Reflecting Garden

I first enjoyed hojicha at a Japanese tea garden. The leaves are roasted in porcelain instead of sun-dried, which gives a bold and rich flavor. I wanted to share the experience of sitting by a water garden in a small piece of heavenly Japan. I added white tea because of how well white tea compliments green tea. It adds a little more body to the tea without clashing. The peony was a perfect fit, because the delicate flower petals would add a hint of floral to the roasted hojicha without taking away from the deep undertones of the green tea. Finally I picked vanilla ceylon to flavor this tea because of how light and soulful vanilla is when just a touch is added to our lives. At the tea garden they served traditional Japanese cookies with an American flavor twist. The cookies were vanilla flavored to appeal to tourists palates'. It gave a nostalgic feel to my experience, as I pensively recalled the days when I would make vanilla cookies with my sister. And so I leave you with this friendly cup of tea, so that you may sit and reflect upon those memories that bring the brightest smile to your soul. Sip and take in every sensation, in this garden where you can reflect and make your own piece of heaven.