Crazy for Teapots

Teapots are wonderful, not only because they can contain tasty teas and tisanes, but because each one is a unique work of art that reflects the moods, tastes, and sometimes even the dreams of the one who serves from them. Teapots range from the very small to large; from plain simplicity to the very ornate; and from English to Asian and more. Someone asked me how many teapots I have, and I don't know. My mother and I both enjoyed teapots. I was quite young when she took a ceramics class and made a teapot, creamer, and sugar with pansy decals on it. A few years later I took the same class and made my own set in blue and white. It was the start of many happy hours of 'searching' for the ideal teapot for our mood and budget. Thrift shops, yard sales, and outlet malls were places we enjoyed visiting together as we searched for them. My sister had her own bonding-themes with mom, but teapots weren't one of them. Sis isn't a 'tea lady', so when it came time to divide mother's things up between us, the teapots and teacups became mine. Due to a kitchen remodel in progress, most of my teapots are packed away right now where I can't photograph them, but I decided to look through my picture files to see what I could find to share. I think the collage does a pretty good job of depicting my moods, tastes, and dreams. . .as they reflect moments in my daily life. . .which is what taking tea is for me. . .moments of everyday life.

I would like to share a story about the blue and white teapot in the fourth row down. My mother passed away nearly four years ago, and in her things I found a beautiful blue and white teacup. I fell in love! It was mom's and I thought it so beautiful! Missing a saucer for it, I inquired on a chat list for tea lovers about finding a saucer for my lonely teacup. One of the ladies in the group had one without a teacup (her's had broken when a shelf fell; she was heartbroken and had scooped all the pieces into a bag and put the pieces away). When she realized I was looking for a saucer, she found the bag of broken bits and pieces and discovered that one saucer was there in one piece. She kindly sold it to me for $5.00 and it married perfectly with my teacup. The first Christmas without my mother was an emotional one, and it became more so when I opened my packages Christmas morning and discovered what my sons had done. They were in their mid-teens then, and had taken time to research on the Internet, finding www.replacements.com where they were able to obtain a teapot to match my teacup. I'm sure they spent a fortune (for them) and when I opened the sweet gift I could only cry. Since then I've been able to find three more cups and saucers, giving me a set of four. I am so sentimental! I cherish this sweet gift from my boys so very much!

I hope you enjoy my teapot collage. Each one has a story and is meaningful in some way. For some, it's the experience of the hunt (finding an old, mini teapot at Goodwill for 50 cents) and for other's it's the memory of a time spent with a loved one. The little green teaset in the second row was purchased for me in Japan by the boy's Suzuki piano teacher. The white and green teapot is a Susan Branch that has the words "When the tea kettle sings with happiness, that is home." If you have questions about a specific teapot, I'm happy to answer them. Just leave a comment and I'll amend this post. :)

I know this is a little bit 'long', but I'm waxing eloquent because I don't want our blog-a-thon to end. I've enjoyed meeting so many lovely people; kindred-spirits who share so much in common. I've enjoyed reading your comments to one another and have appreciated how you are making new friends as well. I hope we can continue to stay in touch --- and plan on posting each week yet (if I can keep up) with Mr. Linky and other themes related to gracious hospitality and friendship. I hope you continue to join in! I look forward to seeing you then!

Be sure to check back next week for the 'winner' of the participants drawing. It will be so difficult to choose 'just one', but fortunately there is no 'decision' to make with a drawing except for which name tag to pull out of a teapot! The winner will be featured on my blog next week --- with their permission, of course.

Enjoy a lovely day! It's raining here --- I think I'll go make myself a cup of Chocolate Raspberry Bliss Tisane!

Please scroll down for links to this week's theme: The Pouring Teapot

The Pouring Teapot

Links this Week: Mr. Linky is not being very sociable this week, and anyone who has linked after #14 may not be seen by all readers. I have posted a "new" Mr. Linky at the bottom of this post. If your link is #15 or beyond, would you please repost to the second Mr. Linky? I will then 'try' to delete your original link so as to keep 'the house in order'. I'm sorry for the extra time and effort this takes, but I don't want anyone to miss a link because they can't read it on their computer screen. Thanks so much!

May 18 - May 24
The Pouring Teapot

This week is all about sharing about teapots. Do you have one? two? or three? maybe more? Is it for display only or do you use it for tea? What is the tea server you use most? Your favorite teapot (or is it something like a quart jar?). Tell your teapot story, give it's history, and tell what it means to you. You can share more than once if you'd like. Antique, new, Asian, English, or something in between --- we'd love to know!

