Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Author of "Great American Tea Rooms" stopping by for Book Signing

We are very excited to welcome Bruce Richardson to Fancy That for an Afternoon Tea, a presentation of his new book "A Social History of Tea" and a book signing.  While the tickets for the Afternoon Tea and presentation are SOLD OUT, Bruce will be available on December 6 2013 from 2pm to 3pm to sign books.  This book signing is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.  And if you don't have your new "A Social History of Tea" book or "Great American Tea Rooms of America" you can purchase them at Fancy That then have Bruce sign them....all at the same time!

So set your timer, and make a note in your calendar....December 6th 2013 from 2pm to 3pm, Bruce Richardson will be at Fancy That in Walpole, Massachusetts to sign his new book and his older books.  You may bring your book you already purchased or purchase one or three of his books at Fancy That.  The book signing is open to the Public so just stop by!  :)  See you on December 6th!


Monday, November 4, 2013

Stop By Our Open House December 1, 2013!

(C) Jamie R Doyle Photography

(c) Jamie R Doyle Photography

Save the date of Sunday Dec 1st (from 1:30-5pm) for our Holiday Open House! Sample Holiday Tea (black tea spiced with citrus, almond, clove and cinnamon) and our delish cinnamon tea bread! Also, we're super excited to have Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant, Lisa Lee at our open house this year! You'll have a chance to shop for gift sets or stocking stuffers, learn a glamorous new holiday look or book a pampering appointment for yourself or your loved ones. This event is open to the public, so no need to RSVP Just stop by between 1:30 and 5pm on Sunday December 1st .

Thanks for stopping by!  :)



Monday, October 28, 2013

The Posset Cup or "Loving Cup"

Fancy That recently acquired a cup with two handles.  We have been asked what is the reason for a double hand, so we thought we would share some ideas.

A cup with two handles, or double handles, is not really a tea cup at all.  In European circles, tea cups have one handle.  In Asian circles, there are no handles as the cups are a little more squat making them a little more adept at capturing the smell and nature of the brewing tea leaves.

Double handled cups are often thought of as consomme or bouillon cups.  You may see soup bowls that have saucers or underplates and a handle on each side.  They may be called bouillon cups or cream soup cups.  They are usually larger in size and utilitarian.  If the hostess wanted to serve soup without lugging a tureen from the kitchen (or she had no staff to lug) she would fill the double handled cup with an underplate and deliver the soup straight to the table.

Then there is the "loving cup."  Shaped after a winner's cup or trophy cup, these were decoration or keepsakes for a significant event - christening, birthday, birth, et cetera. (The picture above is similar to a "loving cup" done in a "Fragonard Style.")

The double handled cup was a cup also made for the weak, infirm or those drinking a warm ale, curdled milk, or warm wine.  British will call that a Posset Cup.  After all, Posset is a drink that warms the hands as well as the soul.  Why not take it in a double handled cup named after the warm beverage...the Posset Cup.  Posset Cups were given as hostess sets especially during the "big wet" or damp season when common colds were as prevalent as the rain drops.

Loving cup, Posset Cup, Consomme or others, but rarely a tea cup.  Now you know!  :)  Thanks for stopping by!

Monday, October 21, 2013

The Tea Napkin or Serviette

When setting your table for Afternoon Tea, remember the napkins.  A tea napkin, or serviette, is a dainty napkin of 9 inches to 12 inches square.  From the British or Old French, "serviette" (pronounced ser VEE Ett) is a piece of cloth that goes on the table during tea service.
Of course you can use any size napkin you wish, but keeping the napkin dainty near 12 inches square, with maybe a little bit of embroidery, adds that classic touch to your Afternoon Tea.

For points of reference, Luncheon napkins are about 12 x 16 inches, Dinner napkins are near 15 x 17 inches to 20 x 20 inches and "Lapkins" or a cloth to cover your entire lap is over 22 inches square.  Classic linen Lapkins have also been used at Afternoon Teas when a lady preferred to protect her dress from any crumbs.

We hope you enjoyed this little post.  The pictures above are from Fancy That's Tea Room where we use 12 inch square cloth napkins for each tea service.  We find the touch and feel to be reminiscent of days gone by, with a little color (pink!) added to bring the napkins "up to date."  Thanks for stopping by!  :)


Thursday, October 17, 2013

Afternoon Tea is popular! VERY POPULAR!

