrain is steep or rocky. Post hole digging is tedious. Slamming steel post into hardened ground with a fence post driver is body numbing. It's boring and slow moving....miles and miles of posts and wire. There is no way to avoid nicks, scratches, torn shirts and frustration. Depending on the weather, you are either sweating dirt or morphing into an icicle.

One year our rambunctious twenty year old son was in charge of the "day cowboys" ( our nephews) and fence building was the main project. On a scorching hot day, three dusty young men stomped into the house, declaring that Travis was impossible ! T.J. had just taken a measuring device and decided that the fence the boys had spent hours stretching and crimping didn't meet his approval. He told them to rip it out and start over. They were fit to be tied !

Of course, T.J. had learned this technique from his father, and his grandfather. In ranching country how a man builds and maintains his fences affects his reputation. The fence has to be built just so...to last...to be straight...and taut...able to keep in his own stock and keep the neighbor's bulls out !

Red Steagall, a cowboy poet, wrote a great poem, The Fence That Me and Shorty Built, summing up why it's important to do a job right !

http://cowboypoetry.com/redsteagall.htm#Fence

May all your infusions be lasting,

Kate

Shuckin' corn in the Summertime

2009-07-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

If you want to eat at the ranch, you have to help
with the work....

whether it's feeding horses...

repairing a disk:

or shucking corn on the cob for dinner.

After the work is finished, you can rest your weary dogs ! And drink a little iced tea !

The proper way to Shuck Corn:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ljg-Cy-nx8U&eurl=http://www.mahalo.com/How_to_Cook_Corn_on_the_Cob

A Recipe: Corn on the Cob in Tin Foil on the Grill:

Take the husks off and clean off the silks. Using a piece of foil larger than the ear of corn, place the corn in the middle of the foil. Rub butter all over the corn and sprinkle salt and any other seasoning you like. Wrap the foil around the corn and place it on the grill. Roll the ears occasionally to make sure the corn cooks evenly.

After about 10 minutes, stick a fork through the foil to test . Kernels will be soft when the corn is done. Remove from the grill and cool for a bit. Take the foil off and enjoy !

Happy Summer Days !!

Kate

Tiny Town 4th of July Parade

2009-07-08T16:28:00.001-07:00

Lake City, a tiny town (229 approximate population) in Surprise Valley, hosted a grand 4th of July Parade. Half the town were spectators and the other half were parade participants.

Our family had two entries:
1. Mitch on his quad pulling a trailer loaded with a goose (plastic) and the "dog that can do no wrong", Osa. (My son's old hunting dog).
and
2. Hayley, alternately riding, leading, or abandoning, Spaghetti, the "most patient pony in the world."

Preparation for the parade :

High pressure wash the quad......

Decorate the pony....

Glitter and Bows

The quad, trailer and goose have been spruced up and loaded. Everyone takes a turn entertaining the pony so he won't roll and mess up those perfect stars and that perky red bow.

Hey cowboy, that's a mighty fine lookin' horse !

Time to go. Hayley loads Spaghetti in the stock trailer.

Mitch checks his passengers before entering the line-up.

The Colors lead the way....

Uh oh...

.....who are all these people ?

Mitch's Papa keeping pace.

Hayley and Spaghetti happy now to be with the other riders !

And a reminder for all of us....we have much to be thankful for....especially to live in the U.S.A.!

Hope you all had a blessed 4th of July !

Kate

"Healthy" Finger Jello

2009-07-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

Usually I have plenty of help in the kitchen when I'm making food for small children. My sweet granddaughter likes to wear her Aunt Kassidy's apron when we cook.

And after our work, we have time for a little recreation ! This is my grandson's favorite part!

I decided to try a new recipe for "healthy" finger Jello, even though my great helpers were elsewhere.

The ingredients are simple: water, unflavored gelatin, and frozen grape juice. (That's the cookbook in the background..The Taming of the C.A.N.D.Y. Monster
(Continuously Advertised Nutritionally Deficient Yummies) by Vicki Lansky.

In this photo, the finger jello looks like brownies, but it is really a lovely dark purple color, and very sweet.

My boxer, Max, kept begging for a bite...and another bite...and another.

If my grandchildren, won't eat the finger Jello, Max will !

