You're Late For TEA ~ Bodum Tea Press Giveaway

I love tea almost as much as I love coffee, as surprising as that sounds. I like to mix various flavors with black tea to come up with my own combinations, and it's the perfect pre-bed habit to begin. Even if non-herbal tea does contain caffeine.

The first time I remember drinking tea that came from a tea press was at a cheesecake cafe (no, not the factory), and it was really cool because you were offered a variety of loose-leaf tea that infuses in the basket. Once it steeped for however long it needed, you pressed down on the plunger and the brewing was complete. You can even keep the filter in the pot without it overbrewing.

Bodum, the purveyor of coffee presses that they are probably best known for selling, has just as nice of a selection of tea presses as well, and so I chose the Bodum Assam 34 oz Tea Press with Glass Handle and Stainless Steel Infuser for this giveaway. There's something special about being able to see the tea steep that makes for a much lovelier tea time experience, and this teapot can also be a decorative centerpiece.

Thanks goes to the always sharing Wayfair people for giving me the chance to pass this giveaway along to you. Wayfair has 200 plus stores all online, with items ranging from cookware, coffee machines, wall art, and barstools.

So let's get down to business! To enter, please leave a comment telling me what your favorite tea is.

For an additional entry, blog about this giveaway on your blog, linking back to this post. Comment again that you did this with a link to your post.

And for a third entry, twit this giveaway, linking back to this post, and comment here again.

This giveaway ends on Thursday, April 8th, when I'll randomly choose a winner. The winner will have 24 hours to respond. Good luck!

(Giveaway open to residents in the United States and Canada)

grilled french toast peanut butter & caramelized banana sandwich

Most people think Elvis is The King because of his music, but I think he's the king because his favorite sandwich is one of the most brilliant inventions known to humankind: the grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich.

How the heck to you improve upon a sandwich of such epic proportions? Is it even possible? Can it be done?

Well, the other day for breakfast I decided to Frenchify a grilled pb sammich by dipping both sides in an eggy custard. BUT. I also decided to caramelize the bananas for an even more intense version of The King's Classic. I also used Nature's Pride bread, which I reviewed a while ago. After having not made much homemade bread recently and eating various healthy store bought bread, this definitely had the closest to homemade texture out of the few brands that are rotated here.

The entire process was pretty simple: While the bananas are caramelizing (which doesn't take very long, otherwise the bananas will become too mushy), mix the eggy custard, a mixture of 1-2 eggs with milk, a bit of sugar, freshly grated nutmeg and orange zest. Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread, then layer the bananas on top once finished; top with final slice of bread. Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel, then add some butter, oil, or cooking spray and bring back up to heat. Carefully dip both sides of the sandwich in the custard and place in skillet. Cook until both sides are golden brown. Remove to a plate, let cool briefly, then slice in fourths and eat!

This is definitely not a light sandwich by any means, but it's filling and delicious and very great way, in my opinion, to begin the day. And I'm sure it's King Approved.

recipe after the jump

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Print this recipe

grilled french toast peanut butter & caramelized banana sandwich
Recipe by Christina Provo

Make 1

ingredients ~

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2-3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 banana, slice in half widthwise and lengthwise into fourths
2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 slices whole wheat bread
Peanut butter
Addition butter, oil, or cooking spray for grilling

directions ~

1. Heat a skillet with 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. When heated and butter is bubbly, sprinkle brown sugar over butter and stir lightly to combine. Lay banana sliced on top and let cook 1-3 minutes. Carefully flip to other side and cook for 2-3 more minutes or until bananas are caramelized, but not falling apart.


2. Meanwhile, in a shallow bowl whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, orange zest, and grated nutmeg until frothy, about 30 seconds.


3. Spread however much peanut butter you want on one slice of bread, then carefully layer the bananas on top, spooning any brown sugar left in skillet on top; cover with second slice of bread.


4. Wipe skillet clean with a paper towel. Return to heat and add enough butter, oil, or cooking spray to lightly coat entire surface of skillet. Taking care that the bananas don't fall out, dip both sides of sandwich in egg mixture, letting each side sit in the custard for a few seconds to soak up enough liquid. Place in skillet and cook over medium heat on both sides until golden brown, adding more butter as needed.


5. Remove to plate and let cool briefly. Slice into fourths and enjoy.

Tazo Tea and Summer Beach Pack Giveaway Winner!

Hey guys! Sorry for not concluding the giveaway post yesterday, but I had some computer issues that prevented me from doing anything. Yesterday's post was set ahead of time to publish early, so that's why it got up there.

Anyway, thanks so much to everyone entered. I really enjoyed reading what you guys are looking forward to this summer!

The first winner, chosen by Random.org, is Elle:

Elle said...

I love the blog...and I'm looking forward to the smell of sweat and sunscreen after a long run. Maybe it's a runner thing? :)
22 March, 2010 21:19

And the second winner, Esther:

esther said...

Love love Tazo tea! And I could totally use sunblock!

I look forward to iced coffee during the summer :-)
22 March, 2010 18:03

Please email me at caudagaliATyahooDOTcom by tomorrow night so I can pass your info along to Tazo. If I don't hear from you then, I'll have to pick another winner.

Thanks again to everyone who entered!