Store Bought Tea Leaves vs Fine Tea Leaves

I was curious today so I chose one of my favorite black tea bags that I purchased from a local grocery store and a green tea bag that I purchased from the local book store. The bottom left leaves are from a Mango Black tea...you can see the chunks of mango; the one on the right is a green Oolong that has been brewed 4x. The top left is a black tea with orange pekoe and the top right is the contents from a Acai Berry tea bag.

What Is so Special about Fine Chocolate?

I am addicted to chocolate. In the past, I have been perfectly happy with an Almond Joy, Snickers, or Hersey Chocolate Almond bar. Over the weekend, I sampled a piece of one of the fine chocolate samples that Tin Roof Teas has received. Specials cases have been ordered to keep the Truffles at just the right temperature to insure the quality is preserved. Instructions said to hold the square for a minute or so to warm the chocolate and to bring out the complex flavors. It is also recommended that you eat a soda cracker, a piece of apple, or drink some sparkling water to cleanse the palate before placing the piece in your mouth. Do not chew the candy; let it melt gradually in your mouth. (I found that part of the instructions hard to follow; I kept wanting to chew on it. ) As it dissolves, the flavors should change. You may taste a little spice, coffee, fruit...all from that one pieces. The sample I tasted lingered for quite awhile. Fine chocolate is rich and a piece or two will be very satisfying.

Kombucha Plum Tea at Tin Roof Teas

Stopped by Tin Roof Teas Saturday on my way back from Greensboro. Of course, the shop was bustling not only with customers but also with the consultants unpacking all the new holiday items plus the construction workers who are expanding the store.

Finally, the beautiful children's heirloom tea sets are in and they are beautifully painted and so dainty. Children are going to love holding tea parties with the children's tea selection like "Gummi Bear" tea. New bottles and pots were being stacked on the shelves as well as some new teas. I bought some Peppermint tea for those holiday meals...when you have over-indulged on pumpkin pie. My favorite purchase was the new D & G Kombucha Plum green tea. The scent when you open the little bag is so clean and crisp with the definite smell of plum. When the leaves are brewed, the plum is very distinct but not overpowering. It was delicious, and my husband and I drank the whole pot.

Bailey's Jewelry was having a special event so parking was tight. They took up the whole mid-section of the parking lot in front of their store. Usually, it is easy to park in front of the Tin Roof Tea shop, but I circled for 15 minutes before a space opened. I should have parked in the parking deck behind the shop. It was worth it though for the new tea.

Tin Roof Teas November 4, 2010 Update

New sign is up and we hope the new awning is up by Friday...depending upon the weather. Website is just days away from completion. Our goal is to have it up my mid-month but we will continue to improve it over the next few months. Security for our online purchasers is a top priority.

Our new Cardew designed children's teapots have arrived. We ordered some unique pots from the same designer for those customers who need gifts for those friends who like a little whimsy in their life. The staff is busy stocking shelves with the new holiday inventory.

One of our customers shared a delicious recipe with us for improving rice when serving in a stir-fry dish. They use their leftover lemon verbena, blood orange or jasmine tea instead of water to cook their rice. They said it gave the rice a little extra flavor...sounds good, doesn't it.

Great Brownie Recipe from Tin Roof Teas

This recipe was borrowed from Paula Deen with a few minor changes. You know almost any recipe she uses is going to be calorie rich. I must warn you...if you have a chocolate addiction, whip it up when you can exercise for a few hours to work off the calories. You can't just eat one piece. Purchase your favorite brownie mix. I used a dark chocolate walnut mix. You can choose whether you like the cake-like or the chewy kind...I did the chewy kind. After mixing, I spread half in the bottom of the pan and placed two whole Vosges Chocolate Bacon Bars on top. I topped the bars with the rest of the mix. It is a little difficult to spread because the brownie mix is so thick but you can place one finger on top of the bars to keep them in place. Don't worry if it is not level. When the mix begins to cook, it will spread...just be sure you cover the bars of Vosges Chocolate Bacon.

It is hard to wait for the brownies to cool but I am warning you, the hot candy will be gooey and it will burn you. Where can you buy Vosges Chocolate Bacon Bars? You can buy them along with several other choices from Tin Roof Teas in Cameron Village.

Changes Begin at Tin Roof Teas in Cameron Village!!

This week, there is an air of excitement in the shop. New products are arriving and the remodeling is beginning. The sign company is working hard and we hope to have the new sign installed by the end of the week. Employees have kept a list of customer requested teas, and we have searched for the very best teas in those categories.

Everyone is looking forward to the arrival of the new children's tea sets. We searched and searched for a set that would be food safe and beautiful. They will make beautiful heirloom toys and they are affordable. Don't forget we carry a nice selection of teas appropriate for children...ask one of our consultants about them. If you have someone on your holiday list who loves whimsical gifts, we slipped in an order for some beautiful and unique teapots by a world renown English artist.

Please be patient as we expand our store to accommodate our new product lines.

Disappearing Teas

We were so diappointed today when the store tried to place an order for Chocolate Chile Black Tea and Miraculous Tea Maker from TeaGschwendner. The warehouse informed us that both items are being discontinued so what we have in stock is all that is available. We are looking for a new supplier for the Miraculous Tea Maker.