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Hidden allergens show up where we least expect them... Even in our teacup!

Soy doesn’t typically come to mind when we reach for tea, but if you’re a savvy label-reader, you have likely seen “soy lecithin” listed as an ingredient on a tea package or two.
 
What is soy lecithin and why is it in some teas?
 
A natural by-product of making soybean oil, soy lecithin is used in the food industry as an “emulsifier”. That means it helps hold ingredients together in foods.

In a chocolate bar, for example, it can keep the cocoa and the cocoa butter from separating.

The same holds true for its use in teas... it helps keep the tea blend uniform. Soy lecithin can also prevent clumping of ingredients in certain teas and can even improve a tea’s shelf life.

But if you’re like me and live with a soy allergy, soy lecithin will not improve YOUR life! We need to keep it soy free!
 
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In Thursday's "A Side of Science" I promised you a cup of obscurity for today's Sipping Sunday. 

Shall we sip on this? 
 
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Relaxing & naturally gluten free!
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A bold start to my gluten free day at GIG 2011!
 
Last week's “Sipping Sunday” started off with a disastrous kettle meltdown...

Instead of "relaxing", the situation got a little too hot to handle in Mr. Walker's kitchen between Dale and Sara!

Thanks to whatever kept them from minding the stove, we were provided an ideal opportunity for me to share my special tips on brewing the perfect cup of white tea, yourReader’s Choice selection. 

This week, Dale’s on his own. Sara is away in the mountains helping her father care for her mother. Let's hope Dale is using the new electric kettle we suggested he purchase! 

I’ve been in sunny Orlando since last Wednesday attending the Gluten Intolerance Group’s 37th Annual Education Conference. If you’ve been following my tweets (@glutenfreegigi), you know I've learned a great deal.

There is an astounding amount of good information about food sensitivities out there just now coming to light.
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Peppermint Chocolate Rooibos & Sweet Tea Black Tea with Hydrangea
Earlier than usual, Little Chef, my ten year-old, found me contemplating "quality"... and sipping tea.

I was settled deep into the pages of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (for the third time). 

“Hey, mom! Whatcha’ drinkin’?” I knew exactly what had gotten her out of bed and down the steps.

“Tea. It is Sipping Sunday, after all."

“What kind? Something smells like chocolate!”  It seems nothing conjures excitement in my house like chocolate.  Even the smell of the sweet, rich, creamy goodness is cause for delight... And an early wake-up. (I'd have to remember that.)

I closed the book and got up. I could tell by those wide blue eyes fixed on my teacup it was time to put the kettle back on.

Zen would wait… I found another path to quality.  Tea for the two of us (which I was thankful we could do for Little Chef because this one was caffeine free) would be far better than tea just for me!

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Tealish ~ Artfully crafted gourmet teas
When was the last time you had one of those weeks?

You know the kind... the kind where it seems you have more to do than there are hours in a day.

I had that kind of week last week. By the time the weekend rolled around, I was way ready for a relaxing cup of tea (or two!) and perhaps something a little stronger later!
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Raw Green Tea for that healthy antioxidant boost!
Sunday mornings are made for relaxing.

Your favorite chair beside a sunny window kind of relaxing. Captivating book in hand. Steaming cup of coffee or tea within reach… you know the feeling.

Say you decide to choose tea one Sunday. Which tea? Good question. With so many choices these days, it’s a tough decision to make. If you're gluten free, matters are even more complicated...

Some tea blends contain gluten. That’s right… gluten in tea!

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