Nothing beats a proper cup of tea and a slice of cake at home. Forget the cafes, this is a ritual worth doing properly.

But before we lose ourselves in the indulgence, let’s ensure the foundation is perfect. Forget the sacrilege of microwaved water! A proper cup of tea deserves a touch of ceremony. Here’s the secret:

The Art of Brewing:

1. Choose your weapon: Select your tea wisely. A robust Assam for an invigorating morning, a delicate Darjeeling for a contemplative afternoon, or a fragrant jasmine for a touch of serenity. Loose leaf offers the fullest experience, but quality tea bags work too, I’m thinking Yorkshire tea, Yorkshire Gold, or even Barry’s Gold from Ireland.
2. Heat the water: Water is the soul of tea. Use water heated to the appropriate temperature, boiling for black tea, around 80°C for green tea (except green tea is for hippies or stressed out millenials). Using a kettle helps achieve precise temperature control.
3. Warm your vessel: Preheat your mug or teapot with hot water to prevent a temperature drop when the tea arrives.
4. The infusion dance: Measure your tea, a teaspoon per cup. Add the tea leaves to the warmed pot, then pour the hot water gently over them. When using a tea pot, the rule is one spoon of tea for the pot and one spoon of tea per person.
5. Let it steep: Respect the steeping time! Each tea has its preference, 3-5 minutes for black tea, 2-3 minutes for green tea (for hippies and stressed out millenials). Be patient, this is where the flavour magic happens.
6. Strain and savour: Once steeped, strain the tea and discard the leaves (unless using a teabag). Now, breathe in the aroma, hold the warm cup in your hands, and take that first sip. Let the flavours bloom on your tongue. I always add milk, which takes off the tannin edge of strong tea.

The Perfect Pairing:

Now, to the cake! Choose a companion that complements your tea’s character. A rich chocolate brownie pairs well with robust teas, while a light, citrusy slice enhances the delicate notes of Darjeeling. Experiment and find the perfect harmony.

That’s really all there is to it, good tea, a decent slice of cake, and twenty minutes where nobody needs anything from you.

A nice cup of tea made with love? It’s a hug in a mug!