Brew the Perfect Pot of Tea

If you don't favor coffee as your morning beverage, why not start your day with a warm, comforting cup of tea? By following the tips below, you'll ensure that you get a great cup of tea every time.

1. Before brewing your tea, warm your teapot by pouring about 2 inches of boiling water into the pot. Cover the teapot with a tea towel for about 5 minutes. Discard the warming water.
2. Add loose tea leaves to the warmed teapot. If you desire a mild brew, add a large pinch of tea leaves; for an average strength, add 1 teaspoon of loose tea leaves for each cup, plus 1 teaspoon for the teapot. Fill the pot with boiling water, wrap it with a tea towel, and allow it to steep for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to leave the tea leaves in too long or you will get a bitter-tasting tea.
3. Strain the tea leaves using a tea strainer or a small sieve. Serve the tea with sugar, a slice of lemon or cream.

Sources for Teas and Tea Supplies: Fortnum & Mason "Fortmason" tea (#509), $8.50 for 4.4 ounces, from McNulty's Tea & Coffee Company, 109 Christopher Street, New York, NY 10014; 800-356-5200. For local retailers on the East Coast of the United States, call Haddon House Food Products, Inc., 609-953-0790. For local retailers on the West Coast of the United States, call Gourmet Specialities, 510-887-7322. Collectible English teapots, $20 to $75, and stainless-steel tea strainer, $6 to $12, both from Carry On Tea & Sympathy, 110 Greenwich Avenue, New York, NY 10011; 212-989-9735.