Make It So

It is a well known fact that I am bi-Trekxual (meaning I enjoy the warm embrace of both the original Star Trek as well as Star Trek: The Next Generation). If you put a phaser to my head and made me choose, I’d have to pick TNG and Captain Jean-Luc Picard as my favorite.

Data was a perfect dramatic device for exploring human emotions and relationships. The effects were better. Plus we got to have a legit Klingon (well, half anyway) as a senior crew member. But it was - as it should be - the Captain who really made the show.

The casting of a well-known Shakespearian actor in a Star Trek role was genius - it lent a certain credibility. Less kitschy fake rocks/making out with green chicks, more morality plays and conflicted character development.

Happily, every episode will be available for free on Netflix streaming starting July 1. That’s right, my Geeklets - the perfect reason to while away those bright, sunny months indoors! Let’s face it, a roof is an impenetrable SPF barrier, so it’s basically healthy. Just go with me on this one.

I look forward to revisiting some of my favorite Jean-Luc Picard moments - like The Inner Light,  when he lives an entire lifetime in 25 minutes, and plays the flute (I cry like a baby every time). The Locutus of Borg episodes. And of course, his well documented love for tea. Earl Grey. Hot.



I myself am a fan of tea, especially Earl Grey. It’s a nice, strong, black tea, lightly scented with bergamot (a kind of orange oil). I always take it with some milk, and a little sweet.

I decided to make something that would support and heighten the natural aromatic nature of this traditional tea, while adding the light sweetness I enjoy.

Since the bergamot is orange, that seemed the obvious place to start. I had a little lavender on hand (thanks, AuntieC!), so I used some of that as well, and incorporated everything into a simple syrup. Which, I discovered, is PAINFULLY boring to photograph. Seriously - clear syrup. Not compelling. So here are the basic ingredients, and my favorite teapot.

Simple Syrup for Earl Grey (hot)
    •    1 C sugar
    •    ¾ C water
    •    Zest from an orange (use a paring knife or peeler to remove just the outer skin with the flavorful oils - trim away any bitter white pith)
    •    1 T culinary lavender

    •    Dissolve sugar into water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring to a boil
    •    Add orange zest (big hunks are fine - you’ll strain it out later)
    •    Place lavender into a tea ball or tie in a piece of cheesecloth and add to the syrup (no tea ball or cheesecloth? No problem! Just throw it in there and strain it out later.)
    •    Simmer for 5 minutes
    •    Cool, strain through fine mesh colander or cheesecloth
    •    Keep in refrigerator
    •    Add a few spoons to a piping hot cup of Earl Grey, and feel pleased that you did it without the help of a replicator