"Healthy" Grape Finger Jello

1 (12 oz.) can frozen grape juice concentrate, thawed
3 envelopes unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 cups water

Soften gelatin in grape juice. Boil the water, add the juice/gelatin mixture and stir till gelatin dissolves. Remove from heat, pour into a lightly greased 9x13-inch pan, cool and then chill. Cut into squares when firm. Refrigerate in a covered container.

Variation: You can use frozen cranberry juice cocktail for grape juice.

Happy Healthy Infusions,

Kate

Cousin Bonnie's Apple Pie in a Cast Iron Skillet

2009-07-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

Our current collection of cast iron cooking ware:

We started using cast iron while living on our ranch in Surprise Valley. It seemed to fit our life style...durable, ( can take abuse), multi-purpose ( easily goes from stove to oven), inexpensive, lasts a life time ( or two) and cooks evenly. We still use cast iron at the ranch, but after replacing 3 Teflon skillets at our Redding home, I decided to invest in more cast iron cookware. My husband is a great cook, and the iron skillet suits his style and temperament..meaning he doesn't want to worry about the pan he's cooking in, while he's cooking. An added bonus is having wrist and arms weights every time we cook !

Last week, at our Rinehart Family Reunion, in Cedarville, California, our Cousin Bonnie demonstrated how to make an apple pie in a cast iron skillet. We had asked everyone to bring a six inch cast iron skillet to make a pie for two. Twenty adult "Cousins", and several of the younger generation, participated in this class.

Preparation began with peeling the apples: two young Rinehart cousins happily peeled 40 apples rather efficiently and floated them in water with a little lemon juice. Later, the apples were cored and sliced.

Pre-measured ingredients were stationed at two tables and dowels (our rolling pins) distributed.

Bonnie, an excellent cook, and practiced pie maker, discussed the importance of handling the dough as little as possible. This photo shows Bonnie forming the dough into a ball.

Just a little note, one time, when we were in our twenties, Bonnie got up and made three pies before daylight, so we could take them to the branding that day ! I watched with fascination...my Grandma could bake a great pie, but I'd never seen anyone do it so quickly ! I've been intimated about making pies for over 40 years now !

The results were stunning. The ooobh's and aaahhh's from delighted cousins identifying and admiring their finished handiwork filled the room. Everyone hurried through dinner so they could dig into their apple pie in a cast iron skillet !

A perfect recipe for the 4th of July weekend ... Cousin Bonnie's Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie.

Happy celebrating & may all your infusions be as sweet as apple pie !

Kate

Cousin Bonnie's Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie

CRUST FOR 6" PIE

1 cup regular flour
1/2 cup shortening, ( Crisco, not butter or oil) needs to be kept cool
1/2 teaspoon salt
Using a fork or pastry blender, gradually work the shortening into the flour until it resembles pea size clumps

Add:
3 tablespoons water...mix in carefully
Form in ball and cut in half

Roll 1 ball on floured board/counter in circle for bottom crust, it must extend over edge of the skillet.

FILLING:

2 good size cooking apples (Granny Smith or other favorite) peeled, cored, sliced
3/4 cup sugar
"Scant" cup flour (just under a cup)
Shake of cinnamon
Mix well, pour into the 6" iron skillet, mounding apples in the middle

Roll top crust larger than the skillet
Remove excess dough
Press sides of bottom and top crusts together to seal in juices
Finish edge and top as desired...include vent holes

Brush crust with milk, using pastry brush
Sprinkle top with cinnamon sugar

Bake at 400 degrees for 1 hour, no matter what size

A little "tale" about a long dog.....

2009-06-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

Today, "Potts", as the grandchildren nicknamed him, arrived at our house. His other "grandmother" brought him from Sacramento, so that we could transport him to his family at the ranch. He was supposed to have a nice vacation this year, away from cows and tractors and pick up trucks flying into the driveway, not looking for little dogs. Within a week, the plan changed and here he is pining, wandering around with a "hang dog" look and stretching out in front of every doorway hoping that when the door opens, it will be his "momma", my darling daughter-in-law, Dolly.

Usually, Spots is an eager beaver, adventuresome, and fearless, if he is with the right people. He rides happily and calmly while the raft swirls about the pool at racing speed.

An extra long mottled Dachshund, Spots is a true "foodie". He eats about anything, especially if it's not regular, plain, dog food !! The goats didn't mind having a guest for lunch and Spots helped himself.

