Elixir Fine Tea

WHO IS GOING TO KEEP TRACK OF THE TEMPERATURES?

There are many steeping directions out there. In general, most suggest hotter water for black tea and less hot for green and younger delicate tea. But how does one get water at 90C, 82C .... ? Do we need a thermometer each time we brew tea? That would be a pain.

When water boils, we can assume it boils at 100C (although water might boil at a lower temperature in Calgary due to its altitude). Then how to cool water down to the other temperatures? Here are a few suggested ways to cool down water from boiling:

1. Add cold water;
2. If you can catch the moment, turn heat off before boiling;
3. Boil, and let cool;
4. Decant boiled water into another (cooler) pitcher. This can be repeated. Have some fun, check your aim, and decant the water from a greater height and see if you miss and splash. As the hot water streams through the air, it will also cool off;
5. Use electrical water kettles with temperature control settings for even different tea types.

You can be as exact or as casual as you wish with the temperatures. However, water temperature along with the amount of leaf and the steep time, do affect the quality of your brewed tea. We can think of the different temperatures as a nuisance or we can appreciate it as part of a moment to slow down. Listen to the bubbling water, breath in the aroma and appreciate the "agony of the leaf".

WISDOM FROM AROUND THE KITCHEN TABLE

Though not tea related, just want to share good counsel received from a good friend. She quoted Robert Kiyosaki:
"... when you know you have to make a decision (or take action), the sooner you do, the more options and opportunities you have. The longer you wait the more limited your options and opportunities become."

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Events This Month

"Introduction to Reflexology Night" presented by Michelle Major: Friday, February 5, 7pm - 8 pm

"White Tea Tasting": Sunday, February 21, 2 - 4PM
In this tasting, we will sample Silver Needles, Bai Mu Tan, Gung Mei and Shou Mei. More details to follow.

Upcoming events:
CLOSED for private function: Wednesday, February 10; 2 - 4PM
CLOSED for private function: Tuesday, February 16; 2 - 4PM
CLOSED for private function: Thursday, February 25; 2 - 4PM
CLOSED for private function: Monday, March 1; 2 - 4PM

Elixir Fine Tea will be hosting the Premier of
"Positive Images"
An Exhibition of Photography by Dave Blaine
This is a fund raising event benefitting the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

Date: Friday, 5 March 2010, 5:30 - 9:00 pm

Staff Party ... Networking Meeting ... Book Launch
Need a venue for a cozy, relaxing, private event?

Call today to book Elixir for your next event. (403)270 - 4377

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News

Tea leaf readings by Mary Jane Kapteyn at Elixir!
Why do readings? The first reason to have a reading is to gain guidance, clarification and confirmation for your life’s purpose, direction and choices. You create your future though your thoughts, choices and actions. Reality is holographic, with many probable futures that reflect your level of intention and focus. You can begin today to create new possibilities and experience more abundance, fulfillment and happiness in your career, relationships and within yourself. If you have questions on how to deal with life situations, challenges, or lessons and you would like more peace of mind, to overcome limitations, and reach your highest potential, connect with spirit and higher consciousness now for answers, direction and inspiration.
Sessions are available by appointment call 403-701-8088 to book. Receive $10 off first reading!

More info on Mary Jane

Parisian macarons are among our exquisite patisserie selection from Yann Haute Patisserie. Macarons are offered in assorted flavours like Passion Fruit/Milk Chocolate, Caramel/Ganache Fleur de sel, Pistachio/Morello Cherry. Macarons continue to sell like hot cakes - perhaps the english translation for macarons should simply be "hot cakes".

Graham Murdoch Robertson, Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, will establish his practice at Elixir Fine Tea along with Michelle Major, reflexologist. More info on Graham at www.theserenitycorporation.com

New Teas Are In or Coming Soon:
Jasmine Blueberry
Orange Blossom Green
Pomegranate Green
Nantou 4 Season Wulong
Pu-erh Tuocha
Vanilla Mint Pu-erh
Vintage Pu-erh
Vanilla Berry Truffle

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Tea of the Month

Formosa GABA
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is a nutrient that has anti-stress, anti-anxiety, calming and relaxing effects. Tea which is oxidized in a nitrogen-rich enviroment has a higher concentration of GABA elements than any other type of tea. GABA has become a staple in the Japanese diet. It is a refreshing beverage that is consumed by people of all ages.

Enjoy 15% Off purchases of 50 grams and more!