Serenity in a Cup: The Gentle World of Decaf Tea

Written By Mahya Roudneshin - April 03 2024

Decaf tea, a cozy companion for those seeking the serene embrace of tea without the buzz of caffeine, offers a delightful journey through flavor, tradition, and health benefits. This blog post will explore the world of decaf tea, diving into its history, production, varieties, and why it might just be the perfect beverage for your next quiet moment.

The Calming Brew: A Brief History

Decaf tea, much like its caffeinated counterpart, has roots deeply entrenched in centuries-old traditions. The process of decaffeinating tea, however, is relatively modern, tracing back to the early 20th century. The initial purpose was to enjoy the beloved ritual of tea drinking without the stimulating effects of caffeine, catering especially to those sensitive to its effects or seeking a peaceful night's sleep.

How Decaf Tea is Made

Decaffeination of tea involves a few key processes, with the aim of removing caffeine while retaining the tea's soul-soothing flavors and health benefits. Methods such as the carbon dioxide (CO2) process, the ethyl acetate method, and water processing are among the most common, each with its unique approach to gently lift caffeine from the leaves. The CO2 method, for example, is lauded for its ability to maintain the integrity of the tea's flavor and antioxidants.

Varieties and Flavors

Decaf tea is not limited to a single type; it spans the same broad spectrum as traditional teas. From the robust decaf black tea, the delicate decaf green, to the aromatic decaf herbal blends, there's a decaf variant for every palate. Each type offers a unique tasting journey, from earthy and floral notes to spicy and fruity undertones, ensuring that decaffeination does not compromise the depth and richness of the tea experience.

Why Choose Decaf?

Opting for decaf tea comes with a myriad of benefits. It's an excellent choice for those looking to reduce caffeine intake due to health reasons or personal preferences. Decaf tea allows the enjoyment of tea at any time of the day, without the concern of disrupting sleep patterns. Moreover, it retains most of the antioxidants and nutrients found in traditional tea, making it a healthful choice that supports overall wellbeing.

A Cup for Every Moment

Whether it's a soothing cup to wind down in the evening, a health-conscious choice, or simply a preference for the taste, decaf tea holds a special place in the hearts of many. Its versatility and wide range of flavors make it a fitting companion for any moment, offering the comfort and warmth of tea, minus the caffeine.

In conclusion, decaf tea provides a splendid alternative for tea enthusiasts and newcomers alike. It's a testament to the versatility and enduring charm of tea, inviting everyone to savor its delights without the effects of caffeine. So, the next time you're seeking a moment of tranquility, consider brewing a pot of decaf tea. Let its gentle flavors guide you to a place of calm and relaxation, proving that sometimes, the essence of a moment lies in the simple pleasures of a well-chosen cup of tea.

Lemon Earl Grey Cake

Written By Mahya Roudneshin - March 27 2024

Welcome the freshness of spring and the joy of Easter with our Lemon Earl Grey Cake. Infused with the citrusy notes of lemon and the distinctive flavor of Earl Grey tea, this cake is a celebration in every slice. Perfect for an Easter gathering or a cozy tea time, it pairs beautifully with our range of teas, enhancing each bite with subtle, comforting flavors.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup (240ml) milk
4 Earl Grey tea bags
1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp lemon juice
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
Infuse the Milk:
Warm the milk without boiling it, then steep the Earl Grey tea bags in the milk for 15 minutes. Squeeze the tea bags to extract maximum flavor and discard them.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
Combine:
Alternately add the dry ingredients and the infused milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Glaze:
Whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice or powdered sugar if needed. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve slices of this Lemon Earl Grey Cake with a pot of your favorite tea. The zesty flavors will complement any tea selection, making it a perfect dessert for Easter or any springtime gathering.

