Catalyst Gourmet RecipeS 

(Scroll down past the first section for easy gourmet dips, desserts, smoothies, savory dishes and more crafted with our aromatic Gourmet Tea Enhancers and Finishing Sugars)

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January was National Tea Month so we created 31 recipes to help you celebrate daily with healthy tea in a fun new way.

1/1/10

Detox today with a refreshing "herbal" Minted Fennel Fusion Tisane.  Boil 2 cups of water + 4 to 6 fresh mint leaves + 2 tsp of Fennel Fusion Tea Enhancer.  Add honey or sweetner if desired.   I like to drink this without any sweetner at the start of the day to wake me up and help the digestive system get moving in the morning.  It's also a relaxing drink at night.

1/2/10

Traditional Indian Style "Chai" using our Enchanting Chai Tea Enhancer.  Boil 2 cups of water with 2 black tea bags or 1 tablespoon of your favorite black loose leaf tea.  Add in 1 cup of dairy (milk, soy or almond milk).  Now add in 2 tsps of our Enchanting Chai blend.  Let the mixture steep for 1-2 minutes till milk is fully integrated into the tea.  The longer you steep the stronger the flavor.  Strain any loose tea leaves or as desired. Makes 2 to 3 servings. Meditate as you sip and ponder your successes for 2010!

1/3/10:

Tomorrow's the start of the work week for most.  Time to unwind and savor the last days of the holiday season with a cup of Sensational Saffron Oolong Tea.  Boil 2 cups of water with 2 oolong tea bags or 1 tablespoon of your favorite loose leaf oolong tea.   Add in a tsp of our Sensational Saffron Tea Enhancer blend and savor the beautiful garden like aroma as you reflect and count your blessings.  Try thinking of at least 3 blessings every time you sit down to a cup of tea - it's amazing spiritual therapy!

1/4/10:

Time to get moving and recharge to puruse your professional dreams in 2010.  This calls for a cup of Hot Gourmet Ginger Honey Tea.  Boil 2 cups of water and 2 bags of green tea or 1 tablespoon of your favorite loose leaf green tea.  Add in 1 tsp of our Gourmet Ginger blend and either honey to taste or other sweetner as desired.  The combination will enliven your senses and keep you feeling well so you can focus on your future in healthy bliss!

1/5/10:

It's time to shake things up a bit and make the morning interesting.   Try this Hot Enchanting Chai Tea Infused Oatmeal and discover an infusion of extraordinary flavor in your morning meal.  First heat 1 cup of milk on the stove or microwave till steaming, add in a green tea bag and 1 tsp of our Enchanting Chai blend, let steep for 2-3 minutes.  Now remove tea bag and then pour the milk into a bowl and add in about 1/2 cups (or per instructions) of oatmeal flakes and reheat in the microwave till cooked (usually 1 to 2 minutes).  Mix well and enjoy.  Top with fruit or nuts if you like.  For low fat option, use water instead of milk to brew the tea. 

1/6/10

Black tea with cardamom and fennel seeds.  A simple but refreshing infusion you can create with your own fresh spices.   Brew 2 cups of black tea (any type).  Add in 4 to 6 green cardamom pods and about 1/2 tsp of whole green fennel seeds while you brew the tea.  Let steep for about 3 minutes to maximize the flavor of the spices.  Strain and enjoy your new custom "blend" of black tea.

1/7/10

Ginger & Turmeric Green Tea. Try this soothing and healing home remedy for congestion to help you on the road to wellness.  Boil 2 cups of hot water plus green tea.  Now grate in fresh ginger (about 1 tablespoon or more of grated ginger).  No exact measurements needed.  I usually use a cheese grater and just grate the fresh ginger until it covers the top of the pot (ie. little pieces floating all around the top of the water).  Add in 1/2 tsp of turmeric (ground turmeric) or if you are lucky enough to have a market near by that sells fresh turmeric, you can grate it in the same way as the ginger and add about 1 tsp or so of the fresh turmeric.   You can reuse the grated ginger and fresh turmeric a few times in additional pots of tea before tossing.  Sip throughout the day to soothe and heal.  Honey is a good sweetner in this healing tea.