Photo above: this teapot was given to me last Christmas by my son, Rylan. He shopped carefully for this lovely little teapot from St. Petersburg, Russia. I love the translucent glaze on it and the beautiful hand-painted design.

Favorite Tea Rooms

Selecting a favorite tea room is difficult, as each one has it's own unique and interesting traits. I'd like to take a walk down memory lane, sharing thoughts on several of the tea rooms that I think are most delightful!

My first tea room experience started several years ago when both my sons were small. There was a small tea room in the town where Grandma lived, and we enjoyed visiting there and having afternoon tea with her. After Grandma retired from teaching, she worked there during lunch hours, helping serve lunch and afternoon tea. The boys enjoyed the afternoon teas because the food was delicious --- but I told them it was so they could learn good manners in case they ever had the opportunity to be invited to have a meal with the President or the Queen of England. They thought I was funny, but obliged me and learned their manners anyway. BJ's Cottage was a lovely little tea room (shown above) and although now closed, was instrumental in developing my love for afternoon tea.

* * *

Another favorite tea room is LaTeaDa Tea Room. Not mine (LaTeaDah. . .a different spelling with a story behind the name) it is a tea room which I was only able to visit recently. Every other time I have tried to have tea there --- it was closed or had no reservations available. This tea room is owned and operated by best friends who are married to dairy farmers. They wished for a place to bake and cook and serve their fresh and delicious milks and cheeses, so opened a tea room that is pure perfection! Every detail remembered, service is well-done and their emphasis on excellence is evident. I can only describe tea there as 'perfection'. In addition to their tea room, they have an extensive gift shop with many lovely gifts and china.

* * *

Nestled along the shore by a busy harbor in the Puget Sound, Twigs tea room is a fine example of fine English casual-style. A well-equipped and cozy kitchen is set right off the tea room where all that happens there can be viewed if desired. Delicious pasties and cakes and scones and cookies are prepared in this comfortable, windowed kitchen. The dining room is surrounded by windows that open right off to the shore and yachts, sailboats, and ferries can be observed while sipping on tea and eating delectable treats. Each table is set with a different colored and patterned linen. . .and the eclectic and mis-matched china add charm to the ambiance of this lovely place. By the way, Twigs is actually called Dame Agatha Twigs Tea Room.

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Tea at the Painter's Cottage is a cozy affair. Beautifully color-coordinated rooms are packed with beautifully appointed tables and many pieces of porcelain and china for sale. Jars of loose teas are displayed and tea can be purchased by the ounce or bag. Other rooms are set up with displays of gifts items for sale: a children's clothing boutique, jewelery, fancy women's wear, stationary, cards, and home decor items. The food is always delicious at the Painter's Cottage! A professional chef owns the shop and willingly prepares tea foods not only for her themed teas, but accommodates those with special dietary needs with yummy alternatives that she makes specially upon request.

* * *

Anna's Tea Room fills a cozy Victorian house on a quiet street. Fresh lavender blooms along the sidewalk entrance and a quaint sign greets guests as they come for tea. Open even on Sunday's, this tea room offers a quiet comfort with a variety of seating options. Tables or low sofas and chair provide choices for seating. Fine china, vintage teacups, beautiful linens, and delicious food are all available here. Tea is properly decanted here, making the tea experience most enjoyable.

Tea books and small gifts are available for sale and are set around the tea room.

* * *

The Victorian Garden is a small and cheerful tea room, filled with beautiful art and much lovely china. Glass toppers are placed over beautiful tablecloths and English-style notecards and pictures are placed under the glass for interest and viewing enjoyment. Very dainty sandwiches, scones, and desserts fill the three-tiered tray and delicious soups or salads are available as well. Loose tea is placed in teapots that are brought to the table and guests are each equipped with a tea strainer so they can decant their own cups of tea.

* * *

In another coastal town, Lovejoy's brings charming English perfection to the tea table. Wait staff who are interested in their customers and in educating them of the charms of tea are appreciated. Delicious foods are served, but when I think of this tea room, I think especially of their wonderful tea selections and the perfection they offer in tea service.

