tea – Papas Cutting Board

Matcha comfort

I just recently bought a sample package of the Vital Proteins Collagen Matcha powder, because I had received this beautiful matcha gift set and had to give it a try. I researched matcha tea to see the benefits and the best way to make it.

Beautiful set! The bowl is big and comforting (I share a photo of me holding it to give an idea of the size) I enjoyed using this set to create my comfort drink. I use Vital Proteins Matcha Collagen powder. First, I use the whisk to measure 1 1/2 teaspoons of matcha powder and whisk that into the beautiful, heavy bowl. I heat a tablespoon or so of water (not boiling); and add that to the matcha bowl with the powder. Use the Bamboo whisk to blend this into a smooth liquid with no clumps. Rinse the bamboo whisk and set it on the drying whisk holder to keep the shape and help it dry properly. I then have my electric frother nearby heating up either my almond milk or my oat milk (about 2/3 cups) While the milk is heating, I add a tsp or so of honey to my matcha mixture in the matcha bowl. I pour the frothed milk into the matcha bowl and using the sifter, I blend all of this until frothy. Sprinkle with nutmeg and enjoy.

A couple of tips: the spoon stand is hiding under the foam; I share a photo with an arrow pointing at the hidden spot.

This is an adorable set that is well-made. I am pleased with this set. I share a photo of the size of the bowl next to my face. This is very comforting and I feel pampered with this.

London Fog Tea

London Fog Tea latte

This is delicious- the lavender takes it over the top

2 tsps Earl Grey Tea leaves
1/4 tsp lavender petals (find in spices)
(Inhale it when you open it-so pleasant)
Just a bit of vanilla paste
Honey to taste

Pour 1 cup hot water over tea leaves and lavender petals (I use a Tea strainer)

Steam milk (any type is fine- I used 2%)
I use a Chefs milk frother I bought on amazon a few years ago. Love it. Use it a lot

After 3 minutes – remove strainer
Stir in tsp honey

Top with steamed milk
Sprinkle cinnamon

Pumpkin Spice Creamer

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Creamer –

Here is a coffee idea and also a tea idea: I make a Pumpkin Chai Latte with this using a Stash Chai tea bag (Stash is my favorite)

I let the creamer recipe simmer on the stove top with some cinnamon sticks. When I poured this in to a mason jar (to use during the week) – I poured the cinnamon sticks in with it.I had an opened can of pumpkin in the fridge from several of my baking excursions this past week – I try to come up with different ideas to use it up. Let me see if I can remember how I made this. When I look at recipes in my books and magazines – I become inspired and then look through my pantry and throw together whatever I have on hand

2 heaping tablespoons of pumpkin

1 1/2 cups heavy cream or half and half

2 Tbsp Maple Syrup

2 tsp peanut butter (or almond butter or nutella)

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice mix * (see creating your own below)

2 cinnamon sticks

Mix all the above in a saucepan over medium heat – turn heat up to medium-high and while whisking – let it come to a low boil; reduce heat and let simmer for 1 (ish) minute – it becomes thicker – move the pan off the heat and let it cool down. Add to your favorite coffee, your favorite hot chocolate, your favorite chai tea bag, etc. You can also add this to a mixer with ice cream and a frozen banana and make a delicious smoothie.

*Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix (if you don’t have this, you can make your own simply by mixing:

4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

( I double the homemade mix recipe and put in same spice jar)