All this being said, to get to the point...in a round about way...today is simply glorious! sumptuous sunlight, cool breezes, and that particularly delicious smell of late summer/early fall (although it is neither) came flooding into my house this morning. Immediately I was overcome with the intense need to be outside...and what better way to enjoy tea time than with the aromatic and sensation enhancement of a perfect day.
I also had the urge for a London Fog. If you don't know what this is...well it's England in a cup...or in literal terms an Earl Grey latte. Sadly, I had neither milk nor a frother :( What to do. Then I was struck with a bolt of brilliance..."I have whipped cream!" The tea was brewed the cup filled with billows of cream and a mock London fog accompanied my almond cookie and serene backyard atmosphere. I enjoyed myself so much, I had to share my new cheat concoction ideas with you all...don't forget...nothing goes better with a London Fog than some Lizbeth's cookies ;)
Mock London Fog
Essentials: Earl Grey tea leaves, can of whipped cream, sugar, water, tea kettle, tea pot
*Opt. vanilla, whipping cream
Bring water to 195* F
Place 1 tsp of loose leaf (or bag) Earl Grey tea (for the pot) plus a tsp (bag) more for each additional cup into tea pot
Poor water slowly over and allow to steep for 3-5 minutes
Fill bottoms of tea cups with whipped cream and add a bit of sugar if you like it sweet
Once tea is suitably steeped, strain and pour over cream and sugar
Enjoy!
*Alt.
Pour 1/2 cup of whipping cream into sauce pan and heat til almost at a boil
Place a tsp of Early Grey tea leaves (tea bag) into steamy cream and allow to steep
Strain cream and refrigerate til chilled
*Opt. add vanilla extract for more intense flavor
Once chilled, whip the cream til soft peaks form
Use this cream in place of can whipped cream in above recipe
This second option makes for a more intense flavor but is a bit more time consuming. Either way, both options can be used with other tea flavors such as Chai or English breakfast to make easy tea lattes.
P.s. in my opinion, it's better than frothed milk!
Much Sweetness!