visions of clarity...do as infinity

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Winter Drinks: Yuzu Tea, Apple Cider and Hot Chocolate!

Hello

Winter slowly makes it way in in my fantasy land, in reality, winter has plunged down on Ann Arbor with a vengeance, as if annoyed that the long Fall had delayed it's grand entrance significantly. Such is our fate to be located so far from the equator, and so near the north pole. Thankfully, being in an area where people adapt to the climate with warming drinks, we are most fortunate to discover some yummyness!

On a cold cold day when all you want to gain is warmth in your fingers and toes, a deliciously rich and decadent Hot Chocolate from Starbucks would be your best bet. ;)

Lately I've been indulging in their Signature Hot Chocolate, available in original as well as seasonal flavours (Salted Caramel and Hazelnut). So far I've been totally staid and have only tried the Signature Hot Chocolate.. However, I think I have a long winter ahead to try the other 2 flavours which sound absolutely delicious! =D The hot chocolate is not too milky, and is rich with a delicious dark chocolate aroma. It's not too sweet either and you can choose what kind of milk you want: the standard is 2% but they also have fat-free and whole milk.=D If you do come to the US, be sure to try them out!

I really must carry through with my promise soon and make vats of Pierre Herme's hot chocolate recipe.=D

Another drink that has caught my heart is a big mug of warm Apple Cider. Unlike the alcoholic, fizzy European version, American apple cider is very much like apple juice, with spices if you like.=) Ubiquitous during apple season [it's ending as we speak. Allow me to weep tears of sadness.], apple cider is another warm drink that will lift your spirits with its sweet yet fragrant taste.

Typically made from apple juice only, you can mull it with spices like cinnamon for an even more delicious drink! I have apple cider sitting in my fridge right now.. Maybe I should warm some up and throw a stick of cinnamon in! =D Available at cafes in Ann Arbor as well, this is one thing I've been indulging in besides Hot Chocolate! xD [A healthier alternative maybe?]

Finally, it's time to return to our Asian roots and indulge in Yuzu Cha! [Also known as yuzu tea, yuju cha] Made from honey and yuzu peel + pulp, this is a marmalade like mixture which brightens up your day instantly when you add hot water in for a soothing, sweet drink.

I think this makes a perfect drink during any season: with cold water and ice, it's a refreshingly spritely drink in the summer; with hot water and a spoon to dig up the peel and pulp, it's a soothing and fragrant drink in the winter. ゆず茶 or 柚子茶 as it is known in Asia, is something I've been dying to buy for months but I never knew how it'd taste. Then when Xinyi became my guinea pig and bought a jar, we all discovered heaven! =D The next week, I promptly trotted down to the Asian supermarket and bought a jar.. on sale to boot! Joy! =D

All images found through the power that is Google.

It's supposed to snow soon. =( I've been staying home to study so that I don't have to expose myself too much to the cold... xP I love the cold, it's just no fun when you might be falling sick.xP It's supposed to snow tonight!!! I hope it snows after I get home from the Stats review...

ETA: 1638hours: IT SNOWS IT SNOWS! I'm actually excited right now, contrary to what I said earlier.. Joy! It's so pretty! =D It's November.. It's about time it snowed!

cheers
*[-witchstone-]*

[music : Viva La Vida + Lovers in Japan Coldplay]
[mood : yuzuyuzuyuzu!]
[food : Chicken Porridge, Cabbage and Yuzu Cha!]

Labels: Ann Arbor, apple cider, edibles, hot chocolate, yuzu

Welcome

visions of clarity...do as infinity
by witchstone

My Emotible!
starry-eyed: filled with such youthful hope and optimism that one's eyes twinkle even when it's dark

Wish List

ie: motivation to save money!
- clothes
- shoes [heels! boots!]
- the perfect tote
- coats/outerwear! [Soïa & Kyo, Burberry...]
- Gackt - nine*nine
- Gackt Photobooks:
1 The Gift The Sixth Day & Seventh Night Tour Document (2004)
2 Crescent Photobook (out of print)
- Cookbooks!
1 Thomas Keller The French Laundry Cookbook
2 The Nobu Cookbook
3 Emily Luchetti A Passion for Desserts
4 Alice Medrich Pure Dessert
- Anime/Manga
1 Rurouni Kenshin
2 xxxHOLiC
3 Tsubasa -RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE-
- Proficiency at Japanese!
- Learn French for Food!

Links

My Flickr Page
spoonerisms*inc a food blog (by wendy & I)
my translation blog

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Checklist: EAT!