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.
Showing posts with label tea parties. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tea parties. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Thursday, February 05, 2009
What Are You Planning for Valentine's Day?
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?
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?
Monday, January 26, 2009
Tea Accompanied with Ideas from the Food Bloggers
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.
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.
Monday, January 19, 2009
A Book Launch Tea Party - What a Grand Idea!
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.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Planning In-Home Tea Parties
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.
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.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Tea With JK Rowing...What Fun!
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.
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
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
Tea Time at Alzheimer's Notes - Caregivers Sharing
Tea Time at Alzheimer's Notes - Tea Time With Mother
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tea Time Mystery Parties
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.
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.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Sources of Tea Cups
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
Camouflage Cup & Saucer - Butterfly Design
Demitasse Cups & Saucers; set of 6
Do you have a favorite tea cup and saucer?
Monday, November 10, 2008
Vegan Cookies With Your Tea
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?
Monday, November 03, 2008
Controversial Tea Time Gatherings May Be Banned
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?
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Updates at Tea Time News & Notes
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
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
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Glove Boxes and Tea Parties
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/).
“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/).
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