Finding more ways to incorporate tea into my day has been the inspiration behind my blog over the last few years. That’s why I was excited to connect with a recipe creator that does just that through her online platform Infused with Tea. Based in Sweden, Isabell Andersson is passionate about tea and loves finding unique ways to infuse the beverage into baked goods, smoothies, breakfast items and much more. The certified pastry chef shares all of her beautiful tea infused recipes on her Instagram account. At the tea table Isabell chatted about how she fell in love with tea, why she started to think outside the cup, what she has learned in the tea kitchen along the way and more!
The kettle is on and I can hear it about to sing. What tea are you going to steep for us today?
This morning it’s going to have to be an organic sencha that I bought in a local store here in Malmö Sweden. It’s a classic in my tea library to always have, amongst many other green teas.
How did your relationship with tea begin?
I think it all started when I worked in a tea shop in Sydney Australia back in 2018. So, not that long ago.
I was not a big tea drinker before that. Although, I did have tea instead of coffee at fika (a Swedish term for having tea/coffee with something sweet) because I don’t like coffee. I have always liked tea but it wasn’t until I learned so much about it that it became a real passion in my life.
I really have no idea what tea was my first sip. But what I can tell you is when I had my first sip of what is now my favorite tea, gyokuro. It was in this tea shop I worked in and one of my colleagues, who I miss so much, showed me how to steep a perfectly cup of this magical tea, where the tea leaves were so delicate that they could be eaten, and I fell in love with it! It has a high doze of caffeine unlike many other green teas. So, it is my go to whenever I need a bit more of a kick.
The main take away from your Instagram is your strong passion for tea and sharing it with the world in unique ways. Where does that passion come from?
I am so happy that shines through! It is a good question I’ve been asking myself actually. I think it all comes down to the fact that I am very creative. When I have an idea that I’m very passionate about I go for it and I don’t stop!
I think the day I fell in love with tea, and it’s benefits, I just really wanted more people to discover them. In Sweden, people are more into coffee then tea, so naturally that was one big reason for starting this Instagram. That and knowledge I’ve acquired.
I’m a certified pastry chef, but I didn’t always like working for other people making recipes in a certain way. That was one more way for me to be creative.
There are so many tasty recipes to recreate from you. How do you decide what tea to infuse in certain dishes/desserts?
It all starts with a creative pairing idea. Let’s say I have bought a fresh mango, now I want to pair it with a tea. Knowing green teas, for example, work with fruits is something I’ve learned after trying many different options.
I am no tea expert so I think how I’ve done it is just going with what I think tastes good. However, I’m sure not everyone would agree of the way I do things and how I pair certain teas. That’s why I want people to try and create what blends work for them!
A very kind tea to work with is matcha. You don’t need much and the powder makes it easy to add to recipes with few wet ingredients like cakes and cookies.
Cooking with tea can be a lot of trial and error! Can you tell us about a time when you experimented with a tea infused recipe that you didn’t like in the end?
There are so many, haha! When I think about how many times I’ve tried something that wasn’t good it makes me roll my eyes.
One recipe that comes to mind is the macarons that I’m still trying hard to work out a recipe for; how to add tea to it without destroying the batch and end result.
Another thing that I have learned doesn’t work is too many teas in one smoothie. It’s best to just stick to one, or at the most three, if there are herbs and fruit teas involved as well.
Speed Round:
Black, Green, Yellow, White, Oolong or Puerh?
GREEN!
Hot, Iced or Cold?
Iced in summertime and hot in the winter.
Teapot, Infuser or Gaiwan?
Teapot
Straight, Sweetened or Latte?
Straight
Cheese or Chocolate pairing?
Chocolate
Choose one person, living or passed, celebrity or family, that you would like to have tea with!
Easy! J.K Rowling. I would bake her some scones and cookies and ask her about 1000 questions about writing. Writing is another passionate hobby of mine.
Find Infused with Tea:
ABOUT THIS SERIES: Tea tells stories and when connected with humans, more are created. That’s where the idea for this blog series, At the Tea Table, originated. With this series, The Cup of Life asks tea lovers around the world to take us inside their tea lives to share their favourite steeps, spaces, routines and more. Meet some of your fellow tea drinkers here.
Her page is so creative! Thanks for sharing, Lu! I always find out about new accounts here!