What is "cooking," exactly?

I ask this because I'm thinking of the one thing many of us Altos turn the stove on for more often than food - tea, the elixir of life. Honestly, is there anything better than that first sip of tea in the morning? Or when you're dragging in the afternoon? Or at night, when you're working late and there's no better company than your favorite mug?

Ok, I know that we're not all tea drinkers. Some of us (and particularly some Alto associates) are fans of other hot beverages. To each his or her own, even if they are wrong.

My sister noted the following this afternoon:

emily: i think i am a tea snob

i have to drink Bigalow Earl Grey here at the library and it is so sub par

I, on the other hand, think Bigelow Earl Grey is one of the more passable bagged Earl Greys, unlike Twinings, which tastes of pepper, and Stash, which tastes of bananas (don't even get me started on the Stash Double Bergamot Earl Grey. Yuk.)

Anyway, I was thinking that since we do consume tea in much the same way we consume food - through our mouths - it should be fair game for blogging.

Also, my tea cabinet is an incredibly prominent part of my pantry - it's the only actual cabinet, and all of the other food is relegated to open shelves. Protect what's most important.