Earl Grey Tea-Infused Chocolate Truffles

Written By Mahya Roudneshin - March 25 2024

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20 truffles

Ingredients:

1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
2 tablespoons loose Earl Grey tea leaves
8 ounces (225g) high-quality dark chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Cocoa powder, for dusting
Optional for decoration: white chocolate and food coloring

Instructions:

Infuse the Cream: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat, add the Earl Grey tea leaves, and allow them to steep for 5 minutes. Strain the cream through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the tea leaves, pressing on them to extract maximum flavor. Discard the leaves.
Make Ganache: Place the finely chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Reheat the infused cream until it simmers again, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 1 minute to soften the chocolate, then add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and glossy. If any chocolate pieces remain unmelted, you can gently heat the mixture over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method), stirring until smooth.
Chill: Cover the ganache with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until the ganache is firm enough to shape.
Shape the Truffles: Once chilled, use a melon baller or a small spoon to scoop out portions of the ganache. Roll between your palms quickly to form balls. If the mixture becomes too soft, return it to the refrigerator to firm up.
Decorate: Roll the truffles in cocoa powder for a classic finish. For an Easter touch, melt white chocolate, divide it into small batches, and tint each with food coloring. Drizzle or dip the truffles to add festive colors. Allow to set before serving.
Serving Suggestion: Serve these luxurious Earl Grey-infused chocolate truffles with a selection of teas. The complex flavors of the truffles will beautifully complement the tea, creating a memorable dessert experience for your Easter gathering.

Celebrate Easter with a Hopping Good Cup of Tea from Mrs Doyle's!

Written By Mahya Roudneshin - March 21 2024

Spring is here, and with it comes the joy of Easter! As the days lengthen and flowers begin to bloom, it's the perfect time to gather with loved ones and celebrate new beginnings. At Mrs Doyle's Tea, we believe there's no better way to warm your heart and home this Easter than with a steaming cup of delicious tea.

A Tea for Every Easter Tastebud

This year, we've brewed up a delightful selection of special Easter tea blends to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're a fan of fragrant floral teas reminiscent of spring's fresh blooms, or prefer something more decadent like our chocolatey treats blends, we have a tea that's sure to become an Easter favorite.

The Perfect Easter Gift

Looking for a unique and thoughtful Easter gift? Look no further than Mrs Doyle's Tea! We've curated beautiful Easter gift baskets filled with our finest loose leaf teas and delightful treats. It's a gift that's sure to impress any tea lover.

Make it a Mrs Doyle's Easter

This Easter, create lasting memories with friends and family over a steaming cup of tea from Mrs Doyle's. visit our store to discover the perfect tea and treats for your Easter celebration.

Wishing you a joyous and hoppy Easter from all of us at Mrs Doyle's Tea!

Celebrating Mother's Day with the Gift of Tea

Written By Mahya Roudneshin - March 09 2024

As Mother's Day approaches, we're reminded of the warmth, care, and unconditional love that mothers around the world offer. It's a special day to honor and celebrate the incredible women in our lives who nurture, teach, and inspire us. This year, why not express your gratitude and love with a thoughtful, comforting, and luxurious gift—a selection of exquisite teas from our collection.

At Mrs Doyle's Tea, we believe that tea is more than just a beverage; it's an experience that soothes the soul, evokes memories, and creates moments of tranquility and connection. Our carefully curated selection of teas makes the perfect gift for Mother's Day, offering a variety of flavors that cater to every taste and preference.

A Tea for Every Type of Mom

For the Adventurous Mom: Explore our exotic fruity tea blends, featuring bold flavors and unique combinations that promise to take her on a sensory journey around the world.
For the Health-Conscious Mom: Our range of green and herbal teas, known for their health benefits and revitalizing properties, will show her that you care about her well-being.
For the Traditional Mom: Classic teas like Earl Grey, English Breakfast, or our Creamy Irish tea blend, will surely warm her heart and remind her of cherished moments.
For the Mom Who Loves to Relax: Our calming chamomile, lavender, and mint teas are perfect for moms who cherish their moments of relaxation and tranquility.

