Brewing up a pot of good quality loose leaf tea is a kitchen ritual that has saved my sanity more than once. There's something about taking the time and care to do it right that soothes my soul and encourages contentment. Read on for my rather detailed step-by-step method for brewing a proper pot of black tea. More

When the daily grind has worn me down and I've spread myself too thin, I like to take a U–turn from my work routine and jump back into bed. And stay there all day with a few key ingredients. Join me as I pamper myself in celebration of Valentine's day. More

I received this Hario teapot for Christmas last year (along with another fun kitchen item) and knew instantly that I would like it. But after 6 weeks of almost daily use, I know now that I love it.

Read on for my reasons why and share your favorite teapot stories with us in the comments. More

Q: How do I get that stinky coffee smell out of my travel mug?

I usually drink tea, but occasionally I'll fill up with coffee instead for a mid-afternoon pick-me up. Afterwards, the coffee odor/taste lingers for days/weeks, polluting the delicate flavor of my tea!! I've tried vigorous scrubbing/soaking/baking soda, but nothing seems to get rid of the lingering bitterness in my mug. Help! How do I cure my travel mug of its stinky-coffee blues?

Sent by Julia More

Making a cup of tea, a proper cup involving loose Assam and a strainer and gently warmed milk, is a start. So you go to the kitchen and put the kettle on and pull down the old white pot with the bright flower decal on one side. You start to feel the comfort of your task, the purpose of it filling up some of the empty space that sadness has carved into your heart. There's a reason for ritual, you discover, as you pour in a little hot water to warm the pot and then encircle it with your chilled hands: the repetition, the body memory, the soothing rhythm of things happening in a certain order and with intention. More

Steven Smith of Steven Smith Teas, has been expertly blending fine teas for the past thirty years. Steven and his wife, Kim, are both from the Portland, Oregon area, and after many different tea ventures and a few years of living in France, they've returned home. They've also opened a cozy tea shop. Pull up a chair, throw the kettle on, and join Steven and myself in a conversation about tea. Find out what this expert says about how to brew the perfect cup! More

The new year is upon us, I'm full of optimism as well as a few pairs of ill–fitting pants. While many January food magazines and blogs currently promote eating light, I turned my thoughts towards eating happy. Join me to hear my tips (all vegan!) and share your own winter foods that make you smile. More

Q: Happy holidays, The Kitchn! I'm a big tea lover and have been unsuccessfully searching for a large, good quality tea chest both in specialty shops and on the web. I'm looking for a good way to store my expanding stockpile of loose tea and tea bags in my modestly-sized kitchen.

Do you or your readers have any tips on where to find a good tea chest or some creative storage ideas? Thanks!

Sent by R More

This is one of my absolutely favorite things to give away at the holiday time. It makes a great gift, especially if given with a hand-thrown mug and one of those long, involved novels that are best read in January. (Armchair optional.) It's also great to keep a few batches on hand as hostess or last-minute gifts. More

When you’re as impatient for a morning cup of coffee as we usually are, it seems like starting with water that’s already hot from the tap would shave a few precious seconds off the cooking time. Kenji Lopez-Alt was on the Good Food radioshow a few weeks ago to explain why patience is a virtue. More