I’ve discussed the Art of Making a Mug with fellow countrywomen (and found that some pour the milk first and the water after *shudder* and others scald the teapot before beginning the brew etc etc) and have decided to throw in my penny’s worth.
Here, dear friends, is a true and definite guide to how I make a cuppa.
step one: assemble ingredients
Needed: A dodgy tin containing tea bags* (origin unknown, possibly from shop down the road).
A cup, most likely slightly tea stained
Milk, in my case, goat’s milk
A kettle
*Note to reader. The round tea bags are to be preferred to their weaker relatives, the pyramid tea bags. The shape is important. (No, really. It is).
step two, three and four: boil kettle, deposit tea bag into tea cup, pour boiling water into cup
Tip the boiling wrath onto the innocent tea bag. (Pouring directly onto the tea bag causes it to bleed more rapidly). Continue pouring until an inch or less (measurement could be grossly overestimated, hence the less) beneath the rim of the Chosen Vessel.
step five: add the milk
Do not overdo this step. Actually, as a point of fact, don’t underdo it either. Over brewed tea is awful and leads to a Wiggling Serpent of Discomfort in one’s unfortunate stomach. Overdoing makes it white and bland and boring.
step six and seven: be impatient, grab a teaspoon
I don’t like waiting for my tea to brew. Occasionally, I can leave it for say, ten seconds or perhaps even more than that (gasp!) but then I worry that I might be over brewing it and this is a genuine fear that grips me, my friends.
This. Is. Tea.
On the most part, I fling brewing advice out of the window and wield a teaspoon.
step eight: drain the tea bag of its life
Personally, I like my tea to be the colour of a medium sun tan. Take that spoon, fish for that bag and then push it against the side of the cup. Watch the last dregs of its life spiral out and colour your future drink. Desperately hope that you don’t split the tea bag with your fervour.
step nine: bin the tea bag
Fling the spent and tired bag into the bin. Take a moment to reflect on its sacrifice. Clean drops from its voyage from side to bin.
step ten: enjoy the tea of your labour
Reading, writing and living in general – all is made complete with a cuppa.
of words & books 