Tea Time Notes

Lovely Day for Tea

2010-04-19T08:46:00.000-07:00

This is a lovely morning for drinking tea as I write at my computer, check e-mail, and make business plans. The sun is bright and brilliant, after a snowy, rainy weekend in NH.

The forsythia in our yard has donned its yellow dress. The trees are budding. The tulips and daffodils are ready to burst into bloom.

I also can hear bird song, as the spring songsters greet the day, too.

I enjoy my cup of Irish Breakfast Tea and may have Earl Grey for lunch.

What about you?

The Tea Shop Mysteries by Laura Childs

2010-02-03T10:39:00.000-08:00

I enjoy Laura Child's Tea Shop Mysteries, set in Charleston, SC. The owner of this tea shop continually becomes involved in murder and mystery as she operates her shop. However, we learn a great deal about tea in the process.

Some of these mysteries include:

The Teaberry Strangler

Death by Darjeeling

The English Breakfast Murder

Shades of Earl Grey

The Jasmine Moon Mystery

Have you read any of these? Do you have any favorites?

What Tea Are You Drinking Today?

2009-08-22T18:46:00.000-07:00

I found I was getting low on tea, so went looking midst some of my travel packs. Whenever Jim and I travel I carry a variety of tea bags with me. Many motels now provide a coffee maker in the room, so I can heat water and make my tea, even if they don't have tea bags available.

As I browsed through my travel stash, I discovered black tea, green tea, peach tea, Earl Grey tea, lemon tea, Zen tea, green tea with lemon, English breakfast tea, and rosehip tea.

So I have many to choose from and will refresh my travel pack before our next trip.

What tea are you drinking today? I think I'll make a cup of peach tea now.

(Image: sxc.hu)

Carry Your Tea Bag with You when Traveling

2009-04-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

Whenever I travel, I carry tea bags along. Then when I encounter situations where they don't serve tea, I usually can get a cup of hot water and make my own. I'll also have my favorite flavors with me.

Many motels/hotels nowadays have a coffee maker in the room. Usually they don't provde tea bags. Sometimes they don't even have tea bags in the lobby where they might serve coffee. If I have tea bags with me, I can enjoy my cup o' tea.

Also, I've discovered that many fast food places and coffee bars will give you a free cup of hot water, or at least charge you no more than the cost of the cup. Then I can add my tea bag and make my own, very inexpensively. I always offer to pay for they do have the cost of cups and heating water.

Do you have any tea bag traveling tips?

Tea in Cold Cups

2009-03-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

One of my pet peeves (is that a term that dates me?) is asking for hot tea at a restaurant and being served it lukewarm. This might be due to several reasons:

*The water is only lukewarm when it comes to my table. Either it was only warm to start with, not piping hot, or sat in the tea pot too long.

*Perhaps the pot was cold, so the hot water cooled.

*Then the waitress might bring a pot of very hot water to the table, but present me with a cold cup. Sometimes it seems the cup has come from the refrigerator. I sit there with the cup in my hands, trying to warm it slightly, so the water won't get cold as soon as I pour it.

I like my cup of tea to start out hot. Then if it cools, it's my choice.

Books About Daylight Saving Time & Spring

2009-03-07T17:20:00.000-08:00

Discover facts and figures (the curious and the ordinary) about Spring and Daylight Saving Time

Seize the Daylight: The Curious and Contentious Story of Daylight Saving Time by David Prerau
Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time by Michael Downing
Crafting Springtime Gifts: 25 Adorable Projects Featuring Bunnies, Chicks, Lambs & Other Springtime Favorites by Tone Finnanger
Time for Change: Setting Clocks Forward by One Hour Thorughout the Year by Mayer Hillman
The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle

Discover Some Food Blogger Delights for Tea Time

2009-03-06T13:42:00.000-08:00

Take a look at these delights contributed by the Food Bloggers you may like to try for tea time...and for your meals. There also are some cooking gadget ideas.

Chicken in Red Curry An easy, delicious curry with chicken and vegetables, served with rice.

Cooking Gadgets Would you like to get your pressure cooker out of the box?

Finding Food Memories in Community Cookbooks Mary Emma at Country Kitchen reminisces about food memories she finds in cookbooks of earlier days.

Nighttime Noshing: Getting Back on Track Jean had her first slip in the battle to lose the six ugly extra pounds she put on last year. And it was a biggie!

Plan Now For Summer Grilling With the proper planning your garden can be a great source for delicious summer grilling.

White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies Delicious, easy cookies with white chocolate chips,cranberries and pecans

Do You Prefer Hot or Iced Tea?

2009-02-28T17:25:00.000-08:00

Depending on the part of the country or the world where you live, you may be more accustomed to hot or cold tea. Hot tea is my preference, although I don't mind iced tea, especially in hot weather.

However, I find a cup of hot tea more refreshing, relaxing and reviving than a glass of iced tea. Perhaps that's because hot tea was more common in our household and my grandmother's when I was growing up.

I have found that when we travel in southern regions of the United States, it's more difficult to get hot tea served in restaurants. In fact, some don't serve it at all.

"We can heat up some sweet tea in the microwave," one waitress told me.

I appreciated her attempt to be helpful but that's not what I wanted for my breakfast. I also don't like sugar in my tea, so it heated sweet tea did not appeal.

If I travel with my own tea bags, I generally can get a cup of hot water when hot tea isn't served. So that has been one solution.

Which do you prefer, hot or iced tea? Or don't you care? Perhaps you don't drink tea at all.

Tea Time Notes Blogger Published

2009-02-24T11:27:00.000-08:00

Tea Time Notes blogger, Mary Emma Allen has stories featured in the new release, Eternally Yours, an anthology of poetry, light essays, devotions and meditations, edited by Mary Ellen Grisham and published by Xulon Press.

Featuring some of the best Christian writers on the Internet, this book represents work that has appeared in the Eternal Ink E-zine since it’s inception in 1999.

In addition, Mary gives presentations and teaches workshops at schools, libraries, writers’ conferences, and for other groups. Some of her talks include topics such as Alzheimer's and caregiving, quilt history and quiltmaking, New Hampshire history, and writing.