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The last tea room I mention today is not one I've been to, but one that my sister visited last year in Sri Lanka. After a lovely day visiting tea plantations high in the mountains, she found The Tea Cup along the road and was kind enough to stop and take a picture for me. With wide veranda's, one can sit and view the tropical foliage or distant plantations while they sip on a cup of tea that is as fresh as they come. How I wish I could have joined sis in sipping a cuppa tea there!

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Please scroll down to Mr. Linky for a listing of this week's blog-a-thon participants.

Thank You & Ideas

A quick note to say 'thank you' to blog-a-thon participants, for such interesting, informative, and creative posts on our 'tea' theme. I know this week's topic has been quite difficult (as can be observed by fewer participants this week). But, next week's topic is much easier: teapots. I'm sure things will pick up again with the more user friendly topic. Thank you for the supportive and encouraging comments from participants and those reading the blog-a-thon posts. Some of you have expressed a desire to continue on with a new topic once the tea event is done. I'm willing to host another theme, but would appreciate feed-back on topics you might enjoy. If you could just drop me a quick comment here with your ideas, maybe we can collectively come up with something as interesting and as fun to blog about together.

Thank you, all, for being such an inspiration to me!!!!

The teatime pictured is one from a tea Aunt Cella hosted on her front porch on a sunny day last December.

Please scroll down for Mr. Linky and this week's topic --- tea rooms.

Tea Room Ventures & Venues

May 11 - May 17
Tea Room Ventures and Venues

Share all about one of your favorite tea rooms. Use photos and descriptions to tell about the decor and ambiance, menus, service, and what makes this tea room special to you. Does this tea room have a gift shop? What kind of special treasures does it contain?

THIS WEEK'S TOPIC SEEMS TO BE MORE DIFFICULT THAN THE OTHERS. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO EXPAND ON THE THEME IF IT WOULD BE EASIER TO THINK OF A POST. FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU WERE TO DESIGN AN IDEAL TEA ROOM, WHAT WOULD IT BE LIKE? OR, DESCRIBE WHAT A PREFECT TEA ROOM EXPERIENCE WOULD BE FOR YOU. DON'T BE AFRAID TO 'BREAK THE MOLD' WITH THIS TOPIC. HAPPY POSTING!

The 'tea room' in this photo is LaTeaDa in Tillamook, Oregon where afternoon tea is 'pure perfection'.

Teafully Yours from LaTeaDah

Thank you, tea friends, for all the contributions to our Gracious Hospitalit-i-TEA Blog-a-Thon. You've worked so diligently and with faithfulness in producing interesting and informative posts. Your creativity and love for afternoon tea shines through! I look forward to your future posts and like many of you, wonder what to do that's nearly as much fun when the blog-a-thon ends. Enjoy a tea-lightful day!

*Were your speakers turned on? If not, please view again so you can enjoy the soothing tea-time music. Is your hot cuppa with you to sip as you view?

Victoria Rose

Diary of Victoria Rose

Years ago I found a solitary tea cup at an antique shop with a gorgeous rose pattern. I fell in love with it on the spot. From then on, I searched high and low for the rest of the set in china shops, at auctions, flea markets, rummage sales.... Alas, without success! Not even a saucer!! Just as I was beginning to suspect that the cup wasn't part of a set at all, but a one-of-a-kind, never to be found again treasure, I was served tea on the very same china at the home of a friend! Well, I stared with wide eyes until my friend said, "Isn't it beautiful? I found it at an estate sale. Unfortunately, one of the cups is missing." With a twinkle in my eye, I knew that my precious cup would soon have a new home.

Source: A Greeting Card

Please scroll down for my "Tea Table" post for this week.

Mother's Day Tea Table

Afternoon tea is a wonderful way to create memories and happy moments with those whom you love. And since tea tables are such a part of the tea experience, I always love to take pictures of the tea table, as it helps to visually record these special times with loved ones. As I went through my tea table pictures today, trying to figure out which one I would like to post as my blog-a-thon post for this week, I found a very special picture from a sweet afternoon tea from a Mother's Day past. Four years ago, this Mother's Day, my sister and I shared the day with mom, knowing it would be our last Mother's Day together. Mom had cancer and was very ill. Many duties called for our attention, as mom wasn't able to care for things on her own any more, but we all halted our chores and instead worked together to set an impromptu tea table with things mom loved. Mom was always partial to the color lavender and loved violets. We chose her violets tea set, teacups, and plates. A quick scurry in the kitchen resulted in savory sandwiches, blueberry scones, tarts, cookies, brownies, and baby cakes. With more than enough, we sat down to share tea time together, happily chatting, visiting, and sharing together. Sis and I worked hard to keep mom's spirits up, and she savored each day as a blessing. Flowers from her garden surrounded us (she loved her garden) and friends from the neighborhood dropped by for a visit (we poured them a cuppa as well). Mom said it was the best Mother's Day ever. . .and as Sis and I cleaned up the dishes. . .we were happy that Mom felt blessed and was so content because of a special day doing special things with her special daughters. Mom passed away two months later, but Sis and I will always look back on our last Mother's Day with her as a special blessing to us all. I miss Mom especially on Mother's Day. . .and always.

