Wednesday, September 17, 2003
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Wednesday, September 17, 2003 |
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Fitting a Fayette family to a 'tea' By Ellie White-Stevens Breakfast at the Light house guarantees a few things. You will smell tempting wafts of fresh baked goods, probably from an innovative adaptation. You will be served tea. And not just any tea, but fresh-brewed, gourmet, imported tea that comes in lovely little gift boxes. These teas and their packaging are the cornerstone of the Lights’ new business, Jennifer’s Teas. Maryann and Alan Light started in May, but Maryann’s love of teas began much sooner. “I became hooked on tea when we went to Ireland,” she said. “At the bed and breakfast we stayed in they had the most delicious tea, at least twice a day. I couldn’t find it here, when we got back. So I was ordering from Ireland cases of Irish breakfast tea. That’s my favorite. Now I make my own blend.” Prior to their tea endeavor, Maryann was in corporate finance and Alan ran his own software company. One of his hobbies is making and playing guitars. One of hers is baking, which fits well with the tea (see recipes to follow). She gets her looseleaf teas in an exclusive arrangement with a direct importer in Canada. While of excellent quality and flavor, Maryann Light sees Jennifer’s Teas more as one-stop shopping for everything the tea drinker could desire. They currently carry tea bag squeezers, strainers, make-your-own teabag for loose teas, lemon squeezers, tea cups, tea pots and decorative tea canisters. “We’re looking to develop tea bag holders with decorative covers and tea-to-go containers. All of our teas are packaged for gift giving,” said Maryann. “We focus only on high quality gourmet teas from India and China,” added Alan. “We have both a retail and a wholesale aspect so both businesses and individuals can partake.” Alan likes to point out his wife’s excellent customer service in developing custom packaging, custom gift baskets and tea events for corporations and charities. One tea party event will soon take place at a church in McDonough to raise funds for a youth mission trip. Maryann worked within the church’s tight budget. “We’re doing a Starr’s Mill High School fundraiser,” said Alan. “Schools can get 25-30 percent of retail sales. In fact, any charity group can use it for fundraising.” The Starr’s Mill fundraiser benefits the media center, where Maryann Light volunteered a day every week until Jennifer’s Teas sipped away her time. The real Jennifer, the Lights’ daughter, is a senior at Starr’s Mill. A successful local model with the Elite Agency, she already has a major part of the business. She is the advertised face and name of Jennifer’s Teas, and also provides marketing and sales assistance to her parents. Someday they hope to turn the business over to her. She’s doing her part by planning to study marketing and advertising. In the near future Jennifer’s Teas will host a booth at the Shakerag festival, where their entire line of teas will be available, along with free samples, and hot and cold beverages by the glass. “I’ll be taking orders for Thanksgiving and Christmas,” said Maryann. Why give tea as a gift or drink it yourself? Aside from the antioxidants and health benefits, Maryann shares that tea is a way of life. “When you sit down with a beautiful cup and drink delicious tea together, it makes the ordinary seem special,” she said. “It’s a treat for the senses.” It’s possible to win $150 of Jennifer’s Teas with an online contest at www.jennifersteas.com. According to Alan Light, the last local winner said that she tried almost all of the teas with her office mates and friends and that she’s recommending Jennifer’s Teas to all of them. Those not wanting to wait for a win in the contest can order online at www.jennifersteas.com or call 770-632-6246 to talk to Maryann Light about custom orders and corporate gifts. One bonus for Fayette Countians, the Lights will do free local delivery of their product. That’s something to raise a teacup to. What to bake when tea is brewing Recipes from the kitchen of Maryann Light, Jennifer’s Teas Simple Sweet Scones--Maryann developed this recipe after she couldn’t find one that reminded her enough of Ireland. She makes them with teapot shaped cookie cutters marketed by Jennifer’s Teas. 21/2 cups unbleached flour 1 T baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 8 T (1 stick) cold unsalted butter. 1/3-1/2 cup sugar 2/3 cup milk Heat oven to 425F. Put flour, baking powder and salt into a large bowl, stir to mix well. Add butter, cut in with pastry blender or two knives until the mixture looks like fine granules. Add sugar; tos to mix. Add milk and stir with a fork until soft dough forms. Form dough into a ball, put onto a lightly floured board and give 10-12 kneads. To make triangular scones, cut dough in half. Knead each half slightly into a ball. Turn smooth side up . Pat or roll into 6” circles. Cut each circle into 6 or 8 wedges. Place on cookie sheet. Round or shaped scones: Roll dough to about 12”x 51/2”. Cut 15 2” scones. Bake 10-12 minutes. Apple Muffins Maryann’s tip for muffins: The heavier the weight of the muffin tin, the lighter and fluffier the muffin. 2 eggs 1 cup milk 1/2 cup oil 3 cups unbleached flour 1 cup sugar 4 tsps baking powder 1 cup chopped or grated apple 1 tsp cinnamon top muffins with cinnamon and sugar Preheat oven to 400F. Grease muffin tins. Put oil, sugar and egg in bowl and mix well. Add dry ingredients and milk. Mix only until moist. Do not overmix. Add apples. Fill muffin tins and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake for 18 minutes.
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