I was pleased when Ms. Grisham selected some of my stories for inclusion in this anthology. It's exciting to encourage and inspire others with my writing.

Tea Parties of the Boston Type

2009-02-24T07:48:00.000-08:00

Tea as a beverage for drinking and tea as a protest...it's been used both ways in American history.

Today, tea is brewing as a protest against President Obama's policies, reminiscent of the Boston Tea Party, when colonists rebelled against British rule and taxation without representation. Tea parties are cropping up all over the U.S.A. as citizens speak out against policies that will lead to greater taxation.

The power of tea! As a calming beverage when you're stressed, a social beverage for gatherings among friends or a symbolic one with overtures of protest as exhibited by the American colonists and citizens today.

Groundswell of Obama Opposition Called a "Tea Party"

More Tea Parties Are Brewing Along with Investigations into Obama's Birth

Will You Grow Herbs for Your Teas?

2009-02-20T18:23:00.000-08:00

I came across an article today that says seed and gardening supply sales are up in spite of the hard economic times. Probably it's because of these hard economic times.

Backyard gardens are especially popular and more people are planning to raise their own vegetables. It's predicted that gardening supply sales will jump 40%. Also, vegetable seed and plant sales are squeezing out the flower sales.

This reminds me even more of the Victory garden era of the World War II years.

For tea drinkers, this might mean that more will raise herbs in their gardens or in window boxes and make their own beverages from them.

What types would you try for tea? Do you have any favorites?

Tea & Party Fare from the Food Bloggers

2009-02-18T18:24:00.000-08:00

The Food Bloggers are a group of us who write about food, recipes and related topics. I hope you enjoy our selection this week and find something that will accompany tea, whether afternoon tea, breakfast or lunch.

A Homemade Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Use fresh or frozen fruit to make a midwinter healthy treat.

Busy Family Meals The best chocolate cookies Cyndi has ever had. Ever!

Butterfinger Buzz A review of Nestle's new caffeinated candy bar -- a twist on an old favorite!

Cooking Gadgets Cyndi has two Smith's Edge knife sharpeners to give away this weekend!

Mardi Gras Cocktail Recipe A delicious recipe for your Mardi Gras celebration

Quilled Pastry Hearts with Key Lime Curd You can make quilled hearts out of paper or get really creative and make them from frozen puff pastry.

School Lunch Variations Mary Emma at Country Kitchen chats about school lunches past and present and gives you a recipe for Mayonnaise Cake.

More About Tracy DiSabato-Aust

2009-02-14T18:26:00.000-08:00

I mentioned Tracy DiSabato-Aust's book launch tea party in a previous post...an idea I thought fascinating. There Tracy was introducing her new book, 50 High-Impact, Low-Care Garden Plants.

I recently wrote about Tracy's gardening blog and her ideas for designing a garden if you don't know where to start. You'll find this on my Gardens Green & Glorious blog under, Learn Gardening Design from Tracy DiSabato-Aust.

So if you enjoy gardening, as well as tea, you'll find Tracy's post of interest.

Happy Valentine's Day from Tea Time Notes

2009-02-14T10:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

May this be a special day for you.

We have been enjoying Valentine's Day flowers, cards and candy. This was a fun day at school yesterday with the Valentine parties.

Today the children in our household are enjoying it, too.

As far as tea...I've been drinking Assam tea today.

Will Obama Increase Tea Drinking?

2009-02-11T10:25:00.000-08:00

Apparently Obama prefers tea, hot and cold, to other beverages. Will this increase tea drinking and tea sales?

According to the Bigelow Tea blog, President Obama Favors Organic Tea, especially chilled Berry Teas. So they and other tea companies apparently are introducing new organics.

Now I have questions...How are organic teas different? What's so special? Where are they raised? How are they processed?

If you have answers, let me know.

Flowers for Valentine Teas

2009-02-09T08:38:00.000-08:00

Have you considered decorating with flowers for a Valentine's Day tea? Or giving a Valentine arrangement to your hostess?

A friend who works in a florist department of a supermarket as a floral designer says that Valentine's Day is the biggest and busiest "flower" day of the year. It starts for them at least two weeks before Valentine's Day when the flowers start coming in.

They must prep the flowers, getting rid of leaves and stems and preparing them for bouquets and arrangements. They must make sure they have enough vases and Valentine related decorations and embellishments.

My friend is very creative, so she's often requested to design special arrangements using her ideas. Flower arranging is an art and not simply putting a mass of flowers into a vase in a hodge podge way.

Silk flowers also are in style and popular because they'll save. Some florest departments work with these, too. However, look for craftspeople who specialize in silk flowers for special occasions.

Craft stores also usually handle silk flowers. They may even hold classes on silk flower arranging.

Are you including flowers into your plans this Valentine's Day...either to give as a gift or to decorate your tea party?

What Are You Planning for Valentine's Day?

2009-02-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Are you planning any parties? Do you have a special tea party in mind? Is there a particular tea you're going to serve?

This was an exciting time when I was a youngster, with parties at school and at home. My mom made this an occasion for us four children, even though she was busy with farm work and housework.

The schools still have Valentine parties. Where I substitute teach, the youngsters in grades K-5 are looking forward to a special afternoon on the day before Valentine's Day because they won't be in school on the 14th.

Adults often celebrate with a special dinner for two, giving flowers and gifts. A friend, who works in a florist shop, says this is the busiest day of the year for them. They start preparing and taking orders two weeks ahead.

At senior centers and nursing homes, they may plan a special Valentine's Day tea, with special decorations. Heart-shaped treats might be served. Valentine's given out to each one attending.

What are you doing for Valentine's Day in your family and your life?

The Delights of Tea Infusers

2009-02-02T19:07:00.000-08:00

Tea Infusers

Tea infusers actually consist of almost any container that holds loose tea you can immerse in boiling water. Some of the more recent ones are glass or plastic inserts that fit into the glass container. My daughter Beth gave me one that has small slits in the bottom of the glass insert for the water to seep through into the glass cup.

I’ve been experimenting with tea bags, loose tea, and tea flowers, trying to decide what works best. I’ve enjoyed using some Earl Grey loose tea I had on hand. The tea flowers Beth gave me also are delightful.

