My cup of tea

This morning I had plans to go for a ride... It was 26 degrees when I woke up. So we decided a weather delay was in order. No riding unless it is above freezing. This is a big change from my 50-degree-rule of a year ago. The main reason I can make that change: Pearl Izumi soft shell gloves. It was still a cold, cold ride.
We started out with an espresso at a local coffee shoppe. It was not well made. That was a shame. But it was warm, caffeinated, and large. Awesome. Then we started the ride with a few hills that warmed us up quick. 20 miles and roughly an hour later I was back in my kitchen eating some steel cut oats. In case you haven't discovered the all purpose rice maker, it is amazing. Here are (not rice but) steal cut oats:
1 C steel cut oats
2.5 C water. Just estimate something a little over a 2:1 ratio
1 apple
Sprinkle with some cinnamon
Handful of raisins.
Put them into the rice maker, PROP OPEN THE LID (a butter knife laid across the top works well) and turn it on. It will be ready when you finish your ride.


An organic Pai Mu Tan white tea. I love this tea. It is a delicate, slightly sweet chinese white tea. It doesn't have the smokey or vegetable water flavors of some of the other green or white teas. I don't know quite how to describe. It is not a florid palate with hints of currants and blackberries and a tanniny finish. It is just a fine, exceptionally delicate cup of tea. It does not stand up well to other flavors so I generally drink it alone. And I never serve it to anyone who is going to put milk and sugar in it.


And, yes, that is my cup of tea.
And I'm ready for my next ride this afternoon!