On a cold winter’s day there is nothing better to come in and warm up with than a nice hot beverage. Whether it be coffee, tea, cocoa or maybe something a little stronger; the warm liquid takes the chill away and replaces it with comfort. This week’s cook column explores the origins of some of our favorite warm beverages and provides some recipes for old favorites and new takes on others. The history of tea In 2737 B.C. the Chinese Emperor, Shan Nong, had a habit of boiling his drinking water. Legend has it that one day while he was in his garden; a few tea leaves fell into his boiled water. It gave off a rich aroma, and so the emperor drank it. He found it to be refreshing and energizing and so he ordered tea bushes to be planted in the gardens of his palace. The beginning of the 17th century saw tea arriving in Europe via Dutch and Portuguese sailors. The trade relations that the sailors had with China allowed them to bring tea to Britain and Holland to be sold at auction.
