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It is YASSSletter Thursday!

Hello all! First and foremost we want to thank you for being part of our community here. We love and value each & everyone single one of you. The last week and half has been deeply strange, personal, and challenging for our family, but we are keeping strong. Many of you may not know, but my brother was one of the terror victims at the “Nature Party,” where Hamas first attacked. He was one of the lucky ones and eventually made it home, but lost many friends along the way. For those of you who are interested I will be sharing his story HERE. Titled: “I got shot. I totally embraced death.” Thank you for all the kind words and support.

Zikki suggested that we go on with more recipes that bring comfort to the soul. So this week is all about the ritual of drinking tea and eating cake to elicit connection. We recently heard someone very special in our circle say that the opposite of hate is not love but rather connection.

This week we encourage you to make a cake for someone you know who is really going through it. Sit with them and share a warm beverage and a moment in harmonious compassionate energy.

Today’s Agenda:

1. My Brother’s Survivor Story

2. History: The Ritual of Tea & Cake

3. Orange Coconut Semolina Cake Recipe

4. Maple Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe

5. Pistachio Blueberry Lemon Cake Recipe

6. Brewing the Perfect Cup of Tea

History: The Ritual of Tea & Cake

Tea originated in ancient China. While cake-like baked items have existed in the world in many cultures for centuries, cake as we know it today began to emerge in Europe during the Middle Ages. Now eating and enjoying cake and tea together as a ritual was born from “Afternoon Tea” in Britain during the 19th century. Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, is often credited with popularizing the concept of afternoon tea. It started with tea and bread and evolved into cake.

The combination of tea and cake provided a comforting ritual that allowed people to relax, socialize, and take a break from their daily routines.

During periods of hardship, the act of sharing tea and cake can offer a sense of solace and familiarity. The ritual provides a moment of respire and connection to tradition, which can be particularly important during challenging times.

Orange Coconut Semolina Cake

Delicate, bright, not-to-sweet, and just texturally brilliant!

Maple Pecan Bundt Cake

Imagine the smell of fall radiating through your home, now add the comforting aroma of butter, pecans & maple syrup baked together into this tender coffee cake. Perfect with a cup of afternoon tea!

Pistachio Blueberry Lemon Cake

I think my favorite part of this cake is the texture created by the ground pistachios…I mean seriously YUM. Now add a lemony sweet & sour glaze and you are ready to make a best friendship over this slice.

Brewing the Perfect Cup of Tea

There is no doubt that brewing tea is an art form. A lot of it has to do with the temperature of the water used to brew the tea. For the perfect cup of tea, here are the recommended temperatures:

• White and green teas: 150-185°F (65-85°C)

• Oolong tea: 180-190°F (82-88°C)

• Black and herbal teas: 208-212°F (98-100°C)

My favorite is a gorgeous Japanese Green Tea, while Zikki loves Earl Grey with a little honey as an afternoon pick me up!

Hope you have a weekend full of YASSS! Until next Thursday Gingis.

Love, Ben & Zikki xx

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#WeAreAllBREAD