Perfect Tea

For each 1 cup (8 ounces) of tea, place 1 1/2 teaspoons black tea leaves in a tea ball or infuser, filling it no more than half full. Drain teapot and put tea leaves in it. For each 1 1/2 teaspoons leaves, add 1 cup boiling water. Cover and let steep 3 to 5 minutes. Swirl tea ball through tea and lift out. Pour tea into cups and add milk, lemon, and/or sugar to taste.

Comments: Taste the tea as it steeps, and remove leaves when the liquid tastes good to you, usually in 3 to 5 minutes - after 5 minutes tannins get bitter. For stronger tea use more leaves. To contain leaves for easy removal, place them in a tea ball or infuser (a metal basket or cloth bag) that allows plenty of room for leaf expansion. Or place loose leaves in a teapot; when the tea is ready, pour all of it through a fine strainer into cups or another heated pot.