Thanksgiving is all about celebrating warmth, family, and, of course, incredible food. But what if you could elevate your holiday meal with a unique twist? Tea isn’t just for sipping — it can also be a fantastic ingredient to infuse into your Thanksgiving recipes. Whether you’re looking to enhance your cranberry sauce or add a dash of flavor to your dessert spread, tea offers a world of possibilities.
This year, why not give your guests something to talk about by incorporating loose-leaf teas into your Thanksgiving feast? We’ve gathered a selection of teas from our collection to help inspire your culinary creations, including Appalachian Lady Grey, Pear & Ginger Green Tea, Evening Peach Orchard Herbal Tea, Hibiscus Berry Yerba Mate, and Smoky Mountains Cowboy Chai. Let’s dive into how these teas can elevate your dishes!
1. Tea-Infused Cranberry Sauce with Appalachian Lady Grey
Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving classic, but this year, you can add a touch of elegance and complexity with Appalachian Lady Grey. This loose-leaf tea is a delightful blend of bright citrus and delicate floral notes, which will pair perfectly with the tartness of the cranberries.
Recipe:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Appalachian Lady Grey loose-leaf tea
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions:
- In a small pot, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the Appalachian Lady Grey loose-leaf tea and steep for 5 minutes. Strain and set the tea aside.
- In the same pot, combine cranberries, sugar, and the brewed tea. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Continue cooking until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens (about 10-15 minutes).
- Stir in orange zest for a final burst of freshness.
- Let it cool and serve alongside your Thanksgiving spread for a beautifully fragrant take on a traditional favorite.
2. Chai-Spiced Pumpkin Pie with Smoky Mountains Cowboy Chai
What could be better than pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving? A pumpkin pie that’s spiced with the rich, bold flavors of Smoky Mountains Cowboy Chai! This tea is a warming blend of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and a subtle smokiness, making it a perfect complement to the creamy, spiced notes of pumpkin pie.
Recipe:
- 1 package of pumpkin pie filling
- 1 tablespoon Smoky Mountains Cowboy Chai loose-leaf tea
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade, if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions:
- Brew a strong cup of Smoky Mountains Cowboy Chai by steeping 1 tablespoon of the tea in 1/2 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes. Strain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin pie filling with the brewed chai, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into the pie crust and bake according to the package instructions (typically 375°F for about 45 minutes).
- Serve warm with whipped cream for a chai-infused twist on a Thanksgiving classic.
3. Ginger-Pear Sauce with Pear & Ginger Green Tea
The refreshing, zesty notes of Pear & Ginger Green Tea can bring a delightful depth of flavor to a homemade pear sauce, perfect for serving alongside your turkey or as a topping for mashed sweet potatoes.
Recipe:
- 4 ripe pears, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Pear & Ginger Green Tea loose-leaf tea
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil and steep the Pear & Ginger Green Tea for 5 minutes. Strain and set the tea aside.
- In the same saucepan, combine the chopped pears, sugar, and lemon juice. Add the brewed tea and cook over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pears soften and the sauce thickens.
- Mash the pears to your desired consistency and serve warm or chilled as a side dish or topping.
4. Hibiscus Berry Yerba Mate Sorbet
Looking for a refreshing, light dessert after your big Thanksgiving meal? Try a Hibiscus Berry Yerba Mate sorbet! The floral tang of hibiscus paired with the natural sweetness of berries and the energizing yerba mate will make for a fun and invigorating treat.
Recipe:
- 1 cup Hibiscus Berry Yerba Mate loose-leaf tea
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/2 cup sugar (or agave syrup)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Instructions:
- Brew the Hibiscus Berry Yerba Mate tea by steeping 1 tablespoon of loose-leaf tea in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes. Strain and set the tea aside to cool.
- In a blender, combine the mixed berries, sugar, lime juice, and the cooled brewed tea. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze for 4-6 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to break up any ice crystals.
- Serve the sorbet as a vibrant, tangy dessert to cleanse the palate after a hearty Thanksgiving meal.
5. Evening Peach Orchard Tea-Infused Shortbread Cookies
These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies take on a subtle fruity flavor when infused with Evening Peach Orchard Herbal Tea. The gentle peach aroma and smooth blend of herbs will make these cookies a perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea during your post-meal relaxation.
Recipe:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Evening Peach Orchard Herbal Tea loose-leaf tea
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Brew a strong cup of Evening Peach Orchard Herbal Tea by steeping 1 tablespoon of the loose-leaf tea in 1/4 cup of hot water for 5-7 minutes. Strain and allow it to cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until creamy. Add the cooled brewed tea and mix well.
- Gradually add in the flour and stir until the dough comes together. Roll the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool before serving with a hot cup of tea.
Conclusion
This Thanksgiving, why not give your meal a little extra flavor with tea-infused recipes? Whether you're making cranberry sauce, spiced desserts, or refreshing beverages, there’s a perfect loose-leaf tea for every dish. Our Appalachian Lady Grey, Pear & Ginger Green Tea, Evening Peach Orchard Herbal Tea, Hibiscus Berry Yerba Mate, and Smoky Mountains Cowboy Chai are all excellent options to experiment with in your kitchen.
So go ahead — brew a cup of tea, get creative, and make this Thanksgiving one to remember with a touch of tea-infused magic!
