As we know, Columbus Day is celebrated as a state and federal holiday across the United States. It began in 1792 as an Italian-American heritage celebration in New York, since Columbus was an Italian-born explorer. The first state-wide celebration was held in Colorado in 1907. The day was declared a federal holiday in 1937 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt commemorating Columbus' landing in the New World on October 12, 1492. Since 1971, it has been celebrated on the second Monday in October.
Tis the day to bring out my Fitz and Floyd "Figures from History" teapot bearing the explorer's image - well, sort of! ;-)
While Columbus found no tea to take back to Spain from his first voyage, he did return with allspice, vanilla, and red peppers.
A quick search for vanilla tea brought up blends from Harney & Son's and other tea purveyors.
Republic of Tea has Caramel Vanilla Cuppa Cake tea - a black tea with the flavors of old-fashioned Southern yellow cake with homemade caramel vanilla frosting. It was inspired by the caramel cake in the movie, "The Help". Doesn't it sound good?
The only accessible vanilla tea for me today is Bigelow's French Vanilla, which is quite good.
What's in your cup as you celebrate Christopher Columbus Day?
That teapot is amazing! I'm drinking Downton Abbey Christmas a Tea (Republic of Tea) because it's yummy,not because I'm rushing the season. It's coming fast enough without any rushing. Enjoy your day.
ReplyDeleteAnother vanilla flavored tea that is really good is Republic of Tea's Downton Estate Blend which is a "classic earl grey black tea with vanilla". Since it's late in the afternoon, I'm drinking decaf Constant Comment, my old stand-by.
ReplyDeleteDon't guess I've tried any new vanilla teas lately, but that one inspired by "The Help" is going on my to-be-tried list! Love your Columbus teapot—what a great find!
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