It has been several months since we last posted.  But we'll tell you, it hasn't been slow!  We have hosted over 450 people for Afternoon Tea in those short months since we got our permitting and are continuing to book guests well past the Holidays!  We started with the Dining Room, then added the Pink Room, then added "Yolla's Table" and the Very Little Table.  Then we added an earlier sitting, and a later "4PM" sitting - the proper tea time!  Yes, it has been fun...and busy! 


We continue to enjoy changing our menu monthly to bring some wonderful tea sandwiches and awesome desserts to our tea takers.  We think we have enjoyed it more as we "open" our test kitchen and try out each item.  Diet?  meh!  (grin).
We also managed to host four open houses!  We hosted the May Open House when we celebrated getting all of our permits and began serving Afternoon Tea.  We had a Parisian Open House where we served Paris Tea, Maria Antoinette tea from Nina's and a host of French-inspired desserts.  It was our best-attended open house yet.  We tried an evening Open House where we had Pink Champagne and Truffles.  Well attended.  And most recently, we hosted our Autumn Open House where we sample the fall flavours of tea breads - pumpkin and cinnamon - always a favorite of our customers!
So what's on tap?  We are now serving Afternoon Tea by reservation on more Fridays due to demand.  We added Friday November 15th and December 13th.  You can now book Tea on a select Friday!  We are having a Tea for Thanksgiving (almost fully booked!), a book signing special tea with Bruce Richardson (author of Great American Tea Rooms), Champagne Tea on New Year's Day by reservation, and two sittings with Pink Champs on Valentine's Day 2014 - one at 2pm and one in the evening.  Pfhew!  Check out our Facebook Event's Page for more information on what we have coming up.  We will be posting more often here with recipes from the Tea Room, notes about stories from tea takers, little bits of etiquette, and the like.  We like to say, when you enter our Tea Room, you leave all of your cares and worries at the door.....same here.  When you are sharing your time with our Blog and Facebook Pages, for just a little while, you can leave all of your cares ad troubles behind you.  Sit back, relax, cuddle your "cuppa" and enjoy The Tea Life with Fancy That with our "Cup Of Glee"!  :)  Thanks for stopping by!

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Random Thoughs About my Mom


Random thoughts about my mom: 

My mom loved crossword puzzles and the color red.  She was a "night owl", and we'd often have a midnight snack together.  I have countless memories of laying at the foot of her bed having late night chats about anything and everything.  If she could have lived anywhere, she'd have chosen Hawaii- she visited there many times throughout her life. I loved her with my entire heart. She loved to crochet, and always had a stash of baby blankets on hand. She used to call me "Sarah-Sarah".  Although she never got a driver's license, she learned to drive a standard transmission in Fenway during rush hour.  She sang soprano in her church choir.  When I found out she had cancer, I told her I couldn't live without her.  Bobby pins and craft glue make me think of her.  She was the second youngest of ten children, and she had nine of her own.  Our birthdays are three days apart, and I'm still learning how to celebrate mine without her.  She loved to read.  She didn't like to cook, but she could make a great shepherd's pie.  My friends still compliment her tuna salad.  She was afraid of heights.  She and my sister Faith collected pocket change from the year 1969 (my birth year) and would tape the coins to little hand written notes to me.  I have a pile of them!  Sometimes I feel like I knew everything and nothing about her.  If reincarnation exists, she said she doesn't want to come back.  She loved mystery novels and canned asparagus.  Her favorite perfumes were l'air du temp and Giorgio.  Her middle name was incorrectly recorded on her birth certificate as her first name; I knew her as Dorothy, but her family and my father called her Muriel.  When I was young, one of our favorite restaurants to frequent was "The Magic Pan"; they had the best garlic bread!  She opened a passbook savings account and saved to buy me my first car: A 1977 Chevy Camaro.  As I was getting ready for her wake, a gust of wind from a slightly opened window dislodged a bookmark from a pile of papers and blew it to my feet.   I stooped down to pick it up, and saw it had the drawing of an angel on one side and her name on the other.  She liked to fold paper napkins into shapes.   I still have the last one she made for me, probably for my birthday in 2008.  She was funny, stubborn, gentle, determined, simple, complicated, intelligent, willful, trustworthy, opinionated, dependable, and so much more. 

