Monday, January 16, 2017

Toast the Year of the Rooster with Tea

Phyllis Louise Harris
January 2017

January 28 marks the beginning of the lunar Year of the Rooster and the most important holiday on the Chinese calendar. For seven days people will celebrate with food, events and gifts. In China, businesses close, families come together and age-old traditions mark the beginning of the new spring season. Lucky colors, shapes and foods are among the traditions that have for centuries been part of this happy time. If you are looking for long life, serve very, very long noodles. If you want fortune in your future serve food symbolic of gold such as oranges. If prosperity is your goal, serve a whole fish or chicken complete with head and tail (or feet).

Or try something new. On January 28 tea guru Bill Waddington will unveil some new teas never before seen in America. Some were created by tea masters in China. Some by Bill himself, an award winning tea blender, but all can be seen and tasted on New Year’s Day in the St. Anthony TeaSource store.

It is the first of TeaSource’s new tea class schedule with additional classes each month through May. Start as a novice with Tea Kindergarten February 11, then Tea & Cuisine Pairing on March 8, Emperors Dragons and Smugglers on April 22, Tea Blending as a Fine Art on April 29, and Healthy Tea Smoothies on May 20. Each class is $15 and lasts two hours with information and tastings throughout.  Held in TeaSource’s stores in St. Anthony, Highland Village or Eden Prairie each class sells out early. For reservations call 1-877-768-7233 or get more information in any of the TeaSource stores.

If you are still snowbound with cabin fever go to teasource.com and take a visual trip through the world of tea. Or send for the new TeaSource colorful catalog filled with stories about tea and a whole new world of teas to try.

Gong Xi Fa Cai in any language is Happy New Year. May yours be filled with the many good things in life and an ever-hot aromatic pot of tea!


__________________________________________


Read more about Asian food in Minnesota and try more than 160 recipes in Asian Flavors: Changing the Tastes of Minnesota since 1875, in bookstores and on amazon.cm.

Buy online: Asian Flavors: Changing the Tastes of Minnesota since 1875

Watch the EMMY® award winning “Asian Flavors” television show based on the book on tpt MN. Check local TV listings for broadcast times or view the show streaming online at:


__________________________________________