I've been tinkering with this stuff for awhile now, trying to convince myself that I did not waste money on 3 bags of tea that is not to my taste.
I think I finally have.
2 teaspoons houji kuki + 1 teaspoon gemai or houji gemai (really just for the benefit of the rice), 1 teaspoon apple sencha = A cup of tea tasting predominantly of roasted kuki but with very clear rice and apple undertones. I can finally sit down and enjoy the apple taste/aroma without it being overwhelming.
This tea does very well with a wide range of people who are still being introduced to tea.