Do-Lit-Yourself: Bookish Tea Blends

Do-Lit-Yourself is a column for book lovers with a crafty streak. This pinteresting monthly is penned by LPG Education and Engagement manager Lauren Perruzza.Oh, the weather outside is certainly frightful! If you, like us, tend to take to the couch instead of the slopes in this wintry season, and, if you, like us, think that the couch is expertly paired with a good book and big mug of tea, then read on. In this edition of Do-Lit-Yourself, we’ve created four bookish tea blends to pair with some of our favourite titles, plus tips on how to create your own.When making a tea blend, first decide on the base: the tea leaves or herbs that will likely dominate the taste of your blend. Commonly available varieties include black, green, white, or rooibos. To these, you can add, to taste, as many flavours as you like: spices, dried fruits, nuts, dried or fresh herbs, flower petals, etc. Don’t be afraid to experiment!You can find most (if not all!) of these ingredients in your local bulk or health food store, in small enough quantities to avoid a giant up-front investment. Blend #1: Ero-tea-c Endeavour

This black tea blend has the caffeine to keep your stamina up, plus all the sexy add-ins you might reserve for a romantic night with your partner. Cinnamon, dried cherries, rose petals, and pink peppercorns really make this spicy-sweet tea perfect for some of our saucier faves.Try the honest and wonderful memoir, Hot, Wet, and Shaking by Kaleigh Trace (Invisible Publishing) and/or the deeply personal, painstakingly chronicled movements in Coït, by Chantal Neveu (BookThug). Blend #2: Roots in Rooibos Canadian Tea

While the base of this tea is pretty far from Canada – Rooibos plants are native to South Africa – we think that its earthy quality is a perfect backdrop for its decidedly Canuck flavour ingredients: dried Saskatoon berries and apples, and walnuts. And hey, if you’re feeling crazy, sweeten with a dash of maple syrup. We believe in you.Pair this blend with books with equally decidedly Canuck settings: may we suggest Robinson’s Crossing by Jan Zwicky (Brick Books) for Prairie-based poetry, Vancouver Confidential, edited by John Belshaw (Anvil Press) for urban non-fiction, or The Search for Heinrich Schlögel by Martha Baillie (Pedlar Press) for a northern pick. Optional: include the Ceeb Radio 2 on low. Blend #3: Your Troubles are Chamomile-s Away

Feeling stressed? Look no further than this blend, created to soothe the spirit and calm frayed nerves. To a chamomile base, add dried lavender and vanilla bean, sweetening with honey if desired.Though any of our lyrical poetry would be a good match for this tea, our top pick is Christine Fellows’ Burning Daylight (ARP Books). While her subject matter is fraught, this gorgeous book and accompanying acoustic album will quickly make you yearn for all tough news to be delivered in such a phenomenally considered, beautiful package.Note: chamomile is not a favourite for some. Feel free to substitute white tea leaves, known for their subtle flavour. Blend #4: General Wellness Granola Blend (Does not actually contain granola)

This is a go-to that you can spruce up however you like: it’s great as a get-well tea, immunity booster, or just as an alternative to water when you leave the gym (and return to the aforementioned couch. The couch is essential to this whole thing). With a base of green tea leaves, the additions of matcha, spearmint, lemon balm will provide a great flavour on their own, though feel free to add goji berries, coconut shavings, and/or ginger.Sip this blend and read Dear Leaves, I Miss You All by Sara Heinonen (Mansfield Press) for those who skew environmental, or And Me Among Them by Kristen Den Hartog (Freehand Books) if you want to learn that, in the case of seven-foot-tall Ruth, there are sometimes limits to growth.Let us know your own creations in the comments below, or feel free to send us book recommendations that you think pair well with our blends (or both!).