Fortunately he loves riding in cars, and will be very happy to load up tomorrow morning for the trip up the mountain to the ranch. He will be ecstatic when he sees the kids and his "momma", and we will have safely delivered our cargo !

May all your journeys be safe ones,

Happy Infusions,

Kate

Happy Father's Day , Daddy

2009-06-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

Choosing qualities and stories that successfully describe my Dad is next to impossible. (I was overwhelmed with this same sense of inadequacy when I wrote about my mother on Mother's Day). His more than 80 years of living history requires a book. Since I haven't started a book yet, I'm only mentioning a few fun facts about my Dad in this blog.

Enterprising, adventurous, self confident, and courageous characterize my Dad's life. He grew up on a farm in the wild, windy panhandle of Texas. At two years old, my Grandmother told us, he climbed to the top of a 40 foot windmill to get a better view of the water below. As Grandma moved up the skinny little ladder to "fetch" him, she continued to calmly discuss the "pretty water", telling him she was coming up to see it too. I am amazed that she didn't freeze, or scream or wet her pants. She told me, all she could think about was getting him safely down. She didn't want him to be frightened and start moving around on that platform in the sky ! There was no one to help her. My Grandpa and the farm hands were several miles away, plowing fields. I'm sure she was praying the whole time she was climbing ! Once she retrieved my father, she went inside, locked all the doors and laid down to recuperate from her distressing ordeal . My Dad didn't even take a nap that day.

At nine years old, he was driving a tractor and plowing fields. My Dad and his siblings worked hard, but found plenty of time for fun and mischief. His older brother Joe, and his lovely younger sister Mavis, have always laughed and told stories about one another. Sometimes, growing up, they refused to tattle on one another. My Grandmother's solution was to spank all three of them. They never let that or any other issues divide them, and have always remained close.

I could tell you about all the businesses he's started. Over 40. Our backyard in Los Angeles hosted several enterprises; fiberglass boats, flocked Christmas trees, and auto restorations. One of the most successful businesses, was Rio Linda Chemical Company (RLCC), in Sacramento. This company patented a process that is still recognized in the water treatment industry as extremely innovative. RLCC became a family business, involving my husband and brothers, which they managed for over 15 years until the business was sold to a Fortune 500 Company.

I could tell you about the ingenious machines he has built; several gold dredges, a chemical powder packaging machine fabricated entirely from scrap metal. He completely restored the body & rebuilt the engine of a 1994/1995 (depending on which end of the car you look at) Cadillac. He continues to drive this vehicle.

I could tell you about our camping adventures. He converted a 1934 Ford Long Bed (14 ft) truck into a moving van/sleeper, driving it over the graveled AL-CAN (Alaska-Canadian) Highway all the way to Alaska. We camped out every night sleeping under mosquito nets. And one summer we camped out for 3 months searching for uranium near Bishop, California.

I could tell you about how he likes to travel and see the world; five years ago, he and my mother joined Phil and I on a 21 day trip to China.

I could tell you about the sacrifices he made so my mother could finish college and get her teaching credential. He worked the swing shift ( from 3:00 in the afternoon, until 1:30 AM), so he could be home with us, while she took classes in the mornings. He drove back and forth from Placerville to the Bay area at least twice a week to work on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) for several years. There was no construction work in El Dorado county. He and my mother preferred that my brothers and I be able to finish high school in one place.

I could tell you that he is devoted to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loves to attend birthday parties, school events and as many sports events as possible. Part of his legacy to his family is his faith; serving in the Baptist church as a deacon, and participating in the Gideon organization.

But I want to tell you about one of my treasured memories, that of course, centers around me. I loved Annie Oakley as a child and I desperately wanted a horse . We lived in the Los Angeles area, in a neighborhood with over sized backyard lots, not on any kind of acreage.

Riding stables were quite a distance from our home and costly. For some reason, my parents decided to buy me a burro. Burros are gentle and relatively safe for novice riders, easy keepers, very personable, and much less expensive than a horse.

We didn't own a pick up, or a horse trailer, so my precious father, walked four miles, leading Pedro, the burro, home. A man of great dignity lead a burro along a busy highway, because his daughter "needed" something to ride.

Pedro was an instant neighborhood hit. I mean, really, who in L.A. has a resident donkey in their backyard ? I loved Pedro. He did get into some trouble with my mother when he kept pulling the freshly laundered clothes off the line. He really riled her though, when he ate my lovely new fluffy red petticoat. She took after him with a broom, walloping him, and yelling something about being a "son of a gun". I rode him for hours round and round our backyard lot, content to dream of " cowgirl" adventures.

