Innehållsförteckning för September - October 2006 från TeaTime

A few years ago when a friend suggested I read a new and extremely popular book about a middle-aged Episcopal priest, I did just that and found that I was enthralled by the engaging book that told the story of life in a small village. As soon as I finished reading At Home in Mitford, I hurried to the local bookshop to find the next in the series. As I read book after book, I was quite charmed by the author’s work and wanted to know more about her. Here was a successful writer who had completely captivated the book scene, become a New York Times best selling author, and had done it all without resorting to foul language or steamy romance scenes. In addition, she had not been endorsed…

Pearls of Wisdom As the last of the summer breezes is ushered out by the chill winds of autumn, we slip away to the garden for quiet reflection. Though the blooms are spent and the vivid colors paled, there is still inspiration to be found here. Fall is the perfect time to review our successes and setbacks, both in the garden and in our own lives. As the garden is preparing to renew itself, so, too, are we. And like the bulbs that are sleeping below our path, we will awake in spring, refreshed and ready, with steady steps toward our common goal: full bloom. Retreat to the garden with cups of comfort poured from a beautiful tea set patterned after one created for the Rothschild family in 1850. Featuring…

Q My husband has been appointed to a high level position in Washington, D. C. I have been told we will be attending formal dinners where the “turning of the table” is important. Please explain what it means and how it affects my husband and me. A Knowing this social nuance will label you a great guest. The “turning of the table” is the responsibility of the host/hostess and the guests. The hostess talks to the guest on her right—the guest of honor—during the first course. She gently terminates her conversation and turns to the guest on her left when the second course is served, and so on with additional courses. The savvy guest will watch for this “turn” and do likewise. In actual practice, diners try to converse right…

SWEET POTATO SCONES Makes 12 scones 2¼ cups all-purpose flour ⅓ cup firmly packed brown sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon salt ⅓ cup butter 1 cup cooked mashed sweet potato ⅓ cup heavy cream 3 tablespoons chopped pecans 3 tablespoons shredded coconut 1 egg white, lightly beaten 1. Preheat oven to 400°. Lightly grease baking sheet. 2. In medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Using pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 3. Stir in potato and cream until soft dough forms, working mixture with hands if necessary. On lightly floured surface, roll out dough to ½-inch thickness. 4. Using 2½-inch round cutter, cut scones and place on prepared baking sheet. 5. In small bowl, combine…

Born in Grantham, Lincolnshire, Jane grew up in London and obtained degrees from both Canterbury and Leeds Universities, enabling her to embark on a lengthy teaching career on the south coast of England. After a stint as a tearoom owner, the publication of her first book, Jane Pettigrew’s Tea-Time Recipes, launched her into a dizzying writing career that has resulted in more than 20 books on tea and related topics. As a much-in-demand speaker, Jane has traveled extensively to places many of us only dream of— Brazil, Holland, Singapore, Japan, and Russia—as well as throughout Europe and the United States. We were able to talk with Jane as she landed on American soil and ask a few questions to share with our readers. Q. Your first chosen profession was teaching.…

That simple, joyous phrase sparks excitement in the hearts of young and old alike. Beginning with the glorious Grand Parade, we have our first glimpse of the thrills that await us under the Big Top. Everyone has a favorite: the enormous elephants, trunks swaying to and fro, lumbering down the street; or the silly clowns sporting tangerine hair, scarlet noses, and impossibly long shoes; or perhaps, the lion tamer, dressed for safari, cracking his whip in the air as his wards saunter on leashes at his side. From the moment we hear the booming voice announce, “Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages…” we are captivated. Surrounded by the almost tangible aroma of popcorn and cotton candy, we perch on the edges of our seats, straining to watch the activities…

When Jan Karon took the publishing world by storm a few years ago, quickly becoming a New York Times best selling author, she was labeled “an overnight success” by the media. Jan, however, knew that the path had been long, and rocky at times. Her success was due, like many other writers, singers and actors before her, to persistent hard work, a focus on what she knew to be true about herself, and a willingness to be attuned to her inner voice. With At Home in Mitford, Jan wove a charming tale of an aging Episcopal minister, serving a church in a fictional town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Characters like Father Tim, Cynthia, Dooley, and the infamous dog, Barnabas, took up residence in Jan’s mind and stayed until she…

