Chinese Tea Eggs

12 eggs
1 1/2 tablespoons black tea leaves
1 pint water
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 Star anise
Pierce each egg at the blunt end with a pin to prevent the shell cracking when boiled.  Put them into a pan, cover with water,bring to the boil and cook for 10-12 minutes.  Lift the eggs out and put them under cold running water for a few minutes.  When cold crack the egg shells gently, by tapping them or rolling them on a table : the shells should be cracked all over but should not come loose.  Put the eggs back in the pan with all the other ingredients.  If there is not enough water to cover them, add a little more.  Bring slowly to the boil, then cover and simmer for an hour.  Let the eggs cool in the liquid- you may keep them in it for 24 hours to intensify the flavor.  Just before serving remove the shells: the eggs will have an attractive appearance of aged porcelain.

Exotic Teas

The Chinese have produced scented teas for centures using their abundant flowers, fruits and oils.  They are best drunk without milk but can be sweetened with honey or sugar.  The spiced teas make warming winter drinks, flower teas are light and refreshing, and the fruit teas make excellent iced tea.
Earl Grey is the most famous scented tea in the West.  The original recipe was given to the second Earl Grey in 1830 by a Chinese mandarin.  It is a blend of fine black teas flavored with the oil of the bergamot orange. 

February Teas

Try some Tealightful Treasures Raspberry Tea and put 2-3 raspberries in with the tea.  It is yummy!
Also, could do the same with Strawberry Tea and put in with the tea a couple of strawberry slices..
I am excited to be traveling a week from Friday first to Des Moines, Iowa for a tea and then down to Texas for a home tea tasting at a good friend's and then to Waco for tea at an assisted living. 
We are going to be trying some chocolate with a green tea and a strawberry or raspberry tea with a couple of slices of strawberries or raspberries.  Might try Ginger Peach tea.
Please pray as we make the travel by car to have good weather and safety there and back.  I look forward to the teas and visiting with friends.  We are also going to be visiting some colleges for our second son. 
Have a blessed Thursday!