In yesterday's post I mentioned returning to The Rendezvous With Tea earlier this week to purchase tea. I had tasted their Hark! the Herald Angels Sing tea blend at the Governor Warner Mansion fundraiser on December 10th [Naszreen, the owner, donated the tea for the event], so I knew it was good, and it was also the tea used to make the tea eggnog at the December 1st tea tasting. I purchased 50 grams.
This is a lovely black tea! When I opened the bag, the aroma of the dry leaf was wonderful.
Below is a photo of the infused leaf. Notice the pieces of orange peel and star anise. All the spices, herbs, and flavors meld together so nicely to produce a smooth tea that's not cloying or overpowering.
I'm not a fan of commercially prepared eggnog, and up until now I've never tried making my own. Naszreen's tea eggnog recipe appealed to me for two reasons - it contained tea, and the egg yolks were cooked. [Some recipes use raw eggs.] The eggnog at the tea tasting looked so good [see photo in yesterday's post], that I just had to try making it. Oh! My! Goodness! It's divine, and so perfect for a holiday treat.
If you're not a local reader and can't get to the shop to purchase Hark! The Herald Angels Sing tea used in the recipe, look for a black tea blend that features some of the ingredients listed on the package above.
Tea Eggnog Recipe
Courtesy of The Rendezvous With Tea
7 eggs, yolks separated
1/2 cup sugar
3 1/2 cups half & half
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Brandy [optional]
1/2 cup Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Tea - steeped in 1 cup boiling water for five minutes to make 2/3 cup brewed tea.
Place egg yolks, sugar, half & half, and brewed tea in double boiler, and stir until mixture coats the back of a metal spoon [approx. 15 minutes]. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and brandy, if using. [I made mine without.] Refrigerate.
Pour chilled eggnog in cups to just over the 3/4 mark, and top with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon powder or freshly grated nutmeg. Enjoy!