Please scroll down to Mr. Linky to read posts from other blog-a-thon participants who posted in this week's event. Thank you!

Soft Influence, Social Joy

"I am so fond of tea that I could write a whole dissertation of is virtues. It comforts and enlivens without the risks attendant on spirituous liquors. Gentle herb! Let the florid grape yield to thee. Thy soft influence in a more safe inspirer of social joy."

-- James Boswell (1740-1795)

Tables Settings
Themes from Teas Gone By
Special Memories
Beloved Friends
Cherished Moments

Please scroll down for this weeks blog-a-thon theme and links to other blogs on Mr. Linky.

Set the Table, Tea is On!

May 4 - May 10
Set the Table, Tea is On!

Share a creative afternoon tea table setting. Linens, serving pieces, teapots and teacup, tea accoutrement's and accessories, centerpieces, tea trays or three-tiers, and more. Show one way you enjoy creating a memorable tea experience. This is your opportunity to show the world the fun you have when you create your own special tea experience. Then. . .invite over a friend or neighbor and share some tea together. That way all your work is not for ought.



PLEASE, be sure to link back to the Gracious Hospitality Blog-a-thon on your post. It's only fair to other event participants. Posts that do not link back will be deleted from Mr. Linky. Thanks.

The Empress Turns 100

Our newspaper today has an article about special teas that will be offered this summer at the majestic Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC, Canada. Because the hotel turns 100 this year, a series of special teas are planned to commemorate this event. A special Centennial Tea will be served each Friday through September 26. This is in addition to the hotel's already popular afternoon tea that is held daily in their lobby. The Centennial Tea is served at 12:30 - 3:30 pm in two intimate locations in the large hotel. A choice of tea in The Empress Harbourside Room with a scenic view of the harbor is available, or tea can be taken in the hotel library with its carved ceilings and ivy-covered windows. The service includes a selection of gourmet sandwiches and pastries, a cup of centennial blend tea and a commemorative gift.

To contact the Fairmont Empress Hotel, click here.

The Gracious Hospital-i-Tea Blog-a-Thon continues. For links to posts this week, or to enter, please scroll down to Mr. Linky below. Thank you!

Singing for Tea!

It's been really fun to read all the posts about the White, Green, Black and Herb of Tea this week from all you tea affectionados! I've really enjoyed the diversity everyone comes from, and how although some of us are 'tea snobs' and others of us prefer 'a teabag from the supermarket', we have a common thread of the ART of tea, no matter what color or style the leaf or cup! The common bond shines through and it's been really neat to observe friendships being formed as participants are commenting on the blogs of others --- and we are getting to know one another through this virtual 'love of tea'. I really appreciate the participation and level of sharing that is taking place.

My thoughts for this week for this theme are still not posted. I got behind at the beginning of the week and am still catching up. My White, Green, Black and Herb of Tea post is in the works and will be up soon! In the meantime, I have two YouTube videos to share with you. I'm a mother of young adult sons; what can I say! I hope you enjoy them and that they bring a smile to your day. The first is called "English Tea" by Paul McCartney. The second is a little more risque', a video by a group called Elemental called "Cup of Brown Joy". It was shared with people on a tea chat group this morning as a fun 'rap' for tea. Be warned! It does a fine job of expressing the joys of tea and follows our theme this week of many different types of tea.

Tea, the Beverage

April 27 - May 3
The White, Green, Black, and Herb of Tea

Tell about your favorite tea. How do you prepare it and serve it? Milk and sugar? Plain? What are some of your best memories of serving or sipping on this tea? Share a picture if you can. Tell the health benefits of the tea(s) you prefer. Where do you purchase your tea? Is there someplace you enjoying purchasing tea from? Who from and where?

