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When it comes to romance, many set the mood with a glass of
pinot noir, or a bubbly flute of champagne. Don't forget that
"tea for two" can also brew romance.
Tea can be poured in a porcelain mug, a metal goblet or a
shallow saucer. Some like to gulp it down, others swish and
slurp, while some take the time to delicately sip their tea from
fine china cups placed atop dainty saucers. The likes and
dislikes of tea drinkers may vary, but tea accessories are
becoming a big part of the tea-making exercise.
Making a great cup of tea means starting with the basics. The kettle
is where every fine brew begins. Some people have boiling water
for years in the same metal kettles. Others enjoy the tea of
generations in their inherited kettles. These people have been
using the same kettle for years and are quite content with the
results.
If you're not so lucky, it's time to seek out a kettle to brew
your perfect tea. When shopping for a kettle, ensure that the
lid fits tightly. If the lid is loose, there is the risk of hot
water blowing into your face. Ensure that the handle won't get
hot, and that it is securely fastened to the body of the kettle.
The size of the kettle is equally important. If you are only
going to brew one or two cups at a time, don't buy a big kettle.
The teapot is another very important accessory, and great care
must be taken in choosing the right one. A two- or four-cup
porcelain teapot is perfect for black teas. Green or oolong teas
should be brewed in a Japanese or Chinese teapot. Herbal
infusions are best suited to clear glass teapots.
When choosing your new teapot, be sure that it has a
tight-fitting lid, balanced proportions, a smooth and polished
surface and a spout that doesn't leak. Nothing spoils the mood
like a leaky teapot.
The tea infuser is another must-have accessory for true tea
lovers. The most common form is the wire mesh style, but there
are also ball infusers, infuser presses and traditional bamboo
infusers available. An ideal infuser should fit the entire mug
or extend deeply into the teapot.
Those who truly love their tea or are a tad finicky about their
brew might also have a measuring teaspoon, thermometer, digital
timer, tightly sealed storage containers, a delicate tea cozy
and elegant cups and saucers. The tea tray is the last link in
the chain of tea accessories, and the one that holds it all
together.
When romance is brewing, pour some tea for two, and dazzle your
love with all the right accessories.
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