Infuser Facts & Suggestions

In my research, I found a few facts about tea infusers.

*Infusers come in many sizes. Some fit tea pots and others are made for individual cups.
*Infusers are made in many materials.
*Infusers should be fairly large for your teapot or cup.
*To make good tea, the tea needs to have space to “swim” and the water to circulate.
*Tiny infusers made in novelty shapes will crowd your tea so the water doesn’t circulate through the tea leaves well.
*You should have at least twice as much space as utilized by a heaping teaspoon of dry loose tea leaves.

Now I wonder about those cute little tea infusers (sometimes called “tea balls”) I’ve been collecting. Some are no larger than a teaspoon of loose tea. One that I have is shaped like a teaspoon with a snap over top and will only hold a teaspoonful of tea.

Tea Infusers & Tea Flowers

2009-02-02T18:38:00.000-08:00

I like to try different types of tea and collect tea accessories.

For Christmas, my daughter gave me a glass mug with tea infuser. I’d seen one of these…a glass tea pot with infuser when Jim and I had dinner with friends. But I hadn’t realized they came as individual tea makers.

Tea Flowers

The package also included a “tea flower” consisting of green tea scented with jasmine flowers. This made delicious tea, actually cup after cup to keep me going the whole afternoon.

In checking out information about tea flowers, I discovered they’re tea leaves hand sewn together in various bud shapes using different types of tea. When these flowers are steeped in hot water, they unfurl into attractive leafy arrangements. If you use glass tea pots or cups, you can watch the flowers take shape.

Tea Accompanied with Ideas from the Food Bloggers

2009-01-26T09:26:00.000-08:00

The Food Bloggers are a group of bloggers who enjoy sharing their recipes or write blogs related to recipes, foods, health and nutrition, and cooking. They have some up with some more recipes that you may be able to serve with tea or at tea parties.

Alphabet Cake Pan Personalize your birthday cake with an alphabet cake pan. Make their initials, or their age in cake!
Busy Family Meals Vindaloo sauce can be used to flavor meats, but we like it best as a vegetarian delight!
Chocolate Covered Buttercrunch Bars Chocolate and buttercrunch treats made with a surprise ingredient.
Cooking Gadgets Space saving genius: collapsible colanders!
Horehound Drops A herbal home remedy for a sore throat or cough.
Old Woodenware Stirs Memories Mary Emma, at Country Kitchen, finds that old kitchen woodenware brings back memories of cooking in the farmhouse kitchen of childhood.
Super Bowl Snack: Edamame "Hummus" A delicious thick dip made with edamame, tofu and avocado The Experts' Suggestions to Curb Nighttime Noshing Most of the registered dieticians and diet websites Jean found as she tries to curb her nightly noshing habit have pretty specific suggestions to help.

Have fun as you try these. Let me know if there is something you particularly enjoy with your tea.

A Book Launch Tea Party - What a Grand Idea!

2009-01-19T18:55:00.000-08:00

I just visited Tracy DeSabato-Aust's blog and learned of a fascinating idea - A Book Launch Tea Party. Tracy describes this gathering of friends to celebrate the launching of her new book, 50 High-Impact Low-Care Garden Plants.

Don't you simply love this idea? There are so many variations you can develop whether you're launching a fiction, non-fiction, children's or adult's book.

Some tea parties might be costume ones.
For others you could wear a hat.
Foods served could be some mentioned in the book.
If you do have a tea party in your book, recreate it at your launch.
You also could arrange a virtual online tea party launch.
If your book is set in a different country, find teas served there.

If you've ever had a tea party book launch, do share with us.

Do You Find Old Kitchen Woodenware Fascinating?

2009-01-19T10:24:00.000-08:00

Although this isn't strictly a Tea Time topic, old kitchen woodenware could come in handy for it's decorative effect at tea parties. You might have some of your own, handed down in the family, like I do. Or perhaps you simply enjoy collecting antiques. Even modern woodenware looks lovely.

I've written a post over at Country Kitchen, about old woodenware evoking memories, that you might enjoy.

A Tea Party Accompanies a Beauty Break

2009-01-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

Tea Parties seem appropriate most everywhere. The other day, as I conducted a skin care and make-up Beauty Break session at a friend's home, she combined this with a tea party for refreshments.

After I analyzed the gals' faces, then showed them how to use the skin care and make-up items, we chatted over cups of tea and dainty cookies. Since it was just after the Christmas holidays, the hostess had some pressed cookies with red and green decorations, as well as sugar-free cookies since her mom, who attended, is diabetic. Pretty napkins and dainty cups completed the arrangement.

Gathering around a cup of tea seems to enhance friendships and create a festive atmosphere.

Tea Party with J K Rowling

2009-01-05T17:31:00.000-08:00

A month ago, I wrote about a tea party with Harry Potter author, J K Rowling, some children in England would be attending. This was a highly publicized event celebrating of the release of Rowling's new book, Tales of Beedle the Bard.

I was wondered if anyone attended the tea party who reads any of my blogs. It would be fun if you'd leave a comment and let us know how you enjoyed this special tea party. Was Mom as excited as you?

Were there any other tea parties going on to note this occasion...in libraries, bookstores, homes, schools? If so, what were they like?

Happy New Year's from Tea Time Notes

2009-01-01T08:33:00.000-08:00

May 2009 be a wonderful year for you.

It's cold (3 degrees F.) and windy here where I live.

But we're looking forward to a grand 2009.

Planning In-Home Tea Parties

2008-12-30T12:34:00.000-08:00

Tea Party

One of the latest innovations for in-home parties involves tea, according to the blogger at Tea Sippers. She tells about David Pilhirney, who owns a tea store in Calgary, Canada.

He conducts in-home parties with various types of tea, tea history, and conversation. This could generate tea sales at the party and serve as great PR for his business.

This is an idea others might like to try. There are so many variations and possibilities.

Perhaps you've attended or hosted an in-home tea party. Share your experience with us.

Watching for Santa Over a Cup of Tea

2008-12-24T18:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve

The grandkids excitedly anticipated the wonders of Christmas and informed us they could watch Santa's progress by satellite. Simply check into the Norad site and follow on the map as Santa makes his way around the world to the United States.