Necessary Things Page 10: Scone mix, available at The Twiggery. Biscuit jar, by Alda’s Forever. Scone mix and flavored honeys, by Best Products. Dinnerware, by America Retold. Organic white honey, available at Volcano Island Honey Company. Enchanting Details Page 12: “Rothschild Bird” limited edition tea set by Herend, available at Bromberg’s. Seasonal Offerings Page 14-15: Tea towels, Le Jaquard napkins, beeswax candles, and Filigree fragrances, available at Christine’s. Biscuit barrel, picture frames, linen napkins, silver napkin rings, and teacups, available at Beverly Ruff Antiques and Linens. Antique silver pie server, available at Mulberry Heights Antiques. Tea Wares: The Tea Table Page 16: Square table, available at Tricia’s Treasures. Round table, available at Martha Lauren Antique Linens and Lace. Company’s Coming Page 22-25: Baskets and linens, available at Christine’s. Teapot, teacup,…

Here’s the Buzz Our busy little bee buddies have been nose-diving into daylilies and lantana, collecting heavenly nectar to conjure up that divine bee concoction: honey. These wonderful wares honor those bustling bees and their busywork. 1. Scrumptious Apricots For My Honey Scones from Moreish Treats are positively loaded with real apricots and honey. Moreish is a British word for something so good, you’ll want more, which perfectly describes these light and luscious teatime treats. The Twiggery, 800-979-8944. 2. Are you looking for an elegant cache for storing tasty teatime treats? The Duchess Biscuit Jar features that timeless symbol of royalty, the bee, in gleaming silver accents on a gorgeous crystal container. The jar rests atop a lustrous argent tray, making for a beautiful and classic presentation. www.aldasforever.com. 3. Begin…

Afternoon tea is steeped in the dictates of decorum that have long held sway over mere fashion. After all, it is not faddish to stir one’s tea without the telltale clanking of spoon against cup, it is simply polite to do so. The observance of such rules of etiquette not only creates a more cultured ambience for a tea party, it also helps both the hostess and her guests know what to expect from each other and from the experience. While a hostess gift for such an occasion is not a mandatory gesture, it is certainly a thoughtful one. And in the end, that is what lies at the root of all rules of etiquette—simple, heartfelt sentiment that expresses one’s regard for others. Caramel Pears A handmade gift is always…

It seems that everyone has a tea story. You know the recollection, “I had tea at Harrods,” “I had tea at The Ritz,” or “We had tea at Fortnum & Mason.” Having owned an American tearoom for 14 years, I had countless opportunities to talk with guests about their travels to London. For years, I’ve heard similar stories about the same tea venues repeated again and again. I always suggested to my guests that their London tea experiences might be enhanced by going to places frequented by customers who don’t have American passports in their pockets! Deciding where to take tea in London can be an overwhelming decision for the first-time visitor. The Ritz and Browns are two of the better known hotel teas but the exciting thing about the…

What better way to salute summer—either at its fragile beginnings or its seasoned conclusion, than with a tea for friends, relatives, and neighbors? In early spring, as flowers were budding and leaves were appearing on the trees surrounding her home, Jan Karon opened her address book, and planned a tea to salute summer and to thank her guests for their friendship. “I wanted to make them feel, if only for a short time, completely carefree,”muses the popular author of The Mitford Series. “How better to do this than out-of-doors, with pretty things to eat and something fragrant to drink, and the sound of music and laughter in the air.” So envelopes were penned with flourishes and swirls, and gold-embossed invitations were sent to more than 60 women who were invited…

Sprinkled through the stories of The Mitford Series are references to Esther Cunningham’s super-secret cake recipe. Below is a gift from the author, the treasured recipe explains the importance of the cake. THE CAKE 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, more for greasing the pans 3¼ cups cake flour, more for dusting the pans 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2⅔ cups granulated sugar 5 large eggs, at room temperature 4 large egg yolks, at room temperature ⅔ cup vegetable oil 1 tablespoon grated orange zest 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature ORANGE SYRUP 1 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice ¼ cup granulated sugar FILLING 1 (12-ounce) jar orange marmalade FROSTING 1 cup heavy cream, chilled 4 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 cup sour cream, chilled…