That comforting cup of Irish breakfast tea is
actually Assam, from India. Photo © Olga
Miltsova | Dreamstime.  

Most tea drinkers have heard of Irish breakfast tea. Fewer have heard of Assam (ah-SAHM).

Yet—surprise!—they’re the same tea.

The Irish developed such a fondness for the rich, malty black tea from northeast India that they adopted it as their morning cup. Hence, “Irish breakfast tea.”

Normally we’d advise that, if your palate demands the best, you should avoid products called “Irish breakfast tea.” Unless you already know and like the brands, they’re likely to be more mass market teas, less malty and missing the honey nuances that delight with some Assams. A tea labeled Assam will likely be a better tea. This is a generalization, of course, but it usually works for us.

However, for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and gift-giving, “Irish breakfast tea” makes good sense.

Check out our full review of Irish breakfast/Assam tea. Discover how Irish breakfast tea differs from English breakfast tea.

We’ve even recommended a gift box of Assam/Irish breakfast tea and a silvery steel measuring scoop, tied with a green ribbon. It’s a gift you can give to yourself, too.

 
Tea History

Great tea needs no milk and sugar. It’s always been drunk “straight” in China and Japan, where tea has been brewed for thousands of years.

According to some sources, the Dutch were the first to add milk to both tea and coffee, in the 17th century. In the 20th century, mass demand in the west and mechanized production techniques (CTC) led to the production of inferior teas, which needed a hit of sugar to provide a pleasing flavor.

Masala Chai: A Related History

Due to English influence, today’s chai, or more properly, masala chai (masala means spice, chai means tea), is very different from the original—an ancient Indian ayurvedic beverage, a cleansing spice tonic that did not include any tea.

When the British began to establish tea plantations in Assam, in 1835, they added milk and sweetener to their tea, as they did at home. The British “recipe” was fused with the original masala chai drink to create what we know today as masala chai. However, tea was too expensive for most Indians and largely grown for export.

In the early 1900s, the British-owned Indian Tea Association began to promote tea consumption to Indian consumers. Because black tea was still an expensive ingredient, vendors used milk, sugar and spices—the ingredients of today’s masala chai—to create flavorful brews while keeping costs down. The drink’s popularity spread throughout India and became even more popular in the 1960s, when mechanized tea production made black tea affordable for the common man.

TEA TRIVIA: After water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world.

   ]]> http://blog.thenibble.com/2012/03/08/top-pick-of-the-week-irish-breakfast-tea/feed/ 0 http://blog.thenibble.com/2011/12/16/gift-of-the-day-habanero-caramels/ http://blog.thenibble.com/2011/12/16/gift-of-the-day-habanero-caramels/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:55:10 +0000 admin http://blog.thenibble.com/?p=29907

Anyone who loves caramels and a little heat will shout yippee! after one bite of Buckin’ HOT Habanero Caramels from Cowgirl Chocolates.

One of the most memorable caramels we’ve ever had (our first bite was back in 2007), they sizzle without taking out your taste buds.

A wonderful combination of chewy, buttery caramel and habanero heat, the reusable gift tin is $19.00.
 
Send them to someone special!

What is caramel and the history of caramel candy.
 
 

Luscious habanero caramels from Cowgirl Chocolates. Photo by Michael Steele | THE NIBBLE.  

   ]]> http://blog.thenibble.com/2011/12/16/gift-of-the-day-habanero-caramels/feed/ 0 http://blog.thenibble.com/2011/12/13/gift-of-the-day-gourmet-coffee-syrup-for-coffee-lovers/ http://blog.thenibble.com/2011/12/13/gift-of-the-day-gourmet-coffee-syrup-for-coffee-lovers/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:54:56 +0000 admin http://blog.thenibble.com/?p=29805

These artisan coffee syrups are handmade to
order. Photo courtesy Java & Co.  

People who enjoy a hit of flavored syrup in their coffee will love these handmade syrups from Java & Co.