So while I enjoyed a cup of tea, we watched Santa's progress. This also is a fascinating way for youngsters to learn geography and facts about different countries.

They finally gave up and went to bed as Santa headed toward South America. He has a few hours yet to reach our country.

Have you ever watched Santa via satellite? What will they think of next!

Tea and Cookies Galore

2008-12-23T20:08:00.000-08:00

After Bible Study tonight at church, we had cookies, tea, coffee or punch and conversation...a time to exchange Christmas greetings and enjoy friendship. Several of the ladies contributed homemade cookies of various types:

Cranberry Nut Jumbles
Coconut Drops
Krispy Rice Bars
Sugar Cookies with a dab of jam in the center
Frosted Sugar Cookies
Brownies
Chocolate Tarts with Whipped Cream
Chocolate Drop Cookies with cherry in the center

(I know there were more, but I can't recall them all right now.)

What kinds of cookies do you serve with tea during the holidays?

Check Out the Quilt Book Giveaway at Quilting and Patchwork

2008-12-21T13:23:00.001-08:00

Giveaway

If you're a quilter or simply like giveaways, why not stop over at Quilting and Patchwork and participate in the Giveaway of a Mini Quilt Book. It's in progress over there.

Do you like to sit down over a cup of tea and browse through quilt books or discuss them with another quilter? This can be relaxing and inspiring.

Perhaps you're not a quilter yourself, but know of someone who would enjoy this book by Patricia Mainardi.

Tea Cup Ornaments

2008-12-17T18:44:00.000-08:00

You can find ornaments for Christmas trees and other types of holiday decorations in the form of tea cups! A friend gave me one a couple years ago that was a tea cup with saucer attached. Another time there was a small teapot.

Recently I saw a tea cup ornament with a tiny dog inside.

Do you have any tea cup or tea party related ornaments?

Enjoy the Offerings of the Food Bloggers - You May Find Something to Serve With Tea

2008-12-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

Food Bloggers

Here are the Food Bloggers again, with treats and ideas to share. Enjoy!

BlogTalkRadio's In the Kitchen BlogTalkRadio's "In the Kitchen" features the Women's Day food editors offering their tips and ideas for making the best dishes possible. This week they discussed budget friendly holiday cooking tips.

Busy Family Meals Jenna Pepper shares her expertise on how to get kids to try new foods!

Collecting Tea Pots and Tea Cups Mary Emma, at Tea Time Notes, chats about collecting tea cups and those she obtained from boxes of soap detergent many years ago.

Cooking Gadgets Giftybox is the unique way to give cooking classes or winery tours to those on your gift list...now at a special discount for our readers!

Power Food Follow-Up Following up on last week's Power Foods blog, Jean decided to share a few tasty recipes that “fit the (power) bill”.

Spiced Carmelized Pecans A perfect treat for your holiday parties.

Win Sauce...and a Microwave from Bertolli This week an appliance...next week steaks. Cookerati has a giveaway a week in December.

Tea Pots and Tea Cups

2008-12-06T19:50:00.000-08:00

I’ve seen a festive tea pot with holiday design at the local thrift shop where my daughter and I often stop for unique as well as useful items. If it’s there the next time we visit, I think it was meant for me to acquire.

I also look for interesting tea cups for serving tea on various occasions or simply to use myself. Today I found (at our local recycling facility…formerly called “the dump”…a Golden Wheat tea cup and saucer. This brought back memories because that was the first set of dishes Jim and I owned.

Where did they come from? Boxes of soap detergent. There was a promotion for Golden Wheat in the detergent my mother-in-law purchased (to wash laundry for a family of 10) She collected this dishware for us and accumulated a set of 4. The only other item I have left after 48 years is a soup bowl.

What do you collect for tea cups?

Tea With JK Rowing...What Fun!

2008-12-04T08:52:00.000-08:00

Tea Party

To celebrate the release of her latest book, The Tales of Beedle the Bard, famed author JK Rowling invited approximately 200 school children to enjoy tea with her. What an exciting experience!

Read more about this at my One Book Two Book blog. This book is a spin-off of sorts from the latest Harry Potter book, Deathly Hallows.

I wonder what they had for tea and refreshments. Possibly something with a Scottish influence since this was to take place in Edinburgh.

More Tea Time with Alzheimer's Patients

2008-12-04T05:46:00.000-08:00

If you are considering tea parties for the Alzheimer's patients or other caregivers in your life...and they can be such fun activities for all of you...you might like to check out these posts at my Alzheimer's Notes blog.

Tea Time at Alzheimer's Notes - Caregivers Sharing
Tea Time at Alzheimer's Notes - Tea Time With Mother

Enjoy Giveaways? Here Are Some With Gifts for the Youngsters in Your Life

2008-12-04T04:49:00.000-08:00

One Book Two Book Giveaways

If you're a fan of giveaways, you'll find a series of them at a blog I co-author, One Book Two Book, running from Dec. 2-7.

Check out the rules and leave comments at the following links. You can enter any or all of the giveaways. These will make great Christmas gifts for youngsters, too. Enjoy!

Book Swim Giveaway
Readeez DVD Giveaway
Baby Can Read Giveaway
Wii Pop Star Guitar Giveaway
Fly Me To The Moon Giveaway
Giveaway - Celebrity Arthur Book from Speakaboos
Giveaway - Countdown to Bedtime Soundbooks
Giiveaway - ECO Baby Organic Playdough
Baby Potential Teacher Onesie Giveaway
Natural Pod Giveaway
RideMakerz Giveaway
Happy Green Bee Giveaway
Mead Writing Fundamentals Giveaway

Snowy Day Tea Time

2008-11-28T06:03:00.000-08:00

When the snow flutters down, lightly and softly this morning in New Hampshire, it's time for another cup of tea. What flavor shall I choose?

Perhaps a cup of Chai spice black tea. This should keep me going at my writing and business bookkeeping. Also, the aroma is so nice. My grandson comes into the room, "Nanny, what smells so spicy and good?"

What tea would you choose for a snowy day?