Monday, July 15, 2013

Parisian Open House at Fancy That sampling Marie Antoinette Tea and Paris Tea plus sweets

Please save the date of Sunday August 4th for our "Parisian" Open House!  This is a public event, so there's no need to RSVP - just mark your calendar and stop by on 8/4 between 1-4pm (there's no charge). 

You'll have the chance to sample some amazing sweet treats (mini "tiffany box" petits fours, imported french macarons while supply lasts), not to mention two really delicious teas:

Straight from Paris all the way to Fancy That's shoppe, we can't wait for you to sample Nina's of Paris "Marie Antoinette" Tea.  This is a black Ceylon tea, scented with delicious fresh apples and rose petals from Le Potager du Roi (the King's Unique Kitchen Garden) at Versailles palace.  It's an honor to be one of the few stockists in the U.S. to carry this blend. A limited amount will also be available for purchase($25 per tin).
 We'll also be brewing the always fabulous "Paris" Tea from Harney & Sons, a fruity black tea with vanilla and caramel flavours, and a hint of lemony Bergamot
 There is no charge!  And, no RSVP necessary.  Just stop by between 1pm and 4pm on Sunday August 4 for our Parisian Open House!

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday August 4th!  :)


Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Afternoon Tea (high tea) at Fancy That in Walpole Massachusetts

It has been a journey (some of which we chronicled here) from the idea of wanting to serve Afternoon Tea, to the place where we are now - serving Afternoon Tea by reservation on Saturdays and Sundays.  We have to say, we are absolutely THRILLED with the reception!  We are fully booked for this weekend (there are tables available for next weekend!).  With a few moments to spare,  just thought we would share some pictures of Afternoon Tea at Fancy That.  Enjoy the photos!  :)

Mini desserts served at a recent Afternoon Tea


 
 Table for two in the Dining Room


Dining Room with tables set for three guests each


The yummy part of Afternoon Tea!


When making reservations, be sure to request The Pink Room for a private room (up to a group of four)


The Pink Room can accommodate up to four guests


We are crazy about the vintage china we use for Afternoon Tea


The savories




Thanks for stopping by!  We look forward to welcoming you for tea!  :)

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Join us for a Parisian Open House, French Macarons, Petite Fours, and Paris Tea

Fancy That is announcing an Open House at our Tea Room, Gift Shoppe and Showroom on Sunday, August 4th from 1pm - 4pm.  We are calling it a Parisian Open House...we will have imported French Macarons and Petite Fours to sample, along with Paris Tea. 


Paris Tea, one of our personal favorite teas, is a fruity black tea with vanilla and caramel flavours and a slight hint of lemony Bergamot.  The tea smells almost like an Earl Grey but the hint of vanilla catches your nose, and you, off guard!  Then the hint of caramel blends to create an experiece even before you take your first sip.  The tea has a medium body and flavours of black currants along with hints of vanilla and caramel.  Really, you will be wonderfullly surpised at the complex, fruity, caramel-vanilla taste and smell!  It will be a Parisian Love Affair - your Paris Tea and French Macarons!  (grin)


Please do mark your calendar now.  Sunday, August 4 from 1pm - 4 pm we will be sampling Paris Tea, French Macarons and wonderful Petite Fours (while supplies of these items last).  Stop by!  You never know what other surprises we may offer!  Say "Oui Oui!" to joining us at our Parisian Open House!  See you there!  Check out our web site for more information or call us toll free 1-888-32-32-TEA.  Thanks for stopping by!



Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Becoming a Tea Room - Tea is Served!


The time has come for us to announce that tea is served in Fancy That's Tea Room!  We are thrilled (and a little jittery) that the day is here for us to say "tea is served"!  We have put more information about reservations and times here.  Call on or after May 10th for reservations beginning on Saturday May 25th, and then each Saturday and Sunday thereafter.  Tea is at 2PM on each Saturday and Sunday by reservation only.  If you are a party of one, or a party of 8 you can escape from the stress of the day, if only for a little while.  Sipping tea "far from the madding crowd" is as easy as calling for a reservation.  Shall we see you for Tea?  

_______________________________

and now the "fine print": 

Consumer Advisory and Allergy Notice:
Consuming raw or undercooked meat, poultry, dairy or seafood may increase your risk of food-borne illness and pose a risk to your health.

