While last week's posting was devoted to The Writer's Life, this week's is about what keeps the writer alive - which everybody knows is tea.
My preference is for Indian Spiced Tea (AKA Chai).
For those who might like to enjoy it too, here is my recipe:
RECIPE
Spice Mix:
Ground cardamom seed x 2 sachets
Powdered ginger x 1 sachet
Cinnamon x 1/2 sachet, or break up two or three quills
Nutmeg x 1/10 sachet, or freshly grate around quarter to half of one nutmeg.
Other spices which may be added sparingly to taste include cloves, anise, vanilla, black pepper.
Mix the spices together as well as you can in a jar, then carry it with you wherever you go.
Tea:
Madura black.
Milk:
Full cream organic, Paris Creek or Macro the best in my opinion.
Honey:
Any good natural unadulterated bulk honey, preferably bush and/or organic.
Water:
Filtered or rainwater.
METHOD
Warm the pot. Spoon in the tea, 4 tsp to a medium sized pot. Should be strong - Orwell was correctly firm on this point. Add 1 tsp of your spice mix, then add water straight from the boil. Allow tea to draw for about three minutes before pouring. Add honey and milk to taste. Savour.
-Larry Buttrose
For those who have not read Orwell on the all-important matter of making tea, here is a link to his famous article on it. You will note that my recipe contravenes his Eleventh Commandment, so I'm a sinner for honey. I leave this to your palate, conscience and doctor.
http://www.netcharles.com/orwell/essays/nicecupoftea.htm