Also, you might like to read about our first snowfall of winter, which occurred earlier in the week.

http://www.alzheimersnotes.com/snowy-day-activities-memories-with-alzheimers-patients/
http://www.quiltingandpatchwork.com/2008/11/25/the-first-snowfall-a-day-for-fun-and-quilting-inspiration/
http://www.onebooktwobook.com/snow-snow-everywhere/

Enjoy!

Suggestions & Lists to Aid Your Christmas Shopping

2008-11-27T12:28:00.000-08:00

Super Shopping

To aid you in preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday and your other shopping, I've compiled lists and suggestions at my b5media blogs: One Book Two Book, Quilting and Patchwork, and Alzheimer's Notes.

One Book Two Book:2008 Holiday Gift Guide (Mary Emma)

Quilting & Patchwork:2008 Holiday Gift Guide for Quilters & Fabric Artists

Alzheimer's Notes:Holiday Shopping for Alzheimer's Caregivers

Did you find one list more helpful than another? If so, which one?

ENJOY!

Happy Thanksgiving from Tea Time Notes

2008-11-27T06:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

We've been busy this morning getting the turkey ready. Yes, we're having the traditional turkey. My hubby selected it so has been monitoring the preparations. After I made the stuffing ("like Mother used to make!"), I left the rest to him. The engineer in him cooks to precision.

My daughter has been preparing her special recipes to add to our menu. She made her daughter's request of "glop" for breakfast...a combination of bread cubes, eggs, sausage, cheese, and milk. Some of us like that, while others have something else. (We live in a multi-generational home with six family members, a dog, guinea pig, and rabbit.)

Yes, I had my cup (actually two by now) of English Breakfast Tea with my serving of glop.

Perhaps you'd like to see my Thankful Poem, a project on my Quilting and Patchwork blog.

How about writing your own Thankful Poem this weekend? Or any time of year?

Tea Time Mystery Parties

2008-11-25T14:14:00.000-08:00

What fun! Tea Time Mystery Parties!

Have you ever thought of holding a mystery tea? I'd never thought of it either until I learned about the murder mystery teas in a kit that Maxine Holmgren organizes at Maxine Mystery Tea Parties. In fact, she's made a business of this, providing mystery scripts she's written, along with recipes, invitations, and other items for the complete tea party.

There's also an interesting article, Tea, scones and a murder mystery, by Hope Pierson that gives some details about Maxine and her parties, which now have become popular beyond her home area of Sun City, AZ.

Sources of Tea Cups

2008-11-17T16:48:00.000-08:00

Tea Cups & Saucers

Since it's not so easy to find fancy tea cups and saucers nowadays, when mugs are so prominent, I'll offer a few suggestions here. The ease of finding them depends on whether you want complete sets (of 4 or 6 or more) or will settle for single ones you mix and match.

Check out:

Stores that sell china

Second hand stores

Antique and collectibles shops

Auctions and estate sales

Also look here for:

Portmeirion Botanic Garden Tea Cup & Saucer; set of 6

Soul Mates Cup & Saucer

Camouflage Cup & Saucer - Butterfly Design

Demitasse Cups & Saucers; set of 6

Tea Glass Set of 2

Do you have a favorite tea cup and saucer?

Tea Cups & Saucers

2008-11-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

Cups and Saucers

"What's a saucer?" a youngster asked me. "Is that a flying saucer?"

Nowadays, most children don't know what saucers for cups are. Most people drink their hot beverages from mugs, whereas we ALWAYS used saucers for tea and coffee cups when I was growing up.

The coffee cups were larger than the tea cups and not so dainty. However, they usually came with saucers. My dad used the saucer for cooling his coffee and tea, pouring some of the hot liquid into the saucer, blowing on it, then taking sips from it. (Mother objected to his doing this when we had guests!)

Mugs for Beverages

Then mugs gradually came into being. When these larger cups (generally coffee cup size) without saucers appeared, my mother thought they were "uncivilized."

She gradually changed her mind and began using decorative mugs herself. Mother kept the tea cups and saucers for serving tea to guests.

Do you use cups and saucers or mainly mugs?

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Tea Time With Tasha Tudor

2008-11-11T19:01:00.000-08:00

A Special Memory

When someone mentions the custom of afternoon tea, my thoughts often go back to sharing tea with children’s author Tasha Tudor in her country home many years ago. I was an aspiring young writer at that time, and this well known children’s author/illustrator invited me to meet with her to discuss writing.

Why she decided to make time for me in her busy schedule, I'll never know. However, I'll always be grateful for that lovely afternoon and the encouragement Tasha Tudor gave me which kept me going when I sometimes wondered if I'd become a published children’s author/illustrator.

Tea at the Fireplace

Tasha Tudor heated the water in a tea kettle hung on a crane in the large fireplace of her rustic living room. Once the water had boiled and we waited for the tea to steep in the pot, the author made cinnamon toast on a rack over the fire.

When my parents, who were visiting from another state, stopped to pick me up after their drive around the countryside, Tasha Tudor insisted they come in for a cup of tea.
That was one of the highlights of my mom’s life, too...tea with an author.

Encouragement

As I've become a published author, I've always remembered the time Tasha Tudor spent with me that fall afternoon and have tried to encourage beginning writers, too. She's an example of a author who unselfishly gave of her time and knowledge to a fledgling writer.

Her encouragement, and words of caution about the tough times, helped keep me going when I wondered if I'd ever be published.

(c)2001 Mary Emma Allen

Books for further enjoyment:

Pumpkin Moonshine: Tasha's first published book

Drawn from New England by Bethany Tudor (Biography of Tasha's life written by her daughter;

The Private World of Tasha Tudor by Tasha Tudor and Richard W. Brown

The Tasha Tudor Cookbook: Recipes and Reminiscences from Corgi Cottage by Tasha Tudor

Tasha Tudor's Garden by Tovah Martin; Richard W. Brown, photographer

Vegan Cookies With Your Tea

2008-11-10T14:02:00.000-08:00

Would you like to serve vegan cookies with your tea?

The 20 Most Delicious Vegan Cookie Recipes Ever ebook features recipes for the vegan lover who wants to "Eat a Cookie! Save a Planet!"

Developed vegan Kirsten Nissen, this ebook offers you cookies made from organic ingredients for many occasions and tastes.

