Q: We love brewing sun tea, but I'm getting a little bored with it. Besides throwing in a few springs of lavender as the tea brews, do readers have any other great combos they would recommend? I don't want to add stuff after brewing, but infuse the tea itself for a little something different!

Sent by Amanda More

Our Mother's Day tradition is breakfast in bed for Mom, made a la' my little chefs and husband. Usually a glass of champagne or mimosa dons the breakfast tray along with a piping hot latte. This year I was thinking back to when my babies (yes, I have twins) were born and all the little things that got me through those first tough years. Things like a hot cup of coffee or a nice glass of wine were indulgences, and I have very fond memories of chai tea. More

I'm not a fan of quirky weight loss and health food claims. It's seems like every week there's a new litany of superfoods promising to keep us forever young, slim and healthy only to be replaced by a different list the following week. I long ago stopped paying attention to most of them. So I was a little surprised when this tonic, which was originally called Tangerine Weight-Orade and is straight from weight-loss and health guru Dr. Oz, caught my eye. Perhaps because more than anything it sounded simple and delicious: green tea, fresh tangerine and mint. Yum!
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Golden, mellow, and sweet, iced chrysanthemum tea makes a beautiful refreshment on a warm day. It's so pretty that we can imagine serving it to mom on Mother's Day, or at any number of springtime celebrations. More

Q: While looking for black tea leaves for the chai tea recipe, I found a bunch of different teas that I'd forgotten about (both bagged and loose leaf). Most are over four years old. Oops. Besides brewing, do you have suggestions on ways they can be used?

Sent by Diana More

There are two ways of thinking about the proper time to serve coffee and tea after a meal. The most formal and traditional way is to serve dessert first, followed by coffee once the dessert plates have been cleared. (This also used to be a signal that it was now OK for people to light up their cigarettes. Clearly, times have changed!) More

If you enjoy Earl Grey and hibiscus teas, then try this mash-up of the two. It's simple to make, with stunning results, and can be served chilled as a not-too-sweet and non-alcoholic accompaniment to a meal. More

Offering a guest a cup of tea is standard practice in my household (at least until 5 o'clock!) so I like to keep a small variety of teas on hand to cover all sorts of tastes and situations. Tea can be formal and fussy or it can be as casual as dropping a bag into a cup of hot water, so it's good to be prepared.

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Item: Nobel Glass Travel Thermos
Price: 16oz thermos: $34.50, 12oz thermos: $29.50
Overall Impression: A stylish and functional way to tote your tea!

I have to admit that I was initially drawn to the Nobel Glass Travel Thermos on looks alone. Sleek and elegant, the thermos consists of a simple double-walled glass column topped with a bamboo lid. Even the small etched logo is unobtrusive and sits quietly towards the bottom. But my superficial admiration was quickly followed by curiosity. I had of course seen double-walled glass used in cups and glasses but never in a travel mug. And the little brew basket tucked into the top meant they were pitching it towards people interested in loose leaf, quality tea. This definitely called for further investigation. More

Q: I was recently given some Japanese matcha green tea powder by a friend who knows I love jasmine green tea — emphasis on the jasmine which I find takes the edge off of the green tea harshness. I'm a little intimidated by this straight-up powder and need ideas for how to use it! I have read on this site about the Green Tea Milkshake but wondering what other ideas readers have. Can I use it in cooking? Thanks!

Sent by Marla More