I think I had been ruined with too many bad cups of Red Rose to understand how truly delicious tea could be. That tea helped us get through the writing of two books, late nights with a new baby, and accompanied many a weekend brunch at home. You can get the tea locally at places like Williams Sonoma but the tea jelly, well, you had to go to France for that.



Over the holidays, Sean decided to see if he could make his own Mariages Freres tea jelly. The Marco Polo variety is one of our favourites so Marco Polo gelee it is. His first try turned out perfectly! It tasted just like the real thing so I wanted to share this Marco Polo gelee recipe with you in case you're craving a breakfast treat.

Homemade Marco Polo Gelee Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups water
8 tea bags
3 cups sugar
3oz package liquid pectin

Directions:

1. Bring water to a boil. Add tea bags and steep for 30 mins.
2. Remove tea bags. Add sugar to brewed tea and return to a low boil. Reduce heat if sugar starts to boil over.
3. Stir constantly for 2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and add the pectin. Return to a low boil for 1 minute. Skim off any foam.
5. Pour hot jelly into jars, close lid, and allow to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate until use.



We ended up making a few jars to give as gifts and I used the occasion to practice my calligraphy. Jelly making, calligraphy... I think I might have turned into my grandmother ;) Who knew we'd have so much fun getting creative in the kitchen.