Check out what Kirsten has to say (link above) about these recipes and why she developed them.

Do you have vegan cookie recipes to share?

Tea Pots, Tea Cups & Accessories

2008-11-10T04:40:00.000-08:00

Tea Pots & More

Where do you find your tea pots, tea cups, and tea accessories? Do you have a favorite store or online outlet?

Do you collect matching sets? Or do you collect whatever strikes your fancy and serve odds and ends, hit and miss?

Have your items been handed down from previous generations? Did you find them in antique and collectible stores? Do you buy yours from upscale or discount stores?

No matter where your items come from, they can be special to you.

Traditional First Lady Tea

2008-11-09T19:58:00.001-08:00

First Lady Tea

Apparently it's traditional for the First Lady to invite the First Lady Elect to the White House after Election Day for tea. So, according to this, Laura Bush will be entertaining Michelle Obama for tea and talk.

I wonder if the menu will be posted anywhere. What kind of tea did they sip? Did they have tea cakes and sandwiches? It would be fun to know and perhaps even a recipe or two.

When did this tradition start? A lovely one to carry on.

Controversial Tea Time Gatherings May Be Banned

2008-11-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

Tea Time Controversy

Can you believe it? Tea time gatherings and chats may be banned for this group of seven seniors, ranging in age from 69 to 96. They are deemed too noisy and anti-social as they gather on the benches outside their living complex in England.

Apparently they talk too loudly for the satisfaction of some neighbors. For most, this is their main pleasure of the day...gathering with their friends for a cup of tea and chat and fresh air.

Hopefully, if their benches are removed, another place to gather will be found.

What do you think of the situation?

Collecting Tea Time Accessories

2008-11-02T18:16:00.000-08:00

Tea Accessories

Tea lovers often enjoy collecting tea accessories, those items that accompany tea use and tea parties. Such as:

Tea strainers
Teaspoons, antique and/or souvenir ones
Tea balls
Cups and saucers
Mugs
Teapots
Christmas tree ornaments shaped like teapots
Tea strainers

What do you collect?

Do You Have a Special Tea Cup?

2008-10-30T20:01:00.000-07:00

Tea Cups

Do you have a special tea cup that you like to use when you enjoy your tea?

A mug
A fine china cup with saucer
A mug or cup with flowers
A unique shaped mug
A cup you received as a gift
A cup with special saying
A different cup for different occasions
Seasonal cups

Years ago, we always used saucers with our cups, whether the smaller, daintier tea cups or the larger coffee cups. Nowadays mugs are so very popular. In fact, I don't think I have any saucers except with a dinner set of my aunt's.

What do you prefer?

What Is Your Favorite Tea?

2008-10-29T06:27:00.001-07:00

Favorites?

With so many teas to choose from, it's difficult to name just one favorite. I also enjoy discovering new teas, too.

If I had to choose one, I'd probably have to say English Breakfast Tea (or Irish Breakfast Tea) for the all around standard. Darjeeling runs a close second.

Earl Grey is nice for a change, but usually not for breakfast. It's a nice afternoon refresher.

If I'm in the mood for a tea without caffeine, I can find a wide range of herb teas to choose from. Something with raspberry in it is always nice.

Let's hear about your favorite(s).

Tea Time at Bloggy Giveaways Carnival

2008-10-27T16:38:00.000-07:00

Bloggy Giveaways

We're participating, here at Tea Time, in the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival. This periodic event looms large in the world of bloggers, both for those who host giveaways on their blogs and those who visit thorughout the blogosphere.

At Tea Time, I'm offering a box (100 tea bags) of Zsenso Orange Pekoe & Cut Black Teas as the giveaway, the recipient chosen in a random drawing. It's a tea I enjoy.

Giveaway Guidelines

The giveaway is open to those who live in the United States or have a mailing address here. The dates are Oct. 27-31, at 11:59 AM eastern.

Leave a comment below. (Include your e-mail address in the sign-in procedure, so I’ll know how to contact you. E-mail addresses are not made public.)

Share with us your favorite tea and/or tea time tradition.

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

ENGLISH AFTERNOON TEA

2008-10-26T18:07:00.000-07:00

"Cream Tea" Time

Scones typically are served with English "Cream Tea, " I've been informed. Two scones accompanying a pot of good tea, form the basis of this meal.

You split and butter the scone, then spread it with a big dollop of strawberry jam and cover with whipped heavy cream.

SCONES - Sift together 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon salt. With pastry blender or knives, cut in 1/2 cup butter or margarine.

Add 2 slightly beaten eggs and mix with a fork until mixture forms a ball. Roll into a circle about 1/2-inch thick and 8 inches in diameter. Cut into 8 wedges.

Bake at 400 degrees F. about 15 minutes or until golden. Split and serve with butter, jam, and to be truly English...whipped cream.

(c)Mary Emma Allen

VARIATIONS OF SCONES & BANNOCKS

2008-10-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

Various Recipes for Scones & Bannocks

Numerous recipes have evolved for scones with some calling for rolled oats along with flour. In another recipe for dropped scones, the cook stirs hot mashed potatoes into the ingredients before booking.

(Some cooks do not consider the dropped scone, spooned onto a griddle or baking sheet, as you drop cookies, a true scone.)

Scones with Currants

When I described a scone recipe calling for currants, an English acquaintance said that true scones are never filled with currants. There are “Fruit Scones,” she said, but they use golden raisins. Or sultanas.

However, some scone recipes (which therefore may not be completely English) do contain dark raisins, currants, and even dried fruit.

More Scone Variations

An Englishman told me his mother always left a pint of milk to sour and separate. Then she used the curds in her scone recipe.

Some variations he mentioned have glace or candied cherries in them. Another recipe calls for a tablespoon of black treacle (molasses in American recipes).

SCONES – Sift together 2 cups flour, ½ cup sugar, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ¾ teaspoon salt. With pastry blender or knives, cut in ½ cup butter or margarine.

Add 2 slightly beaten eggs and mix with a fork until mixture forms a ball. Roll into a circle about ½-inch thick and 8 inches in diameter. Cut into 8 wedges.

Bake at 400 degrees F. about 15 minutes, or until golden. Split and serve with butter, jam, and to be truly English…whipped cream.

