Tea Inspired Sweetness

Matcha Shortbread

Inspiration can present itself in many forms. It can be as simple as the act of raising the blinds and being greeted by a glorious day. It can be a feeling you get by participating in a new activity and afterwards realizing, “Wow. I really enjoyed that. I want to do it again.” It can be larger than life inspiration: Obama being elected president. Lance Armstrong conquering cancer (that in itself is inspiring) and then taking the Tour De France by storm.

Inspiration can arrive through a small gesture. One time at toll booth in Delaware the person in front of me paid my toll. Totally unnecessary, but it made all of us smile: me, the driver and the toll attendant. And I am confident it inspired something in all of us that day.

Last fall, over a cup of warm tea, I became inspired. So much that because of that moment of inspiration, my life is about to take on a new dimension. I am about to embark on a new adventure that will effect my entire family and even you. At least I hope it effects you. Inspires you. I promise I will be sharing very soon. Be patient.

Lord knows I have been. This idea of mine had been brewing for awhile (yes, I see the pun). Years, really. Mostly in a notebook I would shove under my bed or as daydream I would use to help put myself to sleep on restless nights.

But, it was on a sunny Fall morning last year, after a brilliant moment of inspiration that it came alive. I went home nervous and excited, reached under my bed, blew the dust off my dream and decided it was time to make it a reality. And I haven’t looked back.

Maleah smiles each time I remind her, “You realize it was after I left your house that things began to happen.” She promises she’ll never get tired of me sharing that story. You see, the one who inspires reaps inspiration too. Usually in the form of validation of who they are and what they inspire to do, but sometimes it is just the full circle moment alone that provides inspiration.

Organic French Breakfast & Matcha Shortbread

So, my friend Joann had recently shared that she had been enjoying this terrific tea she purchased from Cha Cha Tea. I like tea. But, it was the tone in her voice when she kept insisting, “Annemarie, you really need to meet her” that had me intrigued. So, I called Maleah and we agreed to meet at her home. I have to confess I was nervous and excited as I climbed the stairs to her place. Did my unconscious know something I did not? She greeted me with a calm, but warm smile.

Maleah Moscoff owns Cha Cha Tea. Cha Cha Tea purchases fair trade tea and supports tea gardens that encourage natural and organic farming methods. Her focus is fresh, seasonal, and small-batch artisan-quality teas. Cha Cha Tea can be purchased online through her website and can also be found in many area tea and coffee houses around Madison.

There is no doubt in my mind that Meleah sources the best tea in town. But, her gift is in the way she communicates her vision for the tea experience. Whether you are learning about the history of various teas or the proper way to steep, you come away wiser, calmer and with greater clarification.

Maleah shares that her philosophy is rooted in a “sip by sip” lifestyle. Maleah encourages that “slowing down to enjoy a cup of tea is important in today’s frenzied times, and we find it refreshing to rediscover an ancient drink that offers so many benefits. As students of tea, we are always studying and learning something new about tea.”

That day Maleah had invited another woman to join us. Kelly with Pinkoko Confections. At first I was quiet, enjoying my tea experience and listening to the two of them discussing their business opportunities and collaborations of the current moment. I sat in awe at these two strong woman. Both mothers. Both entrepreneurs who were bravely balancing family at the same time going after their dreams. It wasn’t long that I found myself joining them in discussion. How intoxicating it was to be sharing in their moment, collaborating on ideas, brainstorming on marketing outlets. I left a little hopped up on green tea for sure, but it was the cup of inspiration that left me the highest.

Matcha Latte

Matcha Shortbread

Tea is not just for drinking, you know. Tea can be infused in cooking, cocktails and even as Hibiscus Tea Popsicles for children. This shortbread recipe is from Chocolate and Zucchini’s blog. The recipe can be found here. The cookies were buttery and delicious. Next time I might add a tablespoon more Matcha for more color and green tea flavor. But, they were certainly perfect as they were. They store well and are great snack for your children’s lunch or even better, savor them with a cup of Cha Cha Tea. Perhaps you too, will be inspired.

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