My father had provided what I "needed" to the very best of his ability.

I feel extremely blessed to have such a wonderful Dad!

Happy Father's Day, Daddy !

May all your infusions be blessed !

Kate

My "Honky Tonk" Man Sings at Maritime Restaurant

2009-06-06T14:03:00.000-07:00

My "Honky Tonk Man" sang, " Momma, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" at the Maritime Restaurant & Bar on California Street in Redding. www.maritimeredding.com . Roger & Casey, friends from the Oregon Street Antique Mall (anewscafe.com/placeolder/oregon-street-antique-mall-2/), were guest bartenders at Maritime Friday night. We stopped by for a drink, and to say hi. Uni, owner of Maritime, ask Phil if he would sing. How did she know he could sing ? Maybe she randomly ask people if they would like to sing? I don't know. She is very sweet and wants everyone to have a good time at her establishment.
I said, "He knows lots of country western tunes".
Phil and Jimmy Bryant, the talented, and very accommodating musician who was playing that evening, decided on a Waylon Jennings tune. Phil is a gifted singer, but his audience is usually a church congregation, and he usually brings his guitar.

Phil has been singing since I've known him. And that's a long time now. He's always played a guitar or banjo and he's always written songs. Whether he is working, driving, or plowing a field, he's usually mulling over a "tune".

He had lots of practice. He sang to our children every night at bedtime. Now, in their mid-twenties and early thirties, they have fond memories of his version of various Bob Dylan, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, or Tim Harden tunes.

Jimmy asked Phil to send him some cowboy music so he'd be ready the next time we stopped by. I told you, he was accommodating ! Well, we just might hunt up some of those old "honky tonk" tunes...it was sure fun !

"Happy Trails To You", and may all your infusions be fun,
Kate

Not Your Momma's Iced Tea--Celebrate National Iced Tea Month in June !

2009-06-03T11:51:00.000-07:00

In the summer, at our house, there were always two pitchers of iced tea in our refrigerator. One of them, my mother referred to as " Your Father's Tea" (meaning sweet tea--southern style) and the other was, regular plain iced tea, no sugar. These were the two choices available. My mother made the iced tea from tea bags, although our neighbors used that very modern, "Instant Tea". ( You can taste the difference).

Growing up in the '60's, I started making sun tea in the summertime, and have continued the practice. Now, however, warnings about bacteria that can grow in sun tea may cause me to consider it a "Steep Risk" http://www.snopes.com/food/prepare/suntea.asp.
If any of us got sick from sun tea, I didn't know it. I probably blamed some other "germ" or even
decided that a small child must have shared his illness.

The popularity and availability of a wide variety of flavored black and green teas has greatly increased my iced tea choices. (See list below for teas that are excellent iced). Magnificent Mango, quite popular in our tea room, competed with Arctic Raspberry and Shanghai Lime (photo) as favorites for iced teas. My iced tea choices are not limited to tea bags, instant tea, sweetened or unsweetened. .....I can celebrate incredible abundance !

Oregon Street Tea Company's Great Iced Tea Recipe:

For 2 quarts (1/2 gallon)

* In a 6 cup teapot, place an infuser filled with 12 teaspoons of tea.

* Fill the teapot with water heated to 195 degrees.

* Brew 5 minutes.

* In a 2 quart container fill 1/2 with ice.

* Pour tea over ice.

* Add cold water if needed to make 1/2 gallon of great iced tea !

The following teas make excellent iced teas and can be purchased from
http://www.oregonstreetteacompany.com

Black Flavored Teas:

Arctic Raspberry
Cranberry Breeze or Cranberry Orange
Lemon Lift
Magnificent Mango
Peach Apricot
Wild Cherry Blast

Green Flavored tea:

Strawberry Fields Forever
Shanghai Lime

The Very Popular "Arnold Palmer" http://www.arnoldpalmertee.com/news.asp

Fill a glass with ice and add:

1/2 lemonade
1/2 black tea (brewed)
1/2 Lemon slice to decorate the rim of the glass

Very Refreshing !

Hawaiian Iced Tea

Make 2 quarts of Oregon Street Tea Company's Great Iced Tea

Add:
1 can (16 oz) pineapple juice
1/2 cup simple syrup (recipe follows)
Refrigerate until chilled.