A Toast to Mothers Everywhere

This Mother's Day, let's toast to the amazing women in our lives with a cup of tea that reflects their warmth, strength, and beauty. Visit Mrs Doyle's Tea collection to find the perfect tea gift that says "Thank you, Mom" in every sip.

Celebrate this special day by giving the gift of serenity, joy, and exquisite flavor with our premium teas. After all, a cup of tea is like a hug in a mug, and what better way to hug your mom than with a selection that speaks directly to her soul?

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms out there. May your day be filled with love, laughter, and the exquisite comfort of your favorite tea.

Irish Holloween food

Written By seamus mc arevey - October 11 2023

Samhain was the Celtic great festival of fire and feasting and today it is known as Halloween and yes it all started in Ireland . Samhain marks the change of seasons and the beginning of the dark months . Samhain main recipes is based around turnips, nuts, gourds and apples, apple cider, and ale . Once the harvest work was complete , the tradition was for the village to came together to feast and to tell stories of the past and of the future .

The main Halloween foods were based around potato dishes like champ , which is mashed potatoes with spring onion. They also enjoyed colcannon which is mashed potatoes and kale or green cabbage meal , and of course there was Boxty which is potato pancakes made with raw potatoes and buttermilk which is pan-fried .Other common foods were full of fruit and nuts and of course we have to mention barmbrack bread which is loved by everyone on the island of Ireland around Halloween .

IRISH HALLOWEEN TRADITIONS

It’s interesting to learn that many of the traditions that we all think of as part of American Halloween have their roots in Irish Halloween traditions. So how did holloween become part of American culture ? well Irish immigrants to the US brought these fantastic traditions to America, and so an Irish tradition became part of the mainstream of American culture!

The famous Trick or treating originally comes when poor Irish children who went door to door to request money and food. The children would sing prayers and in reward they would get soul cake which is a kind of bread with lots of fruits. Turnip Lanterns were also very famous in Irish Halloween tradition. These lanterns were carved from turnips or even large potatoes.

SLICE OF BARMBRACK TELLS YOUR FORTUNE

In Ireland the traditional fruity loaf is known as Barmbrack, it's name came from the Irish " bairin breac" which translates as speckled loaf. Barmbrack is eaten all year round, however at Halloween magic is added to this bread and fortune telling is added to the mix. The fruits in barnbrack are traditionally soaked in tea and whiskey to create the rich flavour, and the tea is of course Mrs Doyle's favourite part of Holloween.

Traditionally Irish homes would always have the smell of baking bread and barmbrack cooking , usually over an open fire in the kitchen or living room . At its basic Barmbrack is simply a dried fruit-studded bread, but it has magic powers around holloween ! The Irish Halloween barmbrack tradition is that everyone gets a small slice, however you need to careful when biting into it, as you might find that something has been hidden inside the bread that can tell your future for the coming year !

You might find perhaps a ring, so expect the discovery of a true love and even a future wedding, alas if you are unlucky and find a thimble, this predicts that you will never marry, and a button predicts bachelorhood for the men. For those who find a coin this is a prediction that they might get rich in the coming year!

So how do you make this magical bread , well Mrs Doyle's traditional Irish Barmbrack with a nice cup of Irish tea is of course the best recipe and being the decent sort she has written it all out for us all to make

HOW TO MAKE IRISH BARMBRACK FOR HALLOWEEN

Baking Barmbrack is an Irish Halloween tradition and so you just have to include some charms to make your barmbrack magical .

