It’s time for tea, but not as you know it...

The latest from NZ House & Garden magazine. [padding] [If you are unable to view this message correctly, click here]( [padding] [padding] [spacer] [Stuff Logo]( [spacer] [spacer] [padding] [stuff header]( [spacer] [padding] Hi {NAME}, Tea is a very personal drink and I’ve noticed most people tend to have their own ritual for making this age-old beverage. Whether you prefer leaves or bags; a weak or strong brew; green or black tea; to add milk to the cup before or after pouring the tea – it’s very important to get it the way you like it to be. Likewise, we all have favourite foods we enjoy eating while sipping a nice cup of tea – often some small baked treat, such as a special slice or biscuit perhaps or maybe a dainty sandwich of some kind. But have you ever thought of using tea leaves as an ingredient? I don’t know when the concept of cooking with tea began but I can highly recommend it. Tea adds subtlety, perfume and texture to a dish – and a flavour that links the food to the drink. I’ve been experimenting with this notion and now include tea leaves in various dishes and in all kinds of ways, from tea-smoking salmon to using tea in place of stock in casseroles. You’ll find an array of enticing, savoury and sweet, tea-infused recipes in the latest issue. It’s time for tea, but not as you know it. [padding] [Editor] [padding] Julie Le Clerc [padding] Food Editor [padding] [spacer] [padding] [spacer][separator] [padding] [spacer] [padding] [spacer] [padding] From the files [spacer][separator] [padding] [spacer] [padding] [spacer] Egg & Chive Sandwich Balls [padding] Everyone will love this way of serving the classic egg and chive sandwich, and it’s simple to achieve. [padding] [Get the recipe]( [spacer] [spacer] Crystallised Ginger Slice [padding] This buttery, shortbread-style slice is filled with the warming flavours of ginger and is an ideal treat to enjoy with a nice cup of tea. [padding] [Get the recipe]( [padding] [padding] [spacer][separator] [padding] [spacer] [padding] [favourite find]( [spacer] Sponsored content [padding] Graffiti by Hubbardton Forge [padding] Strong industrial lines speak to sculptural curves in this steel and glass interpretation of contemporary calligraphy. Creating visual pathways that lead the viewer in and around forged steel curves, the Graffiti incorporates fluid movement with heirloom aesthetics. It is as functional as it is edgy in its refined urban appeal. See Hubbardton Forge at [Bardsleys Lighting]( in Takapuna. [spacer] [order now]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] I'm loving... 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[spacer] [spacer] A Quiet Kitchen [padding] By Nici Wickes, Bateman Books, $45 Local food writer Nici Wickes shares a new collection of accessible recipes created over lockdown when she gravitated to her happy place, the kitchen. This is more than just a cookbook though, as Nici shares personal stories of how she’s overcome life’s challenges and found joy in living alone. It’s an uplifting read and there’s much reassurance to be found in Nici’s words as well as in her cooking. Many of the recipes are for one person, because even when dining solo it’s important to eat well and nurture oneself, but these dishes can easily be scaled up to cater for a crowd, if needed. This book is full of heart and the overall message Nici has to share is how much pleasure there is to be gained from cooking and eating good food. [padding] [padding] [spacer][separator] [padding] [spacer] [padding] [spacer] Sponsored content [padding] Fresh florals for spring [padding] Wake up refreshed with the delightful new season Lucinda Reversible Duvet Set from [M.M Linen]( an invigorating floral design incorporating a range of soft neutral colours of ivory, caramel, white, taupe and olive. This set has a cohesive and timeless striped reverse side in co-ordinating colours. Printed on 250TC cotton percale. [spacer] [shop now]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [spacer][separator] [padding] [padding] [padding] [Visit our website]( [spacer] [padding] [Buy now]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [spacer] You've received this email because you have opted in to receive the NZ House & Garden newsletter. [spacer] [Unsubscribe]( [Terms and Conditions]( [Privacy Policy]( [spacer] © Copyright 2021 NZ House & Garden, a division of Stuff Limited (Magazines). Stuff, 4 Williamson Ave, Ponsonby, Auckland 1021, New Zealand. [spacer] [padding]