I'm sorry for the delay, but I've been able to work out 'some' of the technical difficulties I'm having with my computer. Here's Mr. Linky for this week! I'm looking forward to your posts!!!

Dainty Tea Sandwiches

Choosing a favorite type of food for afternoon tea is difficult. I can never make up my mind if I like scones or tea sandwiches best! Tea sandwiches are always so tasty. Savory little bites of soft, light, crust less bread filled with creamy, crunchy, and flavorful fillings are always appealing to me. Or finger sandwiches made from hearty rye or a fragrant oat loaf are sure to please the palate of me and friends who stop by for tea. Crisp lettuce greens melded with the crunch of cucumbers, or tender radishes sliced onto a piece of buttered bread and sprinkled with mineral salts --- always pure delight. Even peanut butter and jam makes a delightful tea sandwich if cut into cute and dainty shapes. Cookie cutter sandwiches are always the best! Here are a few favorite recipes to share with you.

Lemon Tea Sandwiches

4 Tbsp. Earth Balance (or unsalted butter) at room temperature
6 thin slices whole wheat bread
1 lemon, sliced thinly and with seeds removed
Salt to taste (pepper optional)

Spread the Earth Balance on the whole grain bread slices. Cover half the slices with lemon slices and season with salt. Add the top slice of buttered bread. Cut off crusts and then cut each sandwich into quarters in a triangle shape. Makes 24 sandwiches.

Pineapple Tea Sandwiches

1 can (8 oz.) crushed pineapple
2 Tbsp. flour
1 c. finely chopped nuts
3/4 c. sugar
Veganaise
Sandwich bread, large loaf

into mixture to make a consistency easy for spreading. Place in Combine pineapple, flour, chopped nuts, and sugar in a large skillet. Cook over low heat until thick, stirring constantly. Allow mixture to cool. Then mix one or two tablespoons Veganaise into mixture and blend. Place in refrigerator and cool overnight. Remove crusts from sliced bread. Spread spread on bread (open-faced) and cut each slice into quarters. Garnish each with a mint leaf.

Carrot Tea Sandwiches

1 - 8 oz. Tofutti cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup Earth Balance (or butter)
4 carrots, finely grated (about 3/4 c.)
2 Tbsp. grated onion
2 Tbsp. minced green olives with pimento
Dash of salt

Mix all ingredients until blended and chill. Spread on sliced pumpernickel bread and top with second slice. Cut into quarters or pretty shapes. Garnish with herbs or eatable flowers. Minced celery can be added for variety in flavor and texture.

Herbed Walla Walla Sweet Onion Tea Sandwiches

1/2 cup Veganaise
2 tablespoons parsley, minced
2 tablespoons tarragon,
Fresh lemon juice
Hot pepper sauce
Salt
8 very thin slices white bread
1 to 2 Walla Walla Sweet Onions, sliced very thinly

Stir together Veganaise, parsley, and tarragon. Season with lemon juice, hot pepper sauce, and salt to taste. Spread 1 side of bread slices with the Veganaise mixture. Arrange the onion slices evenly on half the bread slices. Top with the remaining bread slices. Press gently together. Trim crusts and cut sandwiches into quarters or fingers.

In another bowl, chop 1/2 cup parsley. Dip the edges of the sandwiches in the parsley for a beautiful garnished effect.

Photo: Elm Street Antiques

Shortbread for Tea

Although there are many wonderful cookies for tea, I think that when I think of the perfect tea cookie I think of shortbread. This delightful cookie originated in Scotland, and to this day the leading product for export in Scotland is Walker's Shortbread. A famous Scottish chef once said that shortbread is 'the jewel in the crown" of Scottish baking.

Shortbread is a small cookie (also called a biscuit) that is crumbly and tender due to it's high fat content. Traditionally shortbread consists of one part sugar, two parts butter, and three parts plain white flour. Flavorings like salt or vanilla are added in varying amounts depending upon the taste and desire of the baker.

Once baked, shortbread should be light in color and not browned at all. Upon completion it should be removed from the oven when yet a nearly white or light golden brown. A trifle of tan on the bottom is all the color that should be observed in this traditional cookie. They need to be watched carefully during the last few minutes of baking.

Shapes of shortbread vary, but generally are formed into one of three forms: wedges, circles, or fingers. For special occasions they are sometimes made into stars or flowers for added appeal. Because they hold their shape well due to their stiff dough, they can easily be decorated by poking with the tines of a fork or by pressing a pattern into their tops before baking. Some bakers sprinkle sugar on them for added sweetness.