Mrs Doyle's Barmbrack recipe takes 3.5 hours to make which includes resting and cooking time, to enjoy it please serve it straight from the oven

INREDIENTS

Fruit mix

warm Mrs Doyle's Irish tea , which should be enough to cover the sultanas
a 350g (1½ cups) sultanas
50ml (¼ cup) Bushmills whiskey
1 lemon, juice and zest

Dough

450g around 2 cups, strong bread flour
salt, pinch
15g (1tbsp) dried yeast
one nice beaten egg
salt just a little pinch
280ml room temperature of creamy milk
50g around 3½tbsp, Irish unsalted butter
50g sugar

To

teaspoon of Irish butter
1 table spoon ground cinnamon
½ table spoon ground mixed spice

THE METHOD:

Soak the sultanas in the Irish whiskey, lemon juice and Mrs Doyle's hot tea for around 30-45 minutes, then drain off the liquid.
How to make the dough, simply put all the ingredients into a mixing bowl and mix with a big wooden spoon.
Knead the dough on a floured surface with your hands for five to six minutes.
Put the dough in a bowl, then cover with a damp tea towel. Leave for about 1 hour, until the mixture has risen and fills the total bowl.
Knead the dough again on a floured surface, add soaked fruit until spread throughout the mixture.
Place it in a 20-23cm buttered cake tin then cover with a damp tea towel.
Leave about 20 minutes until the mixture rises up to the top of the tin.
Bake for 50 minutes in an oven preheated to around 200C.
Making the topping simply cream the butter and spices together until soft ,
Lastly now remove the barmbrack from the oven and right away spread spiced butter on top and leave to cool.

Mrs Doyle's tea loved by Rock stars?

Written By seamus mc arevey - April 28 2023

It all started one summer at Ireland's Electric Picnic Music festival, we were selling Irish tea to help UNICEF Ireland, and well Mrs Doyle walked by the tea tent and next thing you know she was making her famous Irish cream tea for everyone!

We got in all the newspapers and even got mentioned in the Irish Times and later in the Washington Post and of course the Irish gift stores wanted to stock Mrs Doyle's Irish teas. Eventually we persuaded Mrs Doyle to share all her famous Irish tea blends.

After that, well, the word spread and next thing you know, Mrs Doyle's tea tent , was everywhere that summer, eventually we all took the advice of Mrs Doyle and decided that touring is only for the summer !

So We got technology, and now, Mrs Doyle's online Irish tea and gift store works 24 /7

so Go On, try one of Mrs Doyle's happy teas

or

sign up to Mrs Doyle's monthly tea box subscription and get 4 teas sent to you or a friend ,every month ! just tea-riffic

How to Make Mrs Doyle's Irish hot tea Toddy

Written By seamus mc arevey - December 13 2022

Mrs Doyle's tea hot toddy is great for keeping warm, and is a soothing mix with no liquor. Her recipe is a nonalcoholic version of the famous toddy drink , it's a fantastic drink and great for cold nights.

Choose your favorite hot tea from Mrs Doyle's tea web site, we like the happy tea which is fruity with cinnamon and watch it transform into a amazing winter mocktail just by adding the spices and sweetener and citrus.

it 's such a great option for nondrinkers but also you can share a glass with the kids, and it's soothing and should help relief for cold symptoms, here's the ingredients .

7 ounces hot tea
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or a cinnamon stick
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Lemon wedge, just to garnish

Irish tea could help you enjoy Christmas into your 90's

Written By seamus mc arevey - November 24 2022

1. Good for the immune system

Like other types of tea made from the camellia sinensis tea plant, black tea is extremely high in antioxidants. Cinnamon bark, cardamom, and cloves are also high in antioxidants. Chai tea is a wonderful source of antioxidants, so helping reduce free radicals in your body and promote your cellular health.

2. Importantly at this time of year it fights off colds

When you’re feeling under the weather, a decent cup of chai can actually help to ease symptoms of the common cold, or even ward off colds . Black tea contains catechins with antiviral properties that may also contribute to the prevention of common illnesses like colds and flu. Ginger contains antimicrobial properties that can help to fight illnesses like sore throat. Cinnamon contains unique antibacterial properties that can sometimes to protect against infection and keep you healthy. Also cardamom and cloves also contain antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, so making a cup of chai tea is a great choice if you want to stay well this winter , Go On Go

3. Boosts your heart health

Ingredients in chai tea have amazingly been shown to help boost heart health. Basically black tea contains flavonoids, these can help prevent plaque buildup in the body’s arteries, which reduces stress on the heart. Cinnamon is also been shown to help to treat cardiovascular diseases and reduce harmful cholesterol.

