In this day of being more thoughtful as to how we spend our money, choosing the right gift becomes a bit more difficult and in need of some creative thinking. Tea is the most consumed beverage after water in the entire world. People love Tea!!
The beauty of tea is that it can be both simple and elegant; plain or complex. Choosing to give a gift of a lovely exotic tea shows both caring and thoughtfulness. A tin of fine tea can last over a month, giving your recipient pleasure for many days. The simple pleasure of consuming a cup of the highest quality tea served in a beautiful mug, is beyond words. It is peace, tranquility, calmness, all held in a warm cup.
Tikanii teas are all this and more. From the beautiful packaging to the finest whole leaf tea packaged in a delicate silken sachet, Tikanii teas create a moment of elegant simplicity in any day. There are many delightful whole leaf teas on the market today. Choose one that is beyond the ordinary for your friends and family this holiday season.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Delicious Biscotti
The word "Biscotti" (pronounced /bɪˈskɒti/, Italian pronunciation: [bisˈkɔtti]) in Italian is the plural form of biscotto and applies to any type of biscuit. The word originates from the medieval Latin word biscoctus, meaning "twice-cooked/baked": it defined oven baked goods that were baked twice, and could be stored for long periods of time. Pliny the Elder of ancient Rome, boasted that such goods would be edible for centuries. Biscotti cookies are a nonperishable 
food that was particularly useful during journeys and wars, and twice baked breads were a staple food of the Roman Legions.
Traditionally, biscotti are formed by baking the dough in long slabs, cutting these into slices, and baking the slices until they are toasted and dry. The slabs are baked once for about twenty-five minutes. They are then cut up into individual cookies and baked again for a shorter period. The longer this second baking is, the harder the cookies will be.
In North America, where "biscuit" has taken on other meanings, twice-baked cookies are now known as biscotti. In Tuscany, and to some extent also in North America, these cookies are known as cantuccini ("little nooks"). Biscotti often containing nuts or spices. Almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, and pine nuts are popular choices. Popular spices include anise and cinnamon (used separately). Today, Gourmet Biscotti come in an even wider variety of choices, including different types of chocolate and those dipped in glaze or frosting.
Biscotti are a lovely compliment to tea and coffee. The more exotic biscotti make wonderful gifts and look lovely when served on a platter to guests.
The most beautiful and delicious Biscotti can be found through gourmet specialty companies throughout the world (or the internet!).
food that was particularly useful during journeys and wars, and twice baked breads were a staple food of the Roman Legions.Traditionally, biscotti are formed by baking the dough in long slabs, cutting these into slices, and baking the slices until they are toasted and dry. The slabs are baked once for about twenty-five minutes. They are then cut up into individual cookies and baked again for a shorter period. The longer this second baking is, the harder the cookies will be.
In North America, where "biscuit" has taken on other meanings, twice-baked cookies are now known as biscotti. In Tuscany, and to some extent also in North America, these cookies are known as cantuccini ("little nooks"). Biscotti often containing nuts or spices. Almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, and pine nuts are popular choices. Popular spices include anise and cinnamon (used separately). Today, Gourmet Biscotti come in an even wider variety of choices, including different types of chocolate and those dipped in glaze or frosting.
Biscotti are a lovely compliment to tea and coffee. The more exotic biscotti make wonderful gifts and look lovely when served on a platter to guests.
The most beautiful and delicious Biscotti can be found through gourmet specialty companies throughout the world (or the internet!).
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