putting it out there

We're on the map!

In the paper!

And business cards!

And have gift certificates too!

Just putting it out there!

All About Chai TEA!

Chai tea (Masala Chai) literally translates as spiced tea, and traditionally is a black tea mixed with aromatic herbs and spices. The base tea is usually a strong black tea such as Assam, so that the spices and sweeteners do not overpower it.  Spices & herbs are usually cardamon, cinnamon, ginger, fennel seeds, peppercorn & cloves. Nutmeg is also used, and occasionally licorice root.

The simplest traditional method of preparing masala chai is to actively simmer or boil a mixture of milk and water with loose leaf tea, sweeteners, and whole spices.

Here at tEA Lite we have a huge range of chai tea available
 for both retail sale and for in-house tasting.

From Elmstock, we have Chai Masala, a traditional blend of Indian black tea, orange peel, ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg & spices.

Our house blend is from Tease tea. Chai Rocks is a blend of black tea, cloves, cinnamon, cardamon pods, ginger & star anise.

We also sell chai blends from Real Chai, including their Original, Caffeine Free, and Chocolate chai!

And new to our chai range at tEA Lite, is Chai Yoga from TeaLeaves, which is a chai base complete with all the essential spices and herbs to build your chai, just add your favourite black or green tea or even  Rooibos from South Africa, for a caffeine free chai tea (We have Rooibos Vanilla here, what a great combination!). Chai Yoga is just a rich blend of warm spices only; cinnamon, cloves, cardamon and ginger.

So when you order a chai tea, two heaped teaspoons of Tease Chai Rocks will be placed in a plunger, steamed milk with minimal foam (heated to 70c) will be poured over the loose leaf mix and a dollop of yellow-box honey added and then stirred. After being left to infuse for a few minutes, the plunger in returned to the pot, and your chai is served in a latte glass! Of course, we can also serve your chai tea in a pot for you to enjoy, with or without milk.

At home, the girls from Real Chai sum it up best :

Authentic Stovetop Chai Tea (Makes 2 Cups) This is my favourite way to make chai. Simmering the spices allows their flavours to really come alive fully and will fill your kitchen endorphin releasing spicy aromas!  The savouring begins before you've even had your first sip & it's as easy as boiling water! Place 4tsp of Real Chai Tea in a small saucepan or milk warmer  Add 1.5 cups of water, bring to the boil & simmer for 5 minutes Add one cup of milk or soy, heat through for 2 minutes  (skip this step if you prefer black chai) Strain into your favourite cup. Add 1teaspoon of honey.

Roar!

Did you know at tEA Lite, we also stock a range of pre-packed snacks to take-away with your take-away tea or coffee? Emma & Tom's Life Bar range are in stock, and perfect for that guilt-free snack you might be craving!

Life Bars are are RAW, meaning the natural enzymes they conatin have not been destroyed! They contain preservative free fruits & nuts, and have no added sugar, and, count as one serve of fruit!

• Cocoa & Orange
• Banana
• Fig & Lemon
• Cherry & Goji

We also stock Emma & Tom's Life Water ($3.50) and a range of Emma & Tom's Juice ($3.50)

have you thought about your Dad lately?

Just placed an order for more tea goodies, lots of Licorice tea (three types actually!), some peppermint tea, and even some decaf black tea. Also teapots, tea mugs and teaspoons. So together with the orders awaiting labeling (yes, I will get there!!!) the shelves are going to be bursting with tea! So as Father's Day is quickly zooming in, just remember to pop into the shop to see if we can help set your Dad up with a unique Dad's Day gift!

And if YOU can't decide, we'll have GIFT VOUCHERS!!!!

and it's a mocha scone kind of day...

I just made a batch of mocha scones, 2 double shots of our house blend, DiStefano Signuture Blend Forte, into my buttermilk scone mix with a whole pack of milk chocolate choc chips! Not only did they smell fantastic whilst cooking, but they taste AWESOME, especially with a knob of butter! So for $2:50 you get a gigantic scone, and either butter or cream to enjoy. Not bad, hey?

Of course the mocha scones will be on offer today, as well as the Brown Sugar and Cinnamon chip scones I made the other day. They are a hit, there's only one left actually! So I'll be baking some more this arvo

(oh, Rod from The Block just walked past, but didn't stop :(  oh well )

Who am I?

My name is Rachael, and I have owned and operated TeaLite for the past two months. Tea Lite was previously owned and operated by the lovely Anne, and was known as Leaf & Bean Cottage.

When I purchased Leaf & Bean, I wanted to establish a retail business specializing in all things tea, tea leaves, tea bags, artisan tea, herbal tea, caffeine free tea, chai tea, tea pots, tea cups, tea accessories and everything in between! I also wanted to provide other good quality beverages, including coffee, hot chocolates & chai lattes!

So, Tea Lite was born!

I think I have on offer the most interesting and eclectic range of beverages around!

If a tea exists, I either have it in stock or I can source it from one of my four suppliers. It may take a few weeks, but I WILL get it for you!!!

I have previously owned, operated and worked in cafes, and hold a trade certificate in commercial cookery, have undertaken several Batista courses through William Angliss Coffee Academy, and will continue to educate and update my skills! I'm also an RN Div 1, and a mum!!!

So, please come in and say hello, and check my little tea shop out, it will be great to meet you.

Rachael x

Welcome to the tEA Lite blog!

G'day!
Come on in, and have a seat, make yourself comfortable, get cosy, and what would you like?

Welcome to my blog about my shop, Tea Lite, a little niche shop in a little arcade in our lovely country town. I'd love to show you around my shop, check out whats for sale, what's to eat and most of all, what you'd like to drink!

So, keep a look out for what we have on offer.

So nice to meet you,
Rachael xx