Tea and Shamrocks

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Today, like everyday, I'll be using my "shamrock" teapot, which I love.  It was a gift from my Mom.

Did you know that the word shamrock derives from the words, "seamair óg", which means young clover?  We have an abundance of clover on our property, much to the delight of our chickens and other people's horses and cows. (which really is another blog post entirely...escaped animals make a bee line to our clover fields)

I know that many people are drinking green beer and Irish whiskey today, but I'll be drinking tea and I'll be in good company.  By capita, the Irish consistently drink more tea than any other country in the world.  (although rumor has it that Iraq is on par with them or even supassing them now)  Yes, they even drink more than their neighbors in England.

In Gaelic "cupan tae" means cup of tea, and in Ireland it's a strong cup. Irish tea is blended to be mixed with a lot of rich milk. The custom is to add the milk to the tea cup first along with sugar if desired, then pour in the tea, which is how I was taught to make it.

"Life is like a cup of tea, it's all in how you make it."  Irish proverb

Of course there are always those who like it even stronger and for them there is Irish Tea.

Irish tea?  Why not?  There's Irish Coffee. Irish Tea is as simple as some freshly brewed hot tea and a shot of good Irish whiskey.

Irish Tea

1 tbs loose tea, or 1 tea bag

1 oz whisky

1 oz milk or cream

1 tsp sugar

Preparation:

Brew tea in hot water for 3-5 minutes.  Remove tea leaves or bag. Add whiskey and other ingredients.

However you like your tea, enjoy a cup today.  You'll be in good company.

'Sláinte!'