At the time of your reservation, please advise us if any person in your party has a food allergy.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Open House to Celebrate becoming a Tea Room - Sunday May 5th 2013

Join Fancy That this Sunday, May 5th from 1pm - 4pm as we celebrate becoming a licensed and permitted Tea Room!  We will sample some Jasmine Earl Grey tea and cute mini desserts that we will serve as part of our Afternoon Tea.  If you have ever wanted a mini vanilla bean cupcake, now is your chance!  (grin)

Becoming a Tea Room has started almost a year ago.  We hired an architect, hired a floor installer, hired an electrician, hired a plumber, had inspections by the Town's Board of Health, Building Department, Electrical Inspector, Plumbing Inspector, had safety and Fire Marshall inspection (and installed additional emergency lighting and fire extinguishers), filed three different applications, went before the Selectmen (Town Fathers) and became a licensed Common Victualler.  Pffffhew!  Time to take a breath, and celebrate.

If you can stop by, please do and say hi.  We will be taking reservations for Afternoon Tea soon.  Our Gift Shoppe is open and has been open through the construction so there is a reason to stop by regardless of the Open House!  :)  Stay tuned here or like us on Facebook to keep "in the know" of reservations, special events, and the like.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Becoming a Tea Room - Plumbing Passed!

You may be asking yourself - where has Fancy That been the last month?  Well, getting the Prep Room ready in our path to becoming a Tea Room.  You may recall, we are now licensed Common Victuallers.  Today we passed and have approved plumbing that is required to plate the food and wash, rinse and sanitize the vintage china.  Even if you don't like the looks of plumbing, you have to admit, it is a work of art - what with all the copper!  (PVC is not allowed in commercial applications in Massachsuetts.)

Thank you to our plumber, Norfolk County Plumbing and Heating.  We highly recommend their work, their attitude, and their willingness to help!  Thank you!

On to the last two inspections.  Now that we have the proper fire extinguishers throughout the Tea Room and all tagged, the proper lighting and emergency lighting, the proper signage in the Prep Room, and a little ramp by one of the thresholds (more on that in a later post), we are near ready for the final inspection by the Building Inspector/Commissioner, and then the final inspection by our Board of Health who will then issue our License to Operate as a Food Service Establishment.

Thank you for following us as we continue on the home stretch of Becoming a Tea Room!  :)  Thanks for stopping by! 

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Saucer Crackers now at Fancy That's Shoppe

Saucer Cracker are back in stock in Fancy That's Shoppe.  Afternoon tea becomes extra-special with saucer crackers.  Each cracker contains a "snap" and an entertaining scroll to raise a smile or create debate.  Floral style and fun, fun, fun.  Add a snap to your afternoon tea.  :)

Monday, February 25, 2013

Becoming a Tea Room - sinks and plumbing


We are happy to announce that the Town Selectmen approved our request, and Fancy That is now a "Common Victualler" (i.e., we can now serve food :))!

Next, we tackle the required commercial plumbing!  We are going to need the following sinks:  (1) a three-bay sink for "ware washing" (to wash, rinse and sanitize); (2) a hand-wash sink, to wash our hands before plating food; and
(3) a utility sink for mops, et cetera.  If we were going to prepare food on site, we would also need a prep-sink, but because we are working with a local caterer who will prepare our tea sandwiches, we only need the three sinks I mentioned above.

PVC is not allowed in a commercial setting; copper pipes and cast iron drains must be used.  This means that having the required sinks installed is going to be a much larger expense than we anticipated, but we are hopeful we'll find a way to make it work.  We are still in the process of studying code, working with plumbers, and town officials, but we'll keep you posted on our progress! 

NOTE to those preparing to become a tea room:  when preparing your budget, be sure to plan on a large expense for commercial plumbing.  Talk to commercial plumbers for an estimate in advance so there are no costly surprises.  Also, before buying any equipment, check with your town's board of health to determine what they will require (3-bay sinks must be a certain size, for example)

More soon!  Thanks for stopping by!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Fancy That Goes for Common Victualler's License tonight!

What are you doing tonight at 7PM?  Why not stop over at the Town Hall, 135 School Street, Main Meeting Room?  Fancy That goes before the Board of Selectmen seeking our Common Victualler's License!  Show up and support us!  :)  We are on the Meeting Docket for first item of the night.  Stop over and say hi!  We'll be there!  :)

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Wadsworth Mansion Wedding Show - We've been invited and will attend

Middletown, CT Sunday, February 24, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate in Middletown, CT is hosting their annual Wedding Show on Sunday, February 24, 2013. The Show will be open to the public from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The fee for guests will be $5.00 a person.

