Thursday Tea Time

When we were in Phoenix, we tried unsuccessfully to find a boba or tapioca tea place. But along the way we serendipitously discovered something else instead -- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

They only have U.S. locations in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii and Texas. None in Houston, yet, but Austin has four!

I became addicted to their iced tea lattes, and L the Ice Blended Fru-Teas and straight up iced teas in the different flavors. She also likes the Japanese Cherry Green Tea. And check out the purple straws!

The Spring Peach Oolong and Peach Ginger Green Teas are special limited editions. The Peoria/Phoenix location was sold out of the Peach Ginger, but I was able to get the Spring Peach AND the French Vanilla Powder -- in the fat-free/sugar-free version.

BUT -- when we went up to their website, we found and went to one of their Austin locations! There I found and bought the Peach Ginger (last one!) and then tried the Raspberry Ceylon iced tea latte. Bliss! It was like raspberries and cream!

Aren't the tin containers pretty?

CBTL teas are whole leaf teas. So these pretty silky teabags go from this

<----

and turn into this ---->

Practically golfball-sized!

I have been making the hot tea lattes in the morning or when I need a little something sweet and filling. The French Vanilla Powder also goes well with the Stash Moroccan Mint tea - iced with a touch of honey. Sa-weet! Thank goodness for mail order and maybe another trip to the Hill Country to try and buy more tea...and Vanilla Powder!