Because shortbread is made without eggs or dairy, it is a good cookie to convert to vegan simply by substituting vegan shortening (butter flavored) for the butter. Gluten free versions are also reasonably made by using cornstarch or white rice flours along with a gluten-free flour blend. By the way, even traditional cookies which contain wheat benefit from the substitution of white rice flour for a portion of unbleached wheat flour. It makes a delightful cookie with a great texture and lightness.

Perfect for tea, shortbread is a little cookie that might look plain and simple, but it's tender, melt in your mouth sweetness is pure delight!

Here are a few of the shortbread cookies I've collected over time. I hope you enjoy them!

Scottish Shortbread

1 lb. butter, softened (vegan shortening may be substituted)
1 cup sugar, extra-fine
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup white rice flour
powdered sugar

Cream the butter (or shortening) until smooth. Slowly add the sugar, mixing as each addition is made. Then sift in the all-purpose flour and white flour. Mix only until blended.

Roll the dough between two pieces of plastic wrap so that it is 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Cut dough into desired shape. Place cookies on baking sheet and poke with the tines of a fork. Bake at a 325 degree F. oven for 5 minutes. Then at 300 degrees F. fr 15 - 20 minutes more. Watch carefully so they do not brown.

Canadian Oatmeal Shortbread

1 cup margarine (non-dairy) or vegan shortening
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon soda
2 cups rolled oats

Mix margarine, brown sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Blend flour, soda and rolled oats. Stir into margarine mixture. Chill 1 - 2 hours.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Roll dough 1/2 inch thick on lightly floured board. Cut into squares or fancy shapes. Bake on ungreased baking sheet for 10 - 12 minutes. Makes 3 1/2 - 4 dozen cookies.

Teatime Shortbread

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/4 tsp. salt
2/3 cup sifted confectioner's sugar
1/2 lb. vegan shortening or Earth Balance
2-3 drops butter flavoring

Sift flour, cornstarch and confectioner's sugar into a bowl. Add the shortening and rub into dry ingredients. Gradually mold mixture to a soft dough. Kneed Well. Roll out until about half an inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut into shapes. Place on ungreased baking sheet and bake at 310 degrees F. for 30-40 mins or until pale brown.

Thyme & Pine-Nut Shortbread

1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 cup Sucanat (or brown sugar)
1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves, dried and crushed
1/2 cup margarine (non-dairy) or vegan shortening

Toast pine nuts in a hot skillet until gently browned. Then place in a food processor and process until finely ground. Pour into mixing bowl and combine with flour, sugar, and thyme. Add margarine and mix until soft crumbs result. Shape dough into a ball. Using a 1 Tbsp. scoop, shape dough into small balls and place on baking sheet. Then flatten t 1/2-inch thick by pressing with the bottom of a small glass that's been dipped in sugar.

Bake at 325 degrees F for 15 - 20 minutes.

Shortbread Crumbles

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup almond or cashew butter
1/2 cup carob chips, optional
1/2 cup dried fruit, optional

Mix ingredients except carob chips and dried fruit together, cutting in the nut butter last. Add a small amount of water, one teaspoon at a time, to moisten if needed. Add carob chips and dried fruit. Press into a prepared 8" x 12" pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. This makes a crumbly bar-type cookie. Chocolate chips can be used to replace the carob chips if desired.

*For gluten-free options with any of these recipes, replace wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend of choice. Butter can replace the vegetable 'fat' option in the recipes above as well for a more traditional approach to shortbread. Vegan alternatives for 'fat' in shortbreads are Spectrum shortening, Earth Balance, and coconut oil (solid form).

Please scroll down to Mr. Linky for a listing of all the participants in this week's blog-a-thon. Thank you for the terrific recipes participants are posting!!!

Sweets for Tea

Today I'm posting a few more recipes for this week's theme of The-Sweet-and-Savory-of-Yummy!