Garnish with fresh pineapple spears and serve

Simple Syrup: ( You can also purchase this)

1 cup white sugar
1 cup water

Combine sugar and water in saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Cool.

Happy Iced Infusions !
Kate

"Camellia Sinensis, please"

2009-05-31T12:48:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, if I ask for hot tea at a restaurant, a mug of lukewarm water and a colorful assortment of little square packages are set in front of me. I inhale and politely thumb through the Herbal Peppermint, Berry Berry (no caffeine), and Chamomile packets, and finally inquire, "Do you have any Black tea?" Off the server trots, returning with an off brand lifeless tea bag. The temptation to expound on real tea, is overwhelming. Keeping my hand on my mouth & shoving the tea information file to the back of my mind, allows me to remain a decent, sweet, smiling human being.

Anything that can be infused is referred to as "tea". Herbal concoctions, often consumed for medicinal purposes, abound. Common herbal "teas" include Chamomile, Hibiscus, Lemon Grass and various Mints ( Spearmint, Peppermint). Fruit infusions like Raspberry, Cranberry, or Apple are popular "teas". However, unless one of these infusions contains some form of the Camelllia sinensis plant, it's not really tea!

Camellia sinensis , an evergreen bush, is a single species, of many varieties. The tea plant can grow easily in most conditions, but does not always produce "good" tea. ( My own little tea plant is "failing to succeed" in this Redding, California heat..see photo). Tea, like wine, is influenced by the soil, rainfall, elevation and a myriad of other factors which contribute to its characteristics. Countries that have perfected specialty teas include India, China, Japan, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, and some South American countries. In the United States, there is one tea garden that produces and sells tea. The Charleston Tea Garden, on Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina, owned by Bigelow, still harvests and manufactures tea. All real tea, whether it is white, green, black or oolong, is produced from this Camellia sinensis plant.

I think when I'm eating out, my drink order will be, "Cameillia sinenis, please". Then, I'm sure there will be no confusion. Just in case though, I do have my own real tea, in a zip-lock baggie in my purse ! Some people carry a flask with their favorite alcohol, I carry a plastic baggie with my favorite tea!
May all your infusions be tea-lightful !
Kate

Land of Sweet Tea and Poke Salad

2009-05-17T22:39:00.000-07:00

Sweet tea, found in the refrigerator of all true southerners, must be sweetened ( meaning LOTS OF SUGAR) while the tea is still hot. It is sacrilegious to add sugar after the tea is poured over ice ! During my recent visit to Missouri, my cousin introduced me to "Ready to Drink" gallon jugs of pre-sweetened tea.

This product, extremely popular in the South, tastes similar to homemade. Sweet tea is served year round in the South. It is assumed that if you ask for tea, you mean Sweet tea, and you only designate "unsweetened" if you don't wish to have the traditional tea.

We stopped for lunch at Poke Salad Annie's....a delightful little restaurant in Humansville, Missouri, recommended by the desk clerk at our hotel in Bolivar. After being seated and ordering our iced tea (sweet tea for me, of course), I ask the server why they chose the name "Poke Salad Annie's". She told me the restaurant was named after a song. It's true..there is a famous song Tony Joe White wrote in 1969. He is definitely a Southerner...using his first & middle name...Tony Joe....like Jim Bob or Troy Lee. He and Johnny Cash sang "Poke Salad Annie" as a duet, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6diOn540Ws , and then Elvis Presley delivered his rendition in 1970...absolutely vintage Elvis..the way I remember him. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9d_LCGalZ1I&feature=related.

Poke Salad Annie's menu features regular items like Black Angus steaks and unusual specialties; frog legs & crawdads on Friday & Saturday nights. My favorite lunch time "claim to fame" is Doc's Gourmet Fried Bologna, advertised as "Not your momma's fried bologna". All my life, I believed my Grandmother was the only one who ever fried bologna. I learned not to discuss eating fried bologna in California because people looked at me like I must be from another world, which of course, the South, especially the Ozarks, is a world unto itself. But then, here, at Poke Salad Annie's, was fried bologna, in black and white, on a restaurant menu !!