The Wedding Show has been designed to help brides plan their special day. There will be vendors representing different services, each of whom have worked at the Wadsworth Mansion and are familiar with designing unique weddings. There will be caterers, florists, photographers, videographers, rental companies, wedding cake bakers, as well as vendors who provide transportation and hotel accommodations in the area. A complete listing of participants can be found at http://www.wadsworthmansion.com/weddingshow.php. Please RSVP to events@wadsworthmansion.com or 860 347 1064.

Executive Director, Deborah Moore, stated that she is optimistic about the 2013 wedding season. For nearly half a decade she watched budgets shrink and last year she began to see brides splurging on embellishments for their weddings. "We began to see fabulous lighting packages being purchased by couples to enhance the ambiance, including fireworks. She is also encouraged by the number of couples looking at 2014 dates. "It won't be long before the Saturdays in the 2014 wedding season will be gone." 

"For planning unique and beautiful weddings the Wadsworth Mansion Wedding Show is the show to visit. The vendors represent the best in the industry and it is an enjoyable experience for brides," states Event Manager Anne Robida.

For more information call 860 347 1064.

Fancy That is thrilled to have been invited, and will attend this year at the Wedding Show at the Wadsworth Mansion.  Please stop by and say HI!  :)

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Press Release - Fancy That Opens a Tea Room in Walpole


This is the press release that was sent out to local media sources today!!
 
 
For IMMEDIATE Release                                            February 3, 2013

Fancy That opens a Tea Room in Walpole, Massachusetts
The dry spell of “no local tea room” soon to end 

Walpole, Massachusetts.  Fancy That, selling tea and whatnot and offering vintage rentals of English china and glassware, is pleased to announce the opening of a Tea Room in Fancy That’s Shoppe in Walpole, Massachusetts.
 
Sarah Erlandson, proprietress of Fancy That points out that she started her vintage china rental company in 2003 before “vintage” became the popular theme for weddings and showers that it is today.  She opened her “tea” themed retail shoppe in 2011.  The Shoppe was born out of Erlandson’s passion for all things tea.  Her company, Fancy That, rents English bone china for weddings, bridal showers, tea parties, etcetera.    “Now celebrating our tenth year of renting vintage china, and two years as a tea themed retail shoppe, the natural progression was to open a Tea Room where you can enjoy a proper Afternoon Tea and a unique selection of teas including a locally blended tea called Courtship Tea which my husband and I served at our own “Afternoon Tea” wedding.  We are thrilled to be opening a Tea Room in Walpole to offer a place where you can escape the stress levels of the day.”    Erlandson notes that the licensure process is on track and they expect to be taking reservations by April 2013.
 
According to the Tea Association of America, the US Tea Industry has grown to over a $10 billion industry with only more growth in sight.  Given the stress levels of modern day living, the respite being offered in a cup of tea in a tranquil atmosphere may be just the relaxation you are hoping to find.  “Like stepping back to a different time, Fancy That’s Tea Room will offer old world charm and the respite you can find only in a cup of tea.  We plan to keep the Tea Room intimate – only seating for eight or ten guests,” Erlandson continues.
 
Fancy That’s Tea Room will be an elegant Victorian-inspired tea room.  Working with a local caterer, their expectation is to be serving tea by April 2013, only by reservation.  Contact Fancy That by ringing them up toll free 1-888-3232-TEA (1-888-323-2832).
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Proprietress, Sarah Erlandson.  For more information, contact Brad McCracken, General Manager, Fancy That, 272 Main Street, Walpole, MA 02081.   Phone: 1-888-323-2832  Fax 1-866-551-2194.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Now Serving Tea (well, almost!)

photo credit: www.etsy.com/shop/vintagebella 

Exciting 2013 update: Fancy That is pleased to announce that we expect to soon be taking reservations for Afternoon tea! If you are from the Norwood/Walpole, MA area, you already know it has been far too long since there has been a local tea room. The drought is almost over :) visit out site (www.AfternoonTea.com) to sign-up for our infrequent e-newsletter and be among the first to be alerted to our exciting new expansion!

