Tired of using coffee as a crutch, about 4 months back I kicked the habit. Sure I’ve dabbled since then, but not once have I looked back longingly. Starbucks, bad breath, and that humming nervous feeling of having imbibed too much caffeine can take a hike.

In its place, I have nurtured a taste for Earl Grey tea that has grown into a veritable addiction. I have bulk ordered “double bergamot” varieties unavailable locally, and become known for regularly toting a flashy glass tea vessel for loose-leaf on the go.

In an unabashed effort to push my Earl Grey fanaticism yet further, tonight I bring you the first installment of Adventures in Earl Grey, an exploration of the many less common uses of a tea that I have grown to love.

Earl Grey Tuiles

Tuiles are crispy, wafer-like cookies of French origin. One of the greatest features of the tuile is that it can be doctored to suit your tastes in an infinite number of ways. Some like them encrusted with almond flakes, or dipped in chocolate, or filled with orange zest. I set my sights on Earl Grey tuiles.

Standard tuile recipes involve the following ingredients in varying amounts:

  • Unsalted butter
  • Confectioners sugar or granulated sugar (or a mix)
  • Egg whites
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt

In effort to draw out the delicious dry bergamot-y flavor of Earl Grey tea, I modified this epicurious.com recipe, to have less sugar, and nearly 3x the suggested amount of ground tea. I used:

  • 3/4 stick unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup confectioners sugar
  • 1 tbs honey
  • 2 tbs Earl Grey tea leaves, ground
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

The steps involved in making these tuiles are fairly straightforward.

  1. Mix together the wet ingredients and ground tea
  2. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients
  3. Spread the batter over a stencil
  4. Bake at 350 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes (until golden brown on edges)
  5. Bend into fun shape while still hot
  6. Serve alongside a delicious cup of Earl Grey tea

Note: In order to develop a strong Earl Grey zing, it is critical that in step #1. the ground tea is allowed sufficient time to infuse the wet ingredients.

Step 3.

Step 5.

Step 6.

Have suggestions for my next Adventures in Earl Grey project? Post a comment below!