Made to order, the syrups begin when Java & Co. freshly roasts the coffee beans, from which they brew fresh coffee. The flavors of the coffee are infused into cane sugar syrup. That’s how different these syrups are from those available in coffee shops and supermarkets, which typically use off-the-shelf extracts to flavor their syrups.

Add sweetness to your coffee, in five popular flavors:

The elegant bottles of syrups are affordable:

 
More information or to purchase.
 
The coffee syrups can be used for more than just coffee. Use them:

Individual-portion boxes of original Saratoga
Chips make great stocking stuffers and party
favors. Photo by Jaclyn Nussbaum | THE
NIBBLE.  

Last week’s Top Pick presented 20 great gourmet food gifts from the sweets category.

Our second group of recommendations focuses on savory gifts: coffee and tea, condiments, cured meats, seafood and snacks—including the original potato chip recipe in a reproduction of the historic box in which it was sold, in 1853.

Prices start at $10.99, with most items under $40.00.

There’s still plenty of time to order gifts for Christmas delivery.

Take a look at the gourmet gifts.

See last week’s selection of sweet gourmet gifts.

   ]]> http://blog.thenibble.com/2011/12/13/top-pick-of-the-week-12-more-great-gourmet-christmas-gifts/feed/ 0 http://blog.thenibble.com/2011/12/09/gift-of-the-day-a-luscious-butter-shortbread-gift/ http://blog.thenibble.com/2011/12/09/gift-of-the-day-a-luscious-butter-shortbread-gift/#comments Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:40:32 +0000 admin http://blog.thenibble.com/?p=29709

Who doesn’t like rich butter shortbread?
Photo courtesy Biscottea.  

Enjoy your tea, coffee, cappuccino or espresso with the perfect shortbread cookie. With free shipping included!

The makers of Biscottea and Biscoffee have enhanced a classic Scottish shortbread recipe by adding organic tea or coffee to the fragrant butter cookies. (The coffee beans are also Fair Trade certified.)

The result is pure deliciousness.

Each lovely gift box contains 24 individually wrapped squares of shortbread, for $29.99 (and free shipping).

We love the “portion control” aspect. Because otherwise, these cookies are irresistible!

 
As the company says, this is “real shortbread created with real tea and coffee for real tea and coffee lovers.” We say: Why can’t we buy Biscottea and Biscoffee shortbread everyplace we stop for a cup of coffee or tea?

The cookies are certified kosher by OU.

For more information and to purchase, head here.

   ]]> http://blog.thenibble.com/2011/12/09/gift-of-the-day-a-luscious-butter-shortbread-gift/feed/ 0 http://blog.thenibble.com/2011/12/08/gift-of-the-day-cake-pops/ http://blog.thenibble.com/2011/12/08/gift-of-the-day-cake-pops/#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:48:25 +0000 admin http://blog.thenibble.com/?p=29625

How terrific are these Christmas tree cake
pops? All photos courtesy Veronica’s.  

Last week we reviewed a book on making your own cake pops. But we could never create spectacular cake pop designs like these.

Fortunately, we don’t need to, because we can buy them from Veronica’s.

Anyone will be delighted to receive Veronica’s holiday collection cake pops, which include:

Not just good-looking: These brownies and
blondies rock the taste buds, too. Photo
courtesy Sugardaddy’s.  

We taste loads of brownies each year, and the new contestants have yet to knock Sugardaddy’s off the podium.

In addition to overall deliciousness, Sugardaddy’s brownies and blondies are different: round and individually boxed in reusable acrylic containers

They’ve got the delectable factor, the novelty factor and the memorability factor. They make great gifts, whether it’s just one brownie or ten.

Choose your flavors from luscious “Brunettes” (brownies) and “Blondes” (blondies). Get ready to drool over:

Chocolate Brownie Flavors

 
Brown Sugar Blondie Flavors

 
How can you resist?
 