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Becoming a Tea Room - Permitting


Remember, if you want to become a tea room, you cannot simply start serving tea.  After hiring the architect (see earlier post) you will then have to begin the permitting phase.  You will need to complete the forms to become a food establishment, even if you are serving just a small group of people.  Don't be overwhelmed:  take it step by step and stay in touch with your Board of Health and your Building Inspector.  Before you know it, you will be getting ready for the big meetings!  You will also have to become a Common Victualler which will require a permit.  So gather your forms, make a nice cup of tea, and enjoy the process!  More soon!  :)  Thanks for stopping by.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Join Fancy That at POSH Upscale Vintage Boutique Bridal Event 1.26.13

Photo from POSH Upscale Vintage Boutique's Facebook Bridal Event Page

We are always delighted to be a part of a local bridal show!  POSH Upscale Vintage Boutique invited Fancy That to be a part of the Bridal Event being hosted at POSH Upscale Vintage Boutique in Norwood, MA from 10am - 4pm on Saturday, January 26, 2013. You can get directions and address by clicking the link above or the link below.  Stop by and see our table, and browse the other wonderful vendors that that will on site.  Be sure to say "HI" when you stop by!  :)

Shall we see you at POSH's Bridal Event?

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Becoming a Tea Room - Common Victualler's License

In getting licensed to open as a Tea House or Tea Shop, we have found out two important things: 1 – It is always easier to find a commercial property in a proper zone than it is to find a nice property and try to get a variance and 2 – you will need to get licenses. If you are serving tea, you will become a Common Victualler (pronounced VIT-ler). The only way to become a Common Victualler in the USA is to get permitted through a license. Let’s look at the process right now:

A Victualler is traditionally a person who sells foods or other provisions, serves food or other provisions, similar to a grocer, and in particular, British usage can be used to mean a person licensed to sell alcoholic beverages (of course, that is another license in the USA).  Here’s a summary (very generic) of how to get open, properly with licenses in hand….

Step 1 - get the architectural drawing of how the kitchen or food prepare SHALL BE (there is usually a certification affidavit that you will sign with the Common Victualler application that says you will do the work as drawn – you will provide that affidavit with the drawing.)

Step 2 - take drawing to Board of Health and Building Inspector (be prepared to leave a copy with them for review) for their approval - providing initial spaces or signing spaces would be perfect. If they choose to sign elsewhere that will be up to them).

Step 3 - Complete application for Common Victualler and submit along with the fee to BOS (Board of Selectmen), Town Aldermen, or designated board. They will notify when a public hearing will be accomplished.

Step 3 A - for the application: letter and/or lease from owner; affidavit of workman's comp; affidavit of tax payments made to department of revenue; bank reference.

Step 4 - Appear before the Board of Selectmen Public Hearing with a copy of package for each selectman and answer any questions. Getting supporters to join at this meeting would help! :)

Get Victualler's License and start construction. Upon Final Board Of Health inspection and their permit issued, OPEN!

More very soon!  :)



Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Boil your Rooibos! Boil your red tea!


Red Tea.  Or not a tea at all?
Tisane? Or not herbal?

Rooibos (pronounced Roy-boss) has been enjoyed for centuries by indigenous peoples of South Africa. Rooibos is a broom-like plant of the legume family growing in South Africa. The generic name comes from the plant Calicotome villosa, aspalathos in Greek (scientific name is Aspalathus linearis). This plant has very similar growth and flowers to the redbush.

Rooibos teas can be herbal infusions made from a South African red bush and other ingredients like ginger, blueberry, mint, chocolate, chai, and on and on. Rooibos by itself is sometimes called "red tea." There are also green Rooibos teas that are just as delicious as the popular red teas but much harder to find on the regular market.

Now for the part that will set your sensibilities alight – boil the rooibos! Yes, boil! If you have had rooibos in the past and you “just couldn’t get over the taste” then you obviously made it like tea (you know, that Camellia Sinensis leaf). If you boil tea, it turns bitter. We all know that. But rooibos is not tea.

Try this. Take rooibos and brew it like tea. Steep it for about 3 to 4 minutes. At the same time, take some of the rooibos and add it to boiling water and boil hard for about 2 minutes. Strain.

Taste both. You may find you like the boiled rooibos much MUCH better.

Now grab a good book, turn your mobile device off for an hour and enjoy your boiled rooibos!