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Phyllo Flowers

All Natural Butter Flavor Cooking Spray
1/2 cup strawberry preserves
1/2 cup sliced strawberries
1/2 cup blueberries
Low-fat vanilla soy ice cream
3 tablespoons bread crumbs
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
6 sheets thawed phyllo dough*

Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine bread crumbs and sugar in small bowl; set aside. Lay a sheet of phyllo on work surface; spray with cooking spray for 2 seconds. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of bread crumb mixture over dough. Repeat layering using all sheets. Gently cut stacked phyllo into 8 equal squares. Quickly spritz 8 muffin-pan cups with cooking spray for 1/2 second each. Place each stack into tins, pushing dough inward to form a cup. Carefully fan layers into "petals". Bake 5 minutes or until golden. Meanwhile, melt preserves in saucepan over low heat; stir in berries and set aside. Remove flowers from tins; place 1 scoop frozen ice cream into each flower, top with warm fruit sauce. Makes 8 servings.

*Keep phyllo covered with damp paper towel and plastic wrap to prevent drying.

***

Carob Fudge

1 cup carob chips
1 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 cup chopped walnuts

Place carob chips in a large bowl and melt in microwave (or in a double boiler). Add peanut butter, maple syrup, and walnuts and mix until thoroughly combined. Pat batter into a lightly oiled 8 x 8 pan. Chill. Cut into tiny squares and serve.

***

Oat Cookies with Almond Filling

3/4 cup vegan margarine, room temperature
1 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup Sucanat
1/3 cup quick rolled oats
1 tsp. pure vanilla
5 oz. canned almond paste

In a large bowl, combine vegan margarine, flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, oats, and vanilla. Mix until all ingredients are combined. Place one teaspoon of dough and flatten into a 1/4 inch thick circle (about 2" diameter). Place a dab (about 1/4 tsp.) of almond paste in the center of the circle and fold in half, sealing edges with a fork. Repeat process for additional cookies. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 7 - 10 minutes or until golden brown.

The-Sweet-and-Savory-of-Yummy

April 20 - April 26
The-Sweet-and-Savory-of-Yummy

Share your favorite teatime recipe for sweets or savories. Tea sandwiches, scones, and dainty desserts all count in this category. Give credit to the originator of the recipe if possible. Post a picture if you can. This is sure to make everyone hungry for a delicious tea time treat!



Ideas for recipes to post this week are: scones, crumpets, shortbread, cookies, baby cakes, tarts, tea sandwiches, soups, salads, fruit treats, jams, jellies, curds, and creams. I'm looking forward to the recipes you choose to share! It's too bad we can't make a 'potluck tea party' with each of us actually bringing the foods represented by our recipes to tea!

The pictures this week are from a 'back porch' tea for two that I prepared for my friend and neighbor, Karleen. It was her birthday and we enjoyed a relaxing time together.

Teatime Recipes

Sweet Date Butter

10 Medjool or other dates, pitted and chopped
6 T. Earth Balance (vegan margarine)
1/4 C. firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 - 1 tsp. ground allspice, nutmeg or cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, mixing until creamy and well blended. Use as a filling to dainty tea sandwiches.

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Yorkshire Teacakes

1 1/2 lbs. unbleached flour
1 tsp. salt
2 ounces vegan margarine
4 ounces currants
1 ounce candied peel (orange, lemon, or lime)
1 ounce yeast
1 ounce sugar
1 1/2 cups soymilk

Sift flour and salt into bowl. Add margarine and rub until crumbly. Add currants and candied peel. In another bowl, blend the yeast with the sugar and add to warmed soymilk. Pour into flour mixture and mix to form a stiff dough. Knead lightly until dough is smooth and gluten well-formed. Allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size. Then, turn onto a floured surface and divide dough into 12 equal parts. Shape each into a round, flat cake. Allow to sit on greased baking sheet for 20 minutes. Then brush with warm soymilk and bake in a 425 degree F. oven until golden and crusty. Allow to cool to desired temperature, then slice or split. Serve with margarine, jam, nut or date butter, or jelly.

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Lavender Sugar

2/3 cup fresh lavender flowers, organic
2 cups white granulated sugar

Alternate layers of sugar and lavender bud in a pint-sized glass jar. Lid the jar and place in a dark cabinet for 2 - 3 weeks. Once the lavender flavor has infused into the sugar, use sugar to sweeten tea or baked goods. Sugar may be strained, although I prefer to leave the lavender bud in the sugar and incorporate it into the beverages or foods prepared to enhance flavor and add garnish.

