Matcha tea is a premium green tea. There are a couple of major differences between matcha tea and other green teas. First the tea leaves used in making matcha are grown in the shade by blocking the bushes from sunlight. Then, instead of whole or broken tea leaves, the tea leaf is dried and then ground into a very fine powder. The color is a much brighter green than typical green teas.

Preparing or brewing matcha tea is very different from other green teas and requires a whisk and shallow bowl. Visit Matcha or watch this short video to learn more about Matcha Tea.

All teas – 10% off 2 of the same item or 20% off 4 of the same item at American Tea

Matcha tea is not only a treat, it has many health benefits. Like most green teas, it is filled with antioxidants making it a better choice than coffee or other beverages.
When serving matcha you do not need to add sugar as it is naturally sweet. Matcha can also be used in cold drinks including smoothies and iced drinks.

Match tea makes a great gift for any tea lover.

Remember all those apples I bought? Well, still have some left so here’s another recipe using apples, as a main ingredient.  It would be impossible to have all those apples and not make applesauce. Fresh homemade applesauce is delicious. It is perfect as a healthy snack or as a side with pork chops or chicken. I make applesauce without the sugar. If this is the first time making applesauce either skip the sugar or add only half the sugar, you really won’t miss it.

It is very easy to make applesauce at home. You can make it on the stove, in the microwave or in yourslowcooker. 

Ingredients for Applesauce

• 3 pounds apples (about 8 apples)
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• optional – about 1/3 cup granulated sugar OR 1/3 cup brown sugar

Directions for Making Applesauce

Wash, peel and cut apples into fourths; remove seeds. Place in large pot, add water and then with medium heat/flame bring to boil. Be sure to stir every couple minutes. When apples and water begin to boil lower heat/flame and simmer for ten minutes. Again be sure to stir every 2 minutes or so. Now add cinnamon and nutmeg. If desired, add the sugar. Stir and bring back to boiling. Boil for about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat. Cool and enjoy! Be sure to refrigerate.

To make in the microwave, use only 1/2 cup water. Place all ingredients into microwave safe bowl and cover. Microwave for about 12-15 minutes stopping to stir and mush apples every 3 minutes. Be careful when removing cover.

To make in crock pot, throw all ingredients into crock pot, cover and cook on high setting for about 2 hours, a little longer if needed. Do not remove cover while cooking. Stir and mush apples if needed. 

Homemade applesauce is delicious and without the sugar is a healthy snack. The aroma of the apples cooking is wonderful. If you want you can easily cut the recipe in half to make a smaller batch. Remember, this is a perfect way to use apples that are a little bruised.

Cool nights and Viennese coffee are a perfect match. Perfect for after dinner, it is a nice change of pace and simple to prepare. Impress your guests and serve Viennese coffee or just treat yourself. We present two versions both of which can be made with regular or decaffeinated coffee. Viennese coffee, like any after dinner coffee drink adds style and finesse to any meal whether formal or casual. Viennese coffee and Viennese Coffee with brandy are both elegant and a charming way to end an evening. Whether you choose the Viennese coffee with brandy or the non alcoholic viennese coffee, your guest will be impressed.

Viennese Coffee Recipe

• 11-12 tablespoons coffee
• heaping teaspoon cinnamon
• 46-48 ounces water
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• heavy cream or milk

Place coffee in filter basket and sprinkle cinnamon on top. Brew coffee as usual. While coffee is brewing place sugar in your coffee carafe. If you do not have a carafe or insulated serving container you can put the sugar in the coffee pot before brewing or simply add sugar to taste during service. When brewing has finished pour coffee into carafe and stir. Serve. To each cup add heavy cream or milk to taste and add additional sugar if desired.

Viennese Coffee with Brandy

• One pot freshly brewed coffee
• Brandy
• Whipped Cream
• Chocolate Shavings
• Sugar (optional)

Brew one pot of coffee. Be sure to see How to Brew A Perfect Pot of Coffee for proper brewing techniques. After brewing pour into serving cups. To each cup add 1 jigger brandy (~ 1 1/2 oz) and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings. If desired add sugar.

Spring has arrived and my thoughts start drifting to coffee and tea recipes for the summer. One of my favorite summertime treats is a coffee frost. I guess I had this on my mind when I met some friends the other day, somehow we got onto the subject of ice cream. I mentioned that while I don’t care for coffee flavored ice cream, I love drinking a coffee frost. I was surprised my friends had never tried one. Of course that meant I had to make a batch for us.

It is very easy to make a coffee frost, you’ll actually even use some leftover coffee.

Ingredients for Coffee Frost

2 cups cold coffee (a little strong is best)
about 1/2 to 3/4 pint ice cream – chocolate or vanilla
1 cup strawberries (washed and cut in 1/4’s) or 1 banana
Put coffee and fruit into a blender and blend at high speed until smooth. Should take less than a minute.
Add ice cream and blend at medium speed until smooth, takes about 15-30 seconds.

Pour into glasses and enjoy. If you like it slightly thicker add a little more ice cream. If you are entertaining guests, serve with a strawberry for garnish.

We all enjoyed our coffee frosts the other day. I prefer using vanilla ice cream and strawberries but vanilla and banana was preferred by my friends. If you are making the frost with chocolate ice cream try adding a little extra fruit when blending.

Later today something exciting is happening at CoffeeandTeaTime.com

After many mugs of coffee, tea and the occasional can of diet Coke with lime, I am about ready to switch to a new design on the main pages. I have wanted to make changes for several years, but it is just something that didn’t happen. Finally, I think the changes should be completed in the next couple hours. If all goes well you will be able to check it out. Be sure to let me know what you think.

As I sit here this morning drinking my second cup of coffee, I can hear the wind blowing outside. Yesterday was also quite windy with the wind gusts in the 40-50 mph range. As I left work yesterday to pick up the children from school I had a large styrofoam cup of coffee. After I stepped out the door I put the cup down to grab some newspaper that was blowing around. A strong gust of wind decided it wanted my coffee. The wind blew the cup over, the lid fell off and coffee poured out and sprayed in the wind. Of course I have spilled my share of coffee and tea, but I have to confess that is the first time I had the wind steal my coffee.

February 11th, 2008 · No Comments
I mentioned the other day that I was sipping a cup of homemade Cafe Mocha and several people contacted me. A couple wanted to know what a Cafe Mocha was and several others wanted to know how to make it at home. A cafe mocha is a coffee based drink with chocolate added. An authentic Cafe Mocha is a latte with chocolate syrup; whipped cream is an optional addition. In case there are novice coffee drinkers reading a latte is a coffee drink that is 1 part espresso and 2 parts steamed milk.

There are actually several ways to make Cafe Mocha. You can start primarily with a espresso, a latte or even regular coffee. Another variation using cappuccinno is more likely to be called a moccaccino.

How you make a cafe mocha will depend on what coffee brewing equipment you have. This easy version recipe for Cafe Mocha is great for anyone who only has a regular coffee pot and who does not have access to espresso. For this recipe you will need coffee, hot chocolate and powdered creamer or even a little regular cream or 1/2 & 1/2. Powdered creamer works great in this recipe because it make more of a latte base coffee beverage.

You will need some strong fresh brewed coffee, brew it a little stronger than normal. I like to use a rich and robust blend but any blend will be fine. As your coffee is brewing prepare some hot chocolate. Use your favorite recipe or even instant cocoa mix. You will be mixing equal amount of brewed coffee and hot chocolate so prepare desired amount.

When your coffee is ready add the creamer and stir. Take a large mug and mix equal parts hot chocolate and coffee. Stir until blended. If desired top with whipped cream. Now, sit back and enjoy.