   ]]> http://blog.thenibble.com/2011/12/07/gift-of-the-day-round-brownies-individually-boxed/feed/ 0 http://blog.thenibble.com/2011/12/06/gift-of-the-day-st-lucia-bread/ http://blog.thenibble.com/2011/12/06/gift-of-the-day-st-lucia-bread/#comments Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:23:04 +0000 admin http://blog.thenibble.com/?p=29563

Banana bread—and 5 other flavors—in a
colorful keepsake box (the design is the
Texas flag). Photo by Katharine Pollak |
THE NIBBLE.  

In handsome red, white and blue gift tins with the motif of the state flag, St. Lucia bakery has been shipping a “Little Taste of Texas” to anyone, anywhere, who’s in need of a moist slice of breakfast bread, an afternoon snack or a dessert (try it à la mode).

The bakery’s namesake, Saint Lucia, is said to have traveled from house to house delivering sweet breads to usher in the Christmas season. She wore a flowing white robe and a wreath of candles to light her path. You’re more likely to see a UPS employee in brown logowear.

Whoever delivers a tin of this delectable fruit bread, what a delight when they arrive! Choose from:

If it isn’t devoured in a day or two, you can freeze the bread and cut slices as needed. In a mere 15 seconds in the microwave, it emerges warm like fresh-baked.

For $26.99 to $36.99, these gifts will be much appreciated by family, friends and clients. Check out the luscious loaves from St. Lucia.

>

   ]]> http://blog.thenibble.com/2011/12/06/gift-of-the-day-st-lucia-bread/feed/ 0 http://blog.thenibble.com/2011/12/05/gift-of-the-day-chocolate-peppermint-whoopie-pies/ http://blog.thenibble.com/2011/12/05/gift-of-the-day-chocolate-peppermint-whoopie-pies/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:05:04 +0000 admin http://blog.thenibble.com/?p=29550

The ubiquitous whoopie pie has been transformed into something exciting by WannaHavaCookie. Each handmade sandwich of moist cake and buttercream is a pillow of comfort, and every batch is hand-baked to order.

Beyond the delicious flavor combinations, there’s another benefit: the smaller size. You can enjoy a snack-size whoopie pie without the calories of a whole piece of cake.

Peppermint Chocolate Whoopie Pies pair luscious chocolate cake with peppermint buttercream filling, garnished with crumbled candy cane pieces. They’re a special treat only available during holiday season, so stock up now and put the extras in the freezer to enjoy for weeks to come!
 
 
Want something other than chocolate and
peppermint?

We’re in whoopie pie heaven with these!
Photo courtesy WannaHavaCookie.com.  

Choose from chocolate, red velvet and vanilla cake with chocolate, vanilla, raspberry, mint and peanut butter buttercream fillings.

You can order an entire bucket’s worth, or individual whoopies for party favors, and nicely boxed packages of two or three whoopies for smaller gifts.

We promise that you’ll shout “Whoopie!” after your first bite. (As the story goes, that’s how whoopie pies got their name.)
 

Find more of our favorite gourmet holiday gifts.

   ]]> http://blog.thenibble.com/2011/12/05/gift-of-the-day-chocolate-peppermint-whoopie-pies/feed/ 0 http://blog.thenibble.com/2011/12/02/gift-the-best-trail-mix-gourmet-healthier/ http://blog.thenibble.com/2011/12/02/gift-the-best-trail-mix-gourmet-healthier/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:16:37 +0000 admin http://blog.thenibble.com/?p=29432

Festive peekaboo boxes tied with lovely ribbons hold our favorite “healthier” holiday treat, Comfort Crunch.

You can give one, two or three bags of this truly delectable and better-for-you gourmet trail mix. Even the cellophane bags are chic.

Just about everyone we’ve gifted with Comfort Crunch continues to bring up how good it was. (Hint, hint?)

You, too, can be known for giving the tastiest, guilt-free treat.

Comfort Crunch mixes are delicious combinations of dried fruits and crisp nuts, sometimes with bits of toffee or chocolate that really hit the spot. Part of the profits are donated to cancer research (the founder is a cancer survivor).

The three-bag gift box, $30.00, includes eight-ounce bags of:  

Photo by Hannah Kaminsky | THE NIBBLE.