A slashdot article pointed to where The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (website) has some great tips on how to get the best cup of tea. The article notes that Harrods Blend 42 Earl Grey is the best type out there, and I personally have loved Twinning Earl Grey (loose, not that bagged crap) since I was introduced to it by mom eons ago, but would love to try some of this Harrods stuff. Maybe dad can bring me back some from England when he goes (please?). Anyway, good tips in there to try to increase the quality of my tea making.
When the kettle has boiled, pour a little of it into a tea pot, swirl it around and tip it out again. Put a couple (or three, depending on the size of the pot) of tea bags into the pot (If I was really trying to lead you into the paths of righteousness I would tell you to use free leaves rather than bags, but let’s just take this in easy stages). Bring the kettle back up to the boil, and then pour the boiling water as quickly as you can into the pot. Let it stand for two or three minutes, and then pour it into a cup. Some people will tell you that you shouldn’t have milk with Earl Grey, just a slice of lemon. Screw them. I like it with milk. If you think you will like it with milk then it’s probably best to put some milk into the bottom of the cup before you pour in the tea.1 If you pour milk into a cup of hot tea you will scald the milk. If you think you will prefer it with a slice of lemon then, well, add a slice of lemon.