5. Improves your digestion

Drinking chai tea can also help to improve digestion. Ginger is also a powerful digestive aid, and drinking ginger can help to improve gastrointestinal symptoms and so help the digestive system to work better, and of course cardamom has many digestive benefits .

6. Good for skin

Black tea is high in a variety of vitamins and minerals that are good for the skin, including zinc, magnesium, and potassium, all of which can help to protect and help rejuvenate the skin, and of course drinking tea is also a great way to stay hydrated, which will help your skin look healthy and fresh.

7. Increases your energy and your alertness

Black tea is an energizing tea that can help to increase alertness and focus. Black teas like chai tea contain moderate amount of caffeine to give us all a welcome boost of energy, and the caffeine in black tea helps to encourage our focus and alertness.

8. Reduces inflammation in the body

Chai contains plenty of ingredients that can help with inflammation, including black tea, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom. Black tea can help reduce inflammation in your body, which can help soothe muscle soreness and chronic pain, and ward off inflammation-related diseases .

Cinnamon has also been shown to help reduce inflammation and soothe pain. If you’re suffering from temporary inflammation, or dealing conditions like arthritis, a cup of cinnamon tea can have great anti-inflammatory effects.

Ginger can help with inflammation too, and has been used for many centuries in herbal medicine for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Cardamom also contains anti-inflammatory properties.

These ingredients all make chai tea a great choice if you’ want to reduce inflammation in your body.

9. Good for skin

Black tea is high in a variety of vitamins and minerals that are good for the skin, including zinc, magnesium, and potassium, all of which can help to protect and help rejuvenate the skin, and of course drinking tea is also a great way to stay hydrated, which will help your skin look healthy and fresh.

10. Good for the old teeth

Many caffeinated beverages, contain heaps of sugar, tea of course does not and has been shown to be good for oral health. Black tea contains compounds that attack harmful bacteria within your mouth, which can help prevent the buildup of plaque. Ginger and cardamom also contain antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help to kill off harmful oral pathogens. This can help to improve your the health of your teeth .

The best teas for Vegans

Written By seamus mc arevey - June 03 2022

The best tea for vegans and those drinking less milk

Mrs Doyle's Irish breakfast tea is the winner of the best Irish breakfast tea on the island for the last 5 years and is so smooth that it tastes as good without milk as it does with Milk .

Mrs Doyle says its because of the finest teas and her secrete method of blending teas . There are other types of teas that work great without milk so here's Mrs Doyle's list

Oolong tea is a perfect tea any time of day
White tea gives a great choice
Yellow tea for those of us with an even milder taste
Green tea is perhaps the best for a healthy option
Try Ripe Pu’erh for a darker richer choice
Earl grey is great for the zesty option
Fruit teas will always be great in on a sunny day
looking for something different try Rooibos tea
in the evening try Chamomile

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The Calming Brew: A Brief History

How Decaf Tea is Made

Varieties and Flavors

Why Choose Decaf?

A Cup for Every Moment

Date

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Ingredients:

Instructions:

Date

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Ingredients:

Instructions:

Date

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A Tea for Every Type of Mom

A Toast to Mothers Everywhere

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IRISH HALLOWEEN TRADITIONS

HOW TO MAKE IRISH BARMBRACK FOR HALLOWEEN

THE METHOD:

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1. Good for the immune system

2. Importantly at this time of year it fights off colds

3. Boosts your heart health

6. Good for skin

7. Increases your energy and your alertness

8. Reduces inflammation in the body

9. Good for skin

10. Good for the old teeth

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