DG Presents: Tea Lattes at Home

The Domestic Goddess takes a victory lap after creating the perfect tea latte at home

Branding matters: Should I call my shop Starhuffs? Huffbucks? 

As a freelancer on lockdown, I not only struggle with having my family underfoot All The Time, but also with missing my real office, Starbucks. I guess I'm saving money by making my own tea, but tea is tea, and I miss lattes.

Remember when I had the darnedest time trying to find someone who even knew what a London Fog was? (because it's "only a thing" "not in London"?) Well, one of the baristas had heard of one, and shortly after that post, she generously taught the local team how to make them for me. I feel seen.

But, now I'm at home, and Starbucks is closed for the foreseeable future. 

So, I undertook the challenge on my own! After several internet searches (and a lot of trial and error), I've found the technique that works best for my tastes, resulting in a smooth, silky, not-too-sweet latte, easy to make at home without any special equipment. (I almost bought a milk frother, before discovering that a 9-year-old with too much energy is an even better solution.) (Also, vanilla syrup is available pretty much everywhere; I picked mine up in the impulse-buy aisle of TK Maxx.*)

I present to you:

Le London Fog à la DG

Earl Grey teabags (2 per person)

Vanilla syrup (1 Tbs per person)

Milk (1/2 cup per person)

Step 1: Brew your tea strong. Pour 3/4 c of boiling water over two teabags, cover (I used a plate) and let steep for 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Pour the milk (I use semi-skimmed) into a large jar with a tight-fitting lid. Add the vanilla syrup (mine is some kind of natural, low-sugar substance), close tightly, and shake for 30 seconds till it's all frothy and has doubled in volume.

Step 3: Remove the lid and pop the milk into the microwave. Heat it on high for 30 seconds.

Step 4: Remove the teabags from your mug, then pour the sweet, frothy milk over top.

Enjoy!

I made a delightful Chai Latte the same way, substituting chai tea for Earl Grey (der), and replaced the tablespoon of vanilla syrup with a teaspoon of vanilla syrup and a teaspoon of sugar.

*Fun British Fact: TK Maxx/Homesense is the British version of TJ Maxx/Winners/Homesense. Same company, slightly different name, for no apparent reason. Odd.