Related Post: Tea Time With Scones & Bannocks

©2008 Mary Emma Allen

TEA TIME WITH SCONES & BANNOCKS

2008-10-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

Tea Time Discussion

Scones and bannocks for tea time set the stage for a memorable occasion. I recall my mother-in-law relating the break for afternoon tea when they toured England and Scotland. Two of the foods they raved about were scones and bannocks.

Stories vary about the origin of these items. Some research indicates Scottish cooks first made scones. However, the origin of this simple food is hazy. It’s served throughout England, Scotland, and Wales with regional variations.

An English reader of my cooking columns said there are two ways to pronounce scones. Some people say it rhymes with stone and others rhyme with corn. You can use either, he says.

Scones vs. Bannocks

In general, scones are rolled into a circle, then cut into triangles and put onto a greased and floured cookie sheet to bake. Sometimes they’re cooked on a griddle and called “griddle scones.”

Also, some English cooks cut scones into 2 or 3-inch rounds with a cookie cutter. Then they bake the scones as we do biscuit in America.

Bannocks usually are baked as a whole circle, in the oven or on a griddle. After they’re cooked, the bannock is cut into triangles. It’s generally agreed that bannocks probably originated in Scotland.

I was told that true scones are never baked as a large circle. If someone did want to shape it this way, they should cut deeply into the top of the scone and divide it into eighths. In other words, score the scone before baking.

(In my next post, I'll discuss variations of scones and bannocks, with recipes.)

©2008 Mary Emma Allen

Updates at Tea Time News & Notes

2008-10-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

I find so many people are interested in tea, tea accompaniments, and tea parties. So I'll be updating this blog more frequently as I delve more into this topic and look for items that will enhance your tea parties.

Also, where can you find a tea party to attend?

Where can you learn about tea party etiquette? Do they have classes?

What are the different types of tea parties throughout the world?

Share in the comments your tea party experiences.

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Glove Boxes and Tea Parties

2008-09-11T19:12:00.000-07:00

Tea Time News and Notes

“Those were glove boxes,” the gentleman remarked when I showed him two wooden boxes (about 5 x9x2-inches) connected by a 24-inch piece of wood.

They had set on the dresser in the guest room of the farmhouse where I grew up. I’d always thought they had been used for storing jewelry and handkerchiefs.Apparently ladies stored their several pairs of gloves in these boxes. Probably the ladies also placed hankies here, too, as my aunt did when she visited and used the guest room.

Why Mention Glove Boxes?

Why am I writing about gloves boxes? This reminded me of Victorian tea parties when ladies and young girls wore gloves and hats if they visited someone’s home. When I was a girl, we weren’t considered well-dressed for church and formal occasions unless we wore gloves and hats.

No, I’m not of the Victorian tea party era, but I grew up with a tea tradition in my family. It was a sign of hospitality to offer a cup of tea. Even after Mother lived in the nursing home with Alzheimer’s, she enjoyed the tea parties when my grandchildren (her great grands) and I visited her.

So…when the gentleman, who was looking at some of my other old furniture, noticed the glove boxes and told me about their use, I was reminded of tea parties and tea time traditions.

Tea Parties Popular Topic

I’ve also discovered that tea and tea parties and accompanying recipes are popular topics. One lady remarked that reading my Country Kitchen newspaper column was like sitting down and chatting with me over a cup of tea.

I hope I make you feel welcome and that you enjoy our “chats” on the many and diverse topics I discover to share with you.

Tea party foods are varied

There are traditional English teas. Then Americanized versions. My grandmother and aunt might have freshly baked bread with churned butter and homemade jelly. Auntie usually had cookies, too.At the nursing home, Mother enjoyed muffins we picked up at a fast food restaurant. The grandchildren liked them or cookies we might bring with us.

CRAZY QUILT BREAD might be a fun recipe to try for serving with tea. Mix together ½ cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 ¼ cups milk, 3 cups biscuit mix; beat quickly for 30 seconds. Batter should be somewhat lumpy. Stir in ½ cup mixed candied fruit and ½ cup chopped nuts.

Pour into a greased and floured 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 45-50 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. There probably will be a crack on the top. Cool before slicing.(Variation; You may want to bake it in a 9-inch square pan at same temperature but for less time.)

©2008 Mary Emma Allen

Mary Emma Allen researches and writes from her NH home or during her travels. Visit her latest blog The “Green” Vagabond Traveler (http://greenvagabondtraveler.blogspot.com/).

A Never Ending Tea Cup Collection

2006-06-15T15:41:00.000-07:00

As I browsed through the tea cups at a second hand store recently, I realized my family would exclaim, “Not another tea cup!” if I brought any more home. However, this didn’t deter me.

There I’ll find odds and ends and don’t feel I need to buy a matched set of specific number. Dainty tea cups, cups with saucers, and mugs all catch my attention. Some remind me of tea time at my grandmother’s with dainty cups or gazing at my aunt’s collection of souvenir cups and saucers she displayed, but didn’t use.

My mom began to gather tea cups and coffee mugs in her later years. When I packed to move her from her home to mine, as her Alzheimer’s progressed, I came across numerous tea cups…some she’d purchased and more given her by friends and family.

Sharing a cup of tea with family and visitors had been a sign of hospitality for her mother and later for my mom. So the tea cups accumulated.

Sharing Tea Party Ideas

Since I often write about tea, tea parties, and tea memorabilia, readers frequently e-mail me, to share their experiences or ask questions.

One reader told how her club decided to have a tea party with each person bringing a tea cup and sharing information about it. It could be a cup handed down in their family, one given by a special friend, or one they purchased simply because they liked it.

When a lady in a distant state asked me about tea party ideas for an organization whose activities she planned, I suggested that each person bring a tea cup or mug and share the story. It also might be a good idea to have some extra cups on hand in case someone didn’t have one to bring. She thought this an excellent idea; I’m waiting to hear how it turned out.

Seasonal Tea Cups

Now that spring is here, it’s time to pack away the mugs with snowmen on them and other winter scenes. We’ll bring out those with flowers, birds, and other warm weather decorations.