1/8/10

Green Tea & Banana Frappe'.   A healthy mid-day pick me up.  Brew 2 cups of green tea as you normally do.  Strain any leaves if using a loose leaf green tea.   Let the green tea cool to room temperature..  Pour the 2 cups of tea into a blender.  Add in 1 large banana (option: add two bananas).  Add in 1/4 cup of ice.   Add in two tablespoons of agave nectar or honey.  if you use other sweetners, add to taste.  Blend in the blender till ingredients are smooth and integrated together.  Pour into a tall glass and enjoy!  

1/9/10

Rooibos Enchanting Chai Tisane.  Brew 2 cups of hot water, add in rooibos "tea" bag or loose leaf rooibos leaves.  Step for 2 minutes, add in 1/2 tsp of Enchanting Chai (our custom blend available here online), mix and enjoy this addictive and exotic tisane.

1/10/10

Green Tea with Fennel Fusion.   A refreshing way to start the day.  Start by brewing 2 cups of hot water, when at a rolling boil, reduce heat and add in green tea bag or loose leaf green tea.  Add in 1/2 tsp or more of our Fennel Fusion blend (a healing, detoxifying blend of cardamom, fennel and star anise) to the green tea.  Mix and drink while hot.  Ideally wait 1/2 hour or more before eating anything to maximize the healing benefits of the spices and to aid digestion.   You can also try this one at night before bed in a herbal tea as well.

1/11/10

Memories of summer, Strawberry infused Hot Green Tea.  It's cold this month in our area of the country and I so want to get back to barefoot walks outside.  Since that's not realistic, I decided this morning to bring back a little of summer by cutting fresh strawberries into thin slices and then infusing them into my hot cup of green tea.  Start by brewing 2 cups of hot water and your favorite brand of green tea (or any store brand green tea bag will do just nicely too).  Add in a handful of the strawberry slices and let steep at least 2 minutes in the hot tea.  Pour into your cup and scoop in the strawberry slices.  Add sugar or honey if you like.  Now close your eyes and envision green grass or a sandy beach and wiggle those toes!

1/12/10

So I am still craving a heat wave.   How about a delicious hot Black Tea Sensational Saffron Frappe'.  Start by brewing 2 cups of hot water with any bag of black tea.  Add in 1 cup of ice, 1/2 cup of milk and 1 tsp of our amazing Sensational Saffron tea enhancer blend.  Blend all the ingredients in a blender or other food processor.  I like to add in a little natural sweetener sometimes to help bring out the flowering essence of the saffron which seems to turn more "rose" like when honey or agave are added to the recipe.   Pour it into a tall cup and enjoy.

1/13/10:

Mid-week, time to recharge.  Blueberry Tea Frappe'   Brew 2 cups of hot green tea.  Cool it down quickly by adding 1/2 cup of ice.  Now add the cool tea to a blender along with 1/2 cup of blueberries and add another 1/2 cup of ice.  Blend till smooth.  Add sugar or honey if you like.  Agave nectar is especially nice.   Pour into a tall glass.  Rejoice in the double boost of antioxidants.  Enjoy.

1/13/10:

After school, kid friendly Apple Tea Cider.   Start by brewing 2 cups of rooibos or other herbal tea you have on hand.  While the tea is brewing add in 1 cup of apple juice.  Let the "tea" and apple juice simmer for a few minutes.  Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes that the Apple Tea Cider is still warm but not too hot to drink.  Garnish with a slice of fresh apples before serving or even cut up a few apples into little pieces and let them "float" on top of the cup (kids love catching the apple pieces as they drink).  

1/14/10

Enchanting Chai Apple Cider.  Try this delicious version of apple cider infused with our amazing Enchanting Chai blend.  Brew two cups of tea (green or oolong are recommended).  Strain any tea leaves.   Continue to brew the tea and add in 1 cup of apple juice plus 1 teaspoon of our Enchanting Chai blend.   Let the mixture simmer for 1 more minute.  Remove from heat and either enjoy as a hot apple cider or if you prefer chilled cider, add ice or place in fridge.    We tested this one at holiday shows and it was a huge success with many customers asking for cup after cup of this addictively delcious drink.