Poke Salad, though, was not on the menu. Poke Salad, is made from Pokeweed, www.pokesaladfestival.com/plant.htm , a weed of great distinction in the south. My mother told me about gathering "poke greens" in the spring with her grandmother. Turns out, poke weed is toxic and must be prepared only by those carefully trained to do so. My understanding is one gathers the young green leaves in the early spring, and then the leaves are boiled for 5 minutes, rinsed and re-boiled. Most southerners add a bit of bacon grease to make a tasty substitute for spinach or collard greens. Bacon grease, like Sweet tea, is a staple in all Southern kitchens .

Poke Salad, (Polk Sallet, Poke Sallet, Poke Salat) is so revered in the south, that several towns celebrate this spring time green with a festival. The festivities are as distinct as the spelling of Poke Salad. In Gainesboro, Tennessee, not only do they choose a "Miss Poke Sallet", but the highlight of the party is the Outhouse Race , www.gaineboro-jcchamber.com. In Blanchard, Louisiana (near Shreveport), the 35th annual Poke Salad Festival rates a parade and it's own website: www.pokesaladfestival.com. Poke Salad recipes and folklore and Important Health Information can be found at http://www.rockytopgen.com/polksalad/index.html .

You may never eat Poke Salad, but if you are in the South, you will be ask if you'd like iced tea. (Meaning Sweet tea !)

May all your infusions be sweet,

Kate

Happy Mother's Day to My "Teenage" Mom

2009-05-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

I love being my mother's daughter ! I was the only daughter for quite awhile, until both my brothers married. Now there are 3 daughters in our family. However, I am the daughter who had a "teenage" mom !

My mother is an incredible woman. She was born in rural Missouri, in the Ozarks. Her mother died when she was eight and her sister was six. She was raised on a farm by a single father, with a little help from the grandparents. She was poor, but never had a "poverty" or victim mentality. After graduating from high school early, she attended a teachers college. She was teaching school when she met my Dad. They married when she was eighteen and came to California. My father and grandparents decided to go into business in Washington and I was born a year later.

When my youngest brother started Kindergarten, my mother went back to college to earn her teaching credential. She taught school for over 28 years. After we all left home, she obtained an administrative credential and a Masters Degree. One of her most endearing qualities is her patient steadfastness, she always accomplishes what she sets out to do !

We were required to finish our Saturday chores before we could go anywhere. If you were really sick, she was a sympathetic nurse. If you were trying to pull one over on her, you were banished to your room, with no T.V. and you had to stay in bed until you were feeling better, which of course, was the entire school day! She was famous for saying, "This too shall pass", "Life's not a bed of roses", "You made your bed, now you'll have to sleep in it", and the really gross question, " If everyone stuck their head in a toilet, would you ?" ( That was used if you tried the old, "But everyone else is doing it" routine.)

Now in her eighties, she is still positive and active. She sees, speaks and believes the best about people, especially her family ! She is sensitive, insightful, full of grace and love ! Her cards and notes are always encouraging. She attends the graduations, plays, sports events and birthday parties of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She has many friends at church, and keeps in touch with family members across the U.S. She enjoys traveling. We are leaving for Humansville, Missouri after Mother's Day. She still has hopes and dreams and persistently pursues her projects, and she is still married to my Dad ! (Sixty-three years in November) Not bad for a "teenage" Mom !!

Happy Mother's Day !

May every day be your cup of tea,

Kathryn
http://www.oregonstreetteacompany.com

Craving.....Tanzania Treasure Tea

2009-05-06T23:47:00.001-07:00

Tea picker with child
Originally uploaded by daveblume

Yesterday, as I drove home from my tea room, the delightful aromas of all those teas were still lingering and taunting my senses. I literally began to crave one of my favorite teas. The wholesaler calls it Luponde, after the Tanzanian estate where it is grown. I call it Tanzania Treasure, a strong malty excellent tea ! Today, I raided the storehouse at the tea room and brought some home.

While the tea steeped, I waited, anticipating the flavor and taste, the aroma, the bright coppery color. Longing for that first sip, the five minute "proper" brewing time, seemed like forever. I paced. I wondered if other addictions were as compelling. Are drug addicts or alcoholics as driven to get their "fix"?

