The art of baking has been evolving ever since it was discovered. Each year, we see new trends and techniques, and one that has been gaining popularity recently is the infusion of tea in baking. Yes, you heard it right! Tea is not just for sipping anymore. From Earl Grey to Chai, Matcha to Jasmine, the options for infusing your baked delights with the flavor of tea are endless.
Why tea in baking?
Tea is an extremely versatile ingredient. Its unique aromas can add depth and character to any dish, but its application in baked goods, in particular, has opened up a world of exciting flavors. Infusing your favorite brew into your baking can transform your cakes, cookies, and pastries into something truly extraordinary.
How to infuse tea in your baking?
There are several methods to infuse tea into your baking. One common way is to grind the tea leaves into a fine powder and add them directly into the dough or batter. This method works particularly well if you're baking with Matcha or any other green tea. Another popular method is to steep the tea leaves in any liquid that the recipe calls for, such as milk or water, and then strain the leaves before using the liquid in the recipe. This method is suitable for any type of tea and allows for a more subtle hint of tea flavor.
Other methods include infusing the tea in butter or sugar. In this method, the tea leaves are mixed with warm butter or sugar, allowed to sit for a while for the flavors to meld, then strained, and the infused butter or sugar is used in the recipe.
Here are some popular tea varieties and the best way to infuse them in your baking:
Tea-infused recipes to try
Now that you've mastered the methods, it's time to try them out in some delicious recipes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Earl Grey Tea Cake: Steep Earl Grey tea in warm milk for this classic choice. The citrusy notes of the tea give the cake a unique, delicate flavor.
- Matcha Green Tea Cookies: The vibrant color and subtle, sweet flavor of Matcha make these cookies a real treat. Simply add the Matcha powder to your cookie dough and bake.
- Chai Tea Scones: Infuse your scones with the spicy warmth of Chai tea by steeping the tea leaves in warm cream before adding it to your scone mix.
- Jasmine Tea Macarons: Infuse Jasmine tea in your macaron shells for a floral twist to this classic French cookie.
Tea and baking combined create an indulgent infusion that takes the art of baking to a whole new level. So, next time you're in the kitchen, why not brew up some creativity and see what delightful treats you can come up with.