Since, in our multi-generational household, it difficult to find space for saucers in our kitchen closets, we usually don’t use these items. However, I do like to have them on hand occasionally so the grandchildren know this is part of the ritual of serving tea.

(c)2006 Mary Emma Allen

(I'd enjoy having you share your tea time traditions with me. E-mail: me.allen@juno.com )

The Fascinating World of Tea Cups

2006-06-13T19:32:00.000-07:00

Within the world of tea parties, lies the hobby of collecting teacups and learning about their use. This interest also can evolve into accumulating teapots and tea sets, tea and tea party related items…whatever you have space for displaying and storing.

My daughter’s and my problem is finding room in our multi-generational household for displaying and storing those we’ve collected or have had handed down from pervious generations. Currently some of these are packed away in boxes.

At one house where my daughter lived, there was a large old-fashioned kitchen with space on top of cabinets, which ranged the room. Here she displayed teapots, fruit jars, and cookie jars.

Collecting Tea Cups

One of my aunts collected teacups and saucers in her travels and displayed them in her dining room, in a china cabinet and on shelves. Some were decorated with floral and fruit designs; others might have a picture noting the placed where she purchased it. Interspersed among her tea cups were plates from various states she visited.

I recall, as a child, being fascinated by Aunt Freda’s collection. I enjoyed listening to her tell me where and how she acquired them. They somewhat told a story about portions of her life.

A friend collects teacups and mugs to give away. When she needs a thank you or birthday gift, she often places a cup and saucer or mug in a napkin lined basked, some tea bags or packets of hot chocolate. She also might include some cookie treats to accompany them.

Cups and Saucers

When my daughter picked up a pretty saucer at a second hand store and my grandson asked what it was for, I realized that we’d gotten into the habit of using mugs for all our beverages. The grandchildren didn’t know that once cups were always used with saucers.

Most people nowadays use mugs. These often keep the beverage hot longer and make for fewer dishes to wash and store. However, mugs have come into frequent use fairly recently. I don’t think my mom or grandmother even possessed a mug during the days of my childhood. They generally used saucers with cups even though it meant more dishes to wash.

This was a place for laying your spoon after adding sugar and stirring your beverage. You also could place your tea bag here, instead of trying to find a space where it wouldn’t soil the table or tablecloth.

Some people also used saucers for cooling hot beverages! I recall my dad and the hired man pouring their coffee into their saucers, blowing onto it, then tipping the saucer to their lips. This practice was considered acceptable, at least at home. (I don’t think Father ever did this when dining out.)

Tea Versus Coffee Cups

There also was a distinction between tea and coffee cups, as I recall. Those for serving coffee were larger than the ones we used for tea. From this probably evolved the coffee mug that didn’t need a saucer.

Also, in older recipes, like those found in my aunt’s handwritten notebook, you find instructions, which call for a coffee cup or teacup of ingredients. In those days before sets of measuring cups could be purchased, homemakers used a coffee cup when they wanted a larger amount.

QUICK QUICHE to serve at tea time: Grease a pie plate or quiche dish. You can spray with vegetable spray instead.

Using cut-up cooked vegetables like broccoli, carrots, peas, cauliflower, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, etc., place them in the dish. Then add 1 to 2 cups grated cheese of your choice, such as Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mozzarella.

Stir or blend 4 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 cup biscuit mix, salt and pepper until well mixed. Pour these over the vegetables and cheese. (You can use low fat milk and cheese, as well as low fat biscuit mix.)

Bake about 35 minutes at 350 degrees F. until tests done.

©2005 Mary Emma Allen

(Mary Emma Allen writes from her multigenerational home in New Hampshire. She also writes for children and teaches writing and family history workshops. Visit her web site: http://homepage.fcgnetworks.net/jetent/mea; E-mail: me.allen@juno.com

A Tea Party Heritage

2006-06-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

“Do you know where I can take my children for tea parties?” a reader asked me.
This mother explained that she and her daughters thought it would be fun if they could dress up and attend an old-fashioned tea party.

The ladies at our church decided they’d have a tea party during refreshment time at their annual Ladies Day, using fancy teapots and cups complete with saucers. Accompanying this would be dainty tea time treats.

My mother-in-law related one of the highlights of a tour she and Dad took to the British Isles. She enjoyed afternoon tea served at the various restaurants where they stopped mid-afternoon. Mum mentioned a variety of dainty sandwiches, scones, crumpets and cookies that accompanied tea time.

Tea Parties

Some favorite memories of my grandmother consist of afternoon tea at her home. Every day, at three o’clock, she and my aunts would stop whatever they were doing and take a break. Nanny always had a cup of tea and my aunts usually coffee. Accompanying this might be fresh homemade bread or cake and cookies. What fun to join them.

Whenever friends visited my grandmother in her home or my parents at our farm, tea often was served along with the discussion. In later years, when I traveled several hours to care for my mom, we’d sit down to tea as soon as I arrived. Then we could discuss family news and my mother’s business.

When Alzheimer’s disease necessitated that my mom receive care in a nursing home, our tea parties continued. There might be just the two of us sharing tea and muffins. Or my grandchildren, who enjoyed visiting their great grandmother, participated in this family ritual.

Children’s Tea Parties

My sister and I had tea parties with our dolls and stuffed animals. I still have a few pieces from these tiny tea sets that we received for Christmas and birthday gifts.

We sat our dolls at a small table or on the couch, then served “pretend” tea with bits of cookies. Our cups contained water or juice.

My granddaughter, too, enjoyed tea parties when she was small. Nowadays, tea is my favorite hot beverage and I try various flavors depending on my mood.

Perhaps this tradition would make a fun album to create through one of the family heritage scrapbooking classes I teach.

(c) Copyright Mary Emma Allen

Tea Time, a Popular Tradition

2006-06-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

Of all the writing I've done about foods throughout the years, the articles and columns I've published about tea time, tea traditions, tea implements, and accompanying recipes have been most popular. At least I never fail to receive letters and now e-mails about this beverage and the traditions surrounding it.

I thought I'd devote a blog to the topic, posting some of my articles here, along with new informaton and insights.

I hope you enjoy this blog and will share with me some of your traditions.

(Mary Emma Allen, me.allen@juno.com )