Tanzania is the fourth major tea producer in Africa. The Luponde Tea Estate is one of the oldest estates in southwestern Tanzania. In the remote Livingstone Mountains Luponde teas are grown at an elevation of 7000 feet. The Luponde Tea Estate has been certified Fairtrade for over a decade. The extra premiums from the Fairtrade have tremendous and lasting impact on the community: a medical clinic, nursery school, and schools in nearby villages have been built. Numerous other projects have also been
completed. (Photo is a woman picking tea with her child, by Dave Blume)

The Tanzania Treasure tea met my every
desired expectation ! I savored the aroma, the color, the taste.....oh I am thankful they know how to produce such fine teas in the high mountain
region of Tanzania.

Going Home

2009-05-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Some say you can never go home again. For me though, there is one place that always feels like home; Surprise Valley, California. We purchased our ranch over 2o years ago in the farthest northeastern corner of California. Out our back door looking across the dry alkali lake we can see Nevada. . Up the road about 15 miles is the Oregon border. It is high desert "cowboy" country. (http://www.surprisevalleychamber.com). This area attracts intellectuals seeking to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of city life, survivalist seeking skills, artist seeking solitude and families seeking a safer environment for children. Old timers have handled the isolation and hardships through a blend of perseverance and an optimism borne out of overcoming whatever life throws at them. They laugh easily and are quirky enough to refer to anything south of Surprise Valley as " down there in California..."

Last week, driving over Cedar Pass, which was still covered in snow, I wondered why I always feel like I am "coming home" as we descend into Surprise Valley.

I thought it might be the people who inhabit this corner of the world. And yet, everywhere I have lived, life long connections have been established with fascinating people.

Perhaps it was the happy memories associated with the ranch and Surprise Valley. No... in remembering other places I have lived my mind is flooded with joyous recollections.

Drinking my morning cup of tea, standing on our front porch and waving to the UPS man as he passed by, it dawned on me that there is a timelessness in this place and it is defined by County Road One.

County Road One runs from Eagleville, to Cedarville, to Lake City and to Fort Bidwell. It is eighty miles long, each community approximately twenty miles apart. And the landscape doesn't change. The ranches may be bought and sold, and sometimes the houses are painted and improved upon, but in 20 years not much really changes. As you make your way through the valley, fields are still planted, irrigation lines are still standing, cows are still fed in the same pastures, and pregnant mares are still grouped together in their fields. In the spring cattle are still moved down County Road One to their spring and summer feeding grounds and in the fall they are brought home on County Road One.

The deer raid the hay barns in winter and graze in the fields in spring and summer and try to cross County Road One without encountering a vehicle.

Surprise Valley doesn't change. It feels like "home", because unlike other places, it is just the way I left it ! Even though there may be a few little changes, nothing huge has disrupted this lovely place. There are no new roads, no new housing developments or new department stores being built. It is a quiet and peaceful journey home on County Road One.......

May your journey home always be full of joy and peace !

Happy Infusions,

Kate

http://www.oregonstreetteacompany.com

Tea Room Mascots Celebrate 1st Birthday !

2009-04-26T17:14:00.000-07:00

Our tea room mascots, two goldfish, Oolong and Ginger Peach, joined Oregon Street Tea Company when we switched from a tea room to a gift shop. They resided happily in a very large glass tea cup and entertained our customers, especially the children. Today they celebrated their 1st birthday! We had tea (guess what kind?) and cake. Oolong is definitely the social one. He is also the Labrador Retriever of fish; he loves to eat! He bolts to the front of the fish tank, his mouth forming that adorable sucking face indicating he's hungry. Ginger Peach hides out in the shipwreck. She is shy, especially camera shy.

Do you know how difficult it is to photograph goldfish ? I purchased a new camera, one I can carry in my purse easily. Holding the camera for the first time, I immediately wished for a "User's Manual" memory chip that could be inserted into my brain. No such luck. I had to actually read the manual and began to experiment. I first tried the "Sports" button. After all, the fish were fairly "sporty" rushing around their fish tank. However, close up and "Sports" doesn't work. I tried the "Night" selection--it's dark inside the fish tank. That didn't work either. I tried the "Close-Up" and the "Party" selection...neither of which were successful. Finally, I settled on the "Portrait" selection and was able to capture a half way decent photo.

I love my new camera, and the only store where I would ever buy a camera: Crown Camera in downtown Redding. Their website is http://www.crowncamerashop.com/. Everyone in the store is extremely helpful. This purchase comes with a free class, which I know I need...and I until I can schedule the class, I'll sip on my Shanghai Lime iced tea and keep practicing.

May every day be your cup of tea,

Kathryn
www.oregonstreetteacompany.com