1/15/10

Gourmet Ginger Banana Tea "Smoothie".   It's Friday, time to wrap up the week with a refreshing and antioxidant rich drink.   Our Gourmet Ginger blend is packed with healing spices that are good for you.   Brew  2 cups of green or oolong tea.   Let cool for a few minutes.  Strain any leaves from the tea.  Now pour the tea into a blender along with 1 banana and add in 1 tsp of our custom Gourmet Ginger blend.  Optional - you can add in 1/2 cup of yogurt or 1/2 cup of ice for a more traditional smoothie style experience..  You may also add in a tablespoon of honey if you prefer. 

1/16/10

Loving my morning breakfast today.  Sensational Saffron Tea Infused Oatmeal.  First heat 1 cup of water on the stove or microwave till steaming, add in a green tea bag and 1 tsp of our Sensational Saffron Tea Enhancer blend, let steep for 2-3 minutes.  Now remove tea bag and then pour the tea into a bowl and add in about 1/2 cups (or per instructions) of oatmeal flakes and reheat in the microwave till cooked (usually 1 to 2 minutes).  Mix well and enjoy.  Top with fruit or nuts if you like.  For richer option, use milk to brew the tea instead of water.

1/17/10

While I'm on the topic of breakfast, here's a twist on pancakes to try.   Tea Infused Pancakes.  Brew green tea - a little on the stronger side is nice - let it cool or quick cool with a few ice cubes.  Use the cold tea in place of the  "water" in a standard pancake mix.  You can also, if you have Matcha Tea powder, add 1/2 tsp to each 1/2 cup of pancake mix for added antioxidant boost.   Make the pancakes as you normally do.  I love to top mine off with a shake or two of our Enchanting Chai or Sensational Saffron blend instead of syrup.  Aromatic and delicious.

1/18/10

Gourmet Ginger & Melon Chilled Tea.   Start with approx 1 cup of cut watermelon (or any melon you have on hand).  Brew 1 cup of Green Tea of your choice, let it cool completely & strain.  Add the cup of Green Tea + cut melon + 1/2 tsp of our Gourmet Ginger Tea Enhancer together in a blender.  Blend till smooth.   This is a refreshing "iced" tea alternative that starts with hot tea and delicious melons.  

1/19/10

Enchanting Chai Tea Latte.  Brew 2 cups of hot water, add in green or oolong "tea" bag or loose leaf green or oolong tea leaves.  Steep for 2 minutes, add in 1/2 cup of low fat milk or skim milk (or regular milk if you aren't counting calories) plus 1 tsp of our Enchanting Chai blend.   Add sweetner (agave or honey is what we recommend) if desired.  Pour into two cups and invite a friend to join you for a afternoon tea break.  Enjoy!

1/20/10

Green Tea Gourmet Rice.   Brew 1 cup of hot green tea (double strength for a pop of flavor - use two tea bags or double the portion of loose leaf tea).  Strain any leaves.  Use the hot green tea in place of water when cooking your rice (brown rice is especially nice).  Generally you will cook 1/3 to 1/2 cup of rice to each 1 cup of the hot green tea.   The rice will take on a soft green tea infused flavor.  Add a little salt if you prefer and mixed veggies for a healthy antioxidant rich rice dish.

1/21/10

Strawberry Banana Green Tea Frappe'.    Brew two cups of hot water.  Add in green tea bag or loose leaf green tea.   Let the tea chill or add ice to quickly chill.   Strain any tea leaves.   In a blender, add in the two cups of chilled tea, add 1 cup of strawberries, 1 Banana and 1/2 cup to 1 cup of ice for frappe style beverage.   Blend till mixed and fruit is pureed.  Pour into large glasses. Add a straw and dream of summer sunsets. Enjoy.  Optional, add in 1 tsp of our Enchanting Chai spice for a fragrant frappe variation.

1/22/10

I think i'm in love with my latest tea creation.   Hot Mocoa Green Tea.   Our toddler wanted some hot cocoa so as I was making his traditional cocoa,  I became inspired by the idea to add the dark cocoa to my hot green tea.  Voila!  It worked beautifully.   Here's the method.   Start with Hot Green Tea (I'm sure any type of tea would be fine).   Add approx 1 to 2 tablespoons of dark cocoa powder (or a hot chocolate mix if you don't have dark cocoa powder on hand) to 1 cup of hot green tea.   Mix. Sip. Enjoy!