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Elegant Pear Bars

Filling:

1 quart pear sauce (or canned, blended pears)
3/4 cup pitted dates
1 tsp. orange extract
1/8 tsp. salt
1 pinch cardamom or cinnamon

Bottom Crust:

1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup pitted dates
1 1/2 cups regular rolled oats
1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or alternative; for gluten-free try brown rice flour)

Crumble Topping:

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup chopped roasted almonds (or other nuts)
1/8 tsp. salt

Filling Instructions: Simmer pear sauce and dates together in covered saucepan for 20 minutes. Add orange extract and set aside.

Bottom Crust Instructions: Blenderize dates in water. (Reserve 1/2 cup date-water for later.) Combine date-water, oats, flour, salt and cardamom. Press into prepared 9" x 13" pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.

Crumble Topping Instructions: Toss all ingredients together. Spoon filling over crust. Sprinkle topping over filling. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. Cool and cut into 2-inch squares.

Makes: 24 bars.

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Blackberry-Almond Scones

Source: VegNews
Makes 8 scones

2 cups spelt or whole-wheat pastry flour
1/4 cup turbinado sugar
2 tablespoons orange zest
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup non-hydrogenated margarine
6 ounces plain soy yogurt
1/4 cup soy milk or orange juice
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup blackberries, fresh or frozen
3 tablespoons sliced almonds

Topping
2 tablespoons sliced almonds
2 teaspoons turbinado sugar

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside, In a large bowl, place the flour, sugar, orange zest, baking powder, baking soda, spices and sea salt, and stir well to combine.

2. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the margarine into the dry ingredients until it resembles the size of small peas. Add the soy yogurt, soy milk and vanilla, and stir until the mixture just forms a soft dough. Add the blackberries and sliced almonds, and lightly fold into the dough.

3. Transfer the dough to the parchment-lined cookie sheet. Lightly dust your hands with flour and then gently pat the dough to form a 9-inch circle. Using a sharp knife, score the circle into wedges, but leave as a whole circle to bake.

4. Bake for 15 minutes, rotate the tray, and reduce the heat to 350 degrees for another 5 minutes. Remove the scones from th oven and allow to cool 10 minutes. Cut through the score lines to separate into 8 wedges. Serve warm with jam, margarine or mock Devonshire Cream.

*The soymilk, soy yogurt, and vegan margarine in these recipes can be substituted with dairy products if desired.

Tea Chatter

What creative 'tea time' outfits you all have! It's been fun reading about your idea garments for a perfect tea. From all appearances, most of us have two versions of how we like to dress for tea. The comfy-practical attire and the dress-up garments. Both are so necessary, aren't they? One for comfort and to make the service of tea a part of our daily lives. The other to help us create a sense of elegance and romance as we select a special dress or skirt to adorn with ribbons, lace, gloves, and a pretty hat! One of my favorite comfy tea outfits is a flannel pajama outfit that I bought at JC Penney's. There are quirky teapots and teacups printed all over it. The matching robe has an appliqued teapot with the words "Tea Time" printed across the back, and matching slippers have teapots appliqued on the toe of each. It's the perfect cozy outfit for tea! But then there are the times when a girl wants to dress up! A long, full skirt or a shirt with ruffles or special buttons paired nicely with a tea-themed broach or a broad-rimmed hat go so perfectly with some pretty Princess Diana pumps or some laced boots. It's wonderful how the service of tea can be enjoyed both plain and fancy, both the cuppa itself and the way we look!

Thank you for your great posts! Some of you took great effort in posting, and I appreciate it. People have been leaving such nice comments on every one's posts and so many are really having fun with this event. I'm happy for the sharing done and friendships made.

On an administrative note, Karen from Victorian Moments linked twice today on our Mr. Linky. Both times the link did not go through as it should have. I deleted the ones that led to a general website instead of Victorian Moments. But Karen, please try again! I know everyone would enjoy being able to read your post as well.

Have you been searching for your Sweet-and-Savory-of-Yummy recipes for next week? I have, but there are so many to choose from that it's difficult to decide which ones are best to post. Best wishes for a happy search!

If you haven't posted this week for Dressed-to-a-Tea, it's not too late! Posts are still welcome for this week and for any previous week as well.

Enjoy a happy day!

Blogging with Gracious Hospital-i-Tea

Thank you to everyone who has been participating in the Gracious Hospital-i-Tea Blog-a-Thon! It's been so much fun to read your posts, make new friends, and see how you interpret the theme of the week. Last week's theme was difficult! Hopefully this one will be easier and more can post rather than just enjoy the reading. Please scroll down to the post below for this week's event.