Product Review: The Republic of Tea, Ginger Peach

As I have mentioned before, I'm not fond of ginger. Why did I get some ginger peach tea then?

Well, I had a faint memory of liking this one, and it's not that bad.

The ginger is very mild, non of that bite that I dislike so much. Of course it doesn't live up to my favorite peach tea (tazo's Giant Peach), but it was nice. Chilled is best, in my opinion, and there was pretty much no bitterness.


I got this tea at the Whole Foods in KC, but it can also be purchased at
The Republic of Tea.com

Recipe Review: Russian tea

Russian tea reminds me of my childhood... *sighs dramatically* (hehe).

When I was younger it seemed like every fall we had a big tupperware container full of Russian tea mix.

There isn't a thing I would change about Russian tea. Mixing oranges and black tea is pure genius!

It is a great year round drink too, since it can be served hot or cold depending on the weather. I like it hot best :D


This recipe is from All Recipes.com

Russian Tea
1/4 cup Instant Iced Tea
1/2 cup Tang
.25 oz unsweetened Lemon Aid
1/2 cup Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon Cloves

Mix well and store in airtight container. makes about 1 1/2 cups of mix.
Add 3 to 4 tablespoons to 1 cup hot or cold water. Stir and serve.

Allegro, Kenya Grand Cru

I'd say 4 out of 5. (I'm saving 5 for the ultimate coffee, I expect I'll know it when I sip it)

My sister, Abi, picked this one up last time she was at Whole Foods in KC.
     Sometime or another, I must have gotten a cup of this particular kind to sip while I strolled around the store, because the aroma immediately reminded me of being at Whole Foods.

It said on the package 'light roast', I usually don't like light, but this was quite nice. I'm not fond of anything too bold, but also not too mild either. Happy medium.



I prefer to have plenty of cream and a little bit of stevia with my coffee. I told Susi one time that if someone is drinking their coffee black than they are only drinking it for the caffeine. Okay, I know it's a bad idea to make sweeping generalizations like that. So I take it back.
     But are their people out there who actually like the taste of black coffee? Tolerable, maybe, but not exactly enjoyable. Okay, I know there is some who say they do. But did they start out liking it that way? Acquired taste? :P :D

St. Dalfour, Organic Golden Peach Tea

Peach. I love the smell, the taste, everything! Pie, yogurt, the fresh fruit. I love peach.

But I don't like ginger, why it's so often in peach teas, I don't know. I find that it completely over powers the peach flavor.
     I'm always on the look out for a peach tea without any ginger in it. I picked this one up at a local grocery store in the international foods section, but you can also find it various places online.

I liked this tea cold better than hot, with plenty of sweetener (sugar was preferred) and maybe a little bit of milk.
     On the box it said that if steeped too long it can get rather bitter, which I found to be true. Just a couple minute max.
     I thought the best way to enjoy this drink would be to make a larger batch and then store it in the fridge, let it get plenty cold, could be sweetened before or each glass individually. I usually don't like using ice to chill a drink, especially with the peach teas, because the flavor is rather mild, and any dilution can ruin it.

Penzeys Spices: Hot Chocolate Mix, with a hint of mint.

I just love chocolate and mint. I'd be happy to replace a regular cup of hot cocoa with this any time. And it has very simple ingredients, which I appreciate.

Their website is not the easiest to navigate, I think might be geared more towards the retailers. http://www.penzeys.com

On the side of the jar, they recommended adding a spoon full of this mix to your morning coffee, which I did try, very yummy.

And you can actually see the sugar granuals in this.

Recipe Review: Columbian Chocolate

I would give this recipe at least four out of five. Often hot chocolate is just too sweet for me. But this was really nice. And when I was melting the chocolate with the coffee and cinnamon, the smell was simply wonderful.

Columbian Chocolate
Betty Crocker's Cookbook, Text Edition
1 pkg. (60z) semi-sweet chocolate
1 cup strong coffee
1 t cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/2 t vanilla
In lg saucepan heat chocolate, coffee, cinnamon and salt over medium heat, stirring until chocolate is melted and liquid is smooth.
Add milk, heat through, stirring occasionally, but do not boil. Stir in vanilla. Just before serving beat with hand mixer until foamy.
10 servings, about 2/3 cups each.

Bigelow; Mango Chamomile Herbal Tea

I've tried other mango teas, and just didn't like them. But after having a hot cup of this one, I wondered what it might be like cold, so I got out a cup of ice and tried it. It was really nice. So, I like cold mango, not hot. :)
Just make sure to let the tea cool off, before adding the ice, otherwise it melt and dilutes the tea. Also, you might want to add a little extra sweetener. I think that because its cold, your taste buds get a little numb.

Ashby, Vanilla Spice Tea

More tea from Rebecca! :D

This one was really yummy! I liked how it's a little like chai tea, but not so spicy! :P the flavor is nicely balanced between Black tea, Vanilla and Spices.

Ashby Tea has been around since the 1850's so it would be great for taking along for re-enacting events, etc.

Recipe Review: Hot Mocha Drink

This was probably the best tasting homemade mocha drink that I've had yet. And I think the difference is the use of un-sweetened chocolate.

Now, I would tweak the recipe a bit, less chocolate, more sugar, and skip the water and instant, using fresh brewed coffee in it's place.

Hot Mocha Drink

Companies Coming Cookbook

2 cups water

1 - 1oz. Unsweetend Chocolate Baking Square

1/4 cup Instant Coffee

2 T Sugar

2 cups Milk

1/2 t Vanilla

Some sort of whipped topping (I chose to use the kind that comes in a can) or marshmallows

Chocolate curls (garnish)

Stir first 6 ingredients in small saucepan. Heat slowly, stir often, until chocolate is melted and mixture is steaming hot. Pour into mugs. Add more sugar if desired.

Top with a dollop of whipped topping. Garnish with chocolate curls.

Makes 4 cups.

The Republic of Tea, Earl Greyer Black Tea

Rebecca (who's visiting Grandma and Grandpa) sent Abi and I some tea to review on Sippen.

She bought it from a little store called "Bread and Honey" (bakery and health food store) in Mora Minnesota, if you happen to be near, I highly suggest stopping there, it's such a neat store.

Earl Grey is my favorite black tea, I love the citrusy smell of bergamot! This Earl Grey was delicious, I especially liked it brewed very strong :P Being out of stevia :( I used honey and added milk too :D

Here's The Republic of Tea's website www.republicoftea.com

Teeccino, Mocha, Herbal Coffee

Teeccino is a caffeine free blend of roasted herbs, grains, fruits and nuts. They say on the can that it is high in potassium, and inulin.
It can be enjoyed on its own, or mixed with your regular coffee to reduce caffeine and acidity.
It's brewed just like coffee.

And can be served hot...

...or cold.
I can't say I loved it; you just can't beat good old coffee!! :P But as an alternative, it's pretty good. It looks like coffee, brews like coffee; really the only thing missing is the "caffeine".

I've also tried these coffee substitutes: Postum and Celestial Seasonings "Roastaroma" Of the three I think Roastaroma tastes the best and Teeccino is most like coffee. I just read that Postum has been discontinued! That's too bad!

I think it would be fun to compare all the substitute coffees and see which one is best.