Pot-pourri tea

1 batch

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
8ouncesGood black tea (not China)
3Sticks cinnamon bark; crumbled
2tablespoonsCassia bark; crumbled*
4Whole star anise
3ouncesDried hibiscus flowers
1ounceCoarsely grated fresh orange peel
2ouncesDried orange petals
1teaspoonWhole cloves; pounded in a mortar
1tablespoonGround nutmeg
Few twists of a pepper mill

Directions

*An aromatic bark sometimes called Bastard or Chinese cinnamon. It is more pungent than cinnamon and is the main ingredient of the commercial blend called "Apple Pie Spice" which also contains nutmeg.

Mix all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl with your hands. Then spread out on a flat basket or tray and dry in a warm place (such as an airing cupboard) for a few hours. Store in air-tight tins. Use one heaped tablespoon per pot.

The authors suggest drinking the tea without milk, but with a little bit of sugar and, if you like, a slice of orange. They also warn to store the tea away from strong light, otherwise the flavor will be affected.

from Edible Gifts by Claire Clifton and Martina Nicolls typed by Tiffany Hall-Graham

Submitted By TIFFANY HALL-GRAHAM On 03-05-95