Tea can be a delightful beverage to pair with holiday foods. Here are some tea and food pairing ideas for the holidays:
Spiced Chai Tea and Gingerbread Cookies: Spiced chai tea, with its warm and aromatic spices, pairs well with the spicy and sweet flavors of gingerbread cookies. The combination of the two can create a cozy and comforting holiday treat.
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Earl Grey Tea and Citrus Desserts: Earl Grey tea, infused with the fragrance of bergamot, complements citrusy desserts like lemon bars or orange-infused pastries. The citrus notes in the tea enhance the flavors of the desserts.
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Green Tea and Light Finger Sandwiches: A light and refreshing green tea pairs nicely with a selection of finger sandwiches, such as cucumber, smoked salmon, or egg salad. The tea's clean and grassy notes can balance the savory fillings.
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Peppermint Tea and Chocolate: Peppermint tea is a classic choice for the holidays and goes exceptionally well with chocolate treats. Whether it's chocolate truffles, brownies, or a rich chocolate cake, the minty tea can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate.
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Herbal Tea and Fruit Platters: Herbal teas like hibiscus, chamomile, or berry blends are great choices to serve alongside a colorful fruit platter. The natural sweetness of the fruits complements the fruity and floral notes of the herbal tea.
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Oolong Tea and Roast Duck or Poultry: A medium-bodied oolong tea, like Tie Guan Yin, can pair beautifully with roast duck or poultry dishes. Its slightly nutty and floral flavors can enhance the savory and rich qualities of the meat.
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Black Tea and Spiced Desserts: A robust black tea, such as Assam or Darjeeling, can stand up to spiced desserts like pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or fruitcake. The tea's bold flavor can complement the warm spices in the desserts.
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White Tea and Light Pastries: Delicate white tea, such as Silver Needle or White Peony, is a perfect match for light pastries like shortbread cookies, scones, or angel food cake. The tea's subtle and slightly sweet character won't overpower the pastries.
- Herbal Chai Tea and Savory Appetizers: A spicy herbal chai tea made with ingredients like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger can be a great choice to serve with savory appetizers, such as samosas, stuffed mushrooms, or mini quiches.
When pairing tea with holiday foods, consider the flavors and intensity of both the tea and the dishes to create a harmonious and enjoyable combination for your festive gatherings.
Leslie
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