1/23/10

Sensational Saffron "Mocktini" Tea.   It's Saturday and for a fun stay in tea drink for the weekend, try this with any type of tea.  We prefer to start with Green or Oolong Tea for this recipe.   Brew 1 cup of Hot Tea.  Add in 1/2 tsp of our Sensational Saffron Tea Enhancer blend.  Add in about 1 tablespoon (or a few quick splashes) of Grenadine Syrup.  Let it chill or quick chill over ice.  Pour this nonalcholic tea delight into a cocktail glass and relax!   This recipe works as well with the addition of your favorite vodka.   You can also brew a large pitcher of tea and follow the proportions to make a delicious "Iced Tea" variation for everyday enjoyment.   Just be mindful of the sugar content of the grenadine syrup.  Enjoy.

1/24/10

Today I continued my new passion for cocoa infused teas.   Enchanting Chai Chocolate Green Tea. . Ideally use dark cocoa powder (unsweetened) or actual pure dark chocolate squares for a nice added boost of antixodiants from the dark chocolate.  Brew some green tea.   For every cup of hot green tea, add in 1/2 tsp of our Enchanting Chai blend and 1 to 2 tablespoons of dark cocoa powder or grate in the same amount of drak chocolate squares.  Stir to blend in the flavors. (Use any hot chocolate mix as a substitute for the dark cocoa if needed).   We hope you find this new recipe as enchanting as we do.

1/25/10

Blueberry Infused White Tea.   This tea helps me think of sunny days and sandy beaches.  Brew 2 cups of White Tea (loose leaf or bagged white tea).  While the tea is hot, add in a handful (approx 12-15 blueberries) of fresh, washed blueberries.  Let the blueberries steep for a few minutes.  I also like to crush up some of the blueberries to help release more flavor into the tea.  You can enjoy sipping and simply eat the blueberries as you go or strain if desired.  Option: for a more integrated tea, blend together in a blender.

1/26/10

Mango Infused Green Tea.  It's hard to find really ripe mango's in the winter, so I've crafted this tea to work with readily available partially ripe or "green" mangos that you might find in your local organic grocery.  Peel and dice 1/2 of the mango into small pieces.  Use about 1/2 cup in the hot tea and then the remaining pieces as garnish.   Brew 2 cups of Green Tea (loose leaf or bagged  tea).  While the tea is hot, add in about 1/2 cup of the diced mango.  Let the mango pieces steep with the tea for a few minutes.  You can enjoy this tea hot or chilled.  I like to actually let it "rest" in the fridge for a few hours and drink it cold and top the glass with fresh pieces of mango and some agave nectar.  Option: for a more integrated tea, blend together in a blender.

1/27/10

Cinnamon & Vanilla Rooibos Tea.   Start by brewing rooibos tea and while brewing, add in 1/2 tsp of cinnamon per every 2 cups of rooibos tea and either pieces of dried vanilla beans or if you don't have dried vanilla bean on hand, add in a few drops of vanilla extract (careful as it can be quite strong in flavor).   Add in agave nectar or natural honey for sweetness if desired.  This tea is a nice relaxing treat to try before bedtime. 

1/28/10

With the month coming quickly to a close, it's time to have some fun with tea.  here is a recipe for a delicious frozen Enchanting Chai Tea Popsicle that you and the kids can enjoy together.   Brew 2 cups of any type of tea (green, black or white) add in 1 tsp of our Enchanting Chai Tea Enhancer blend while the tea is hot.   Add in 1 tablespoon of sweetner if desired.  I like using honey or agave nectar.  Slowly pour the infused tea into popsicle molds or if you don't have any handy, simply wait till the tea is cool and pour into ice cube tray or paper cups and put in freezer for several hours.  Enjoy.

Check back daily for more inspirations and creative recipes using tea in new ways!

I'm working on a recipe book to be available Holiday Season 2010 & will be sharing seasonal ideas via our newsletter.  Please join us in this culinary journey and spice up every day with a little bit of bliss. 

Kaushika, Chief Catalyst

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