TeaTime July - August 2008

As the tea market expands, innovative, flavorful tea blends are becoming more commonplace in our kitchens. So it is natural for creative chefs to explore the relationship between various foods and tea. Consumers are not only focusing on pairing the correct tea with favorite foods, but also experimenting with ways to use tea as an ingredient, rather than simply as a beverage of choice. With the onset of summer and the promise of picnics, holidays, and family reunions, we turned to our test kitchen professionals with a request for tea-infused ice cream that would be delicious and suitably impressive to serve at some of our summertime parties. If you have been hesitant to try cooking with tea, let me assure you that one taste of the luscious frozen desserts featured in…

What could be more refreshing on a hot summer day than an icy cold glass of tea? Two serendipitous happenings led to the proliferation of iced tea. The first icebox patent was issued in 1830; shortly thereafter, cold tea recipes began appearing in community cookbooks such as The Kentucky Housewife and Housekeeping in Old Virginia. One of the most reported iced tea stories came from the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Richard Blechynden, a tea vendor, became weary of selling cups of hot tea in the summer heat. In an attempt to boost sales, he served tea in glasses packed with plenty of ice. This cool, refreshing beverage was a hit with fairgoers, who then popularized iced tea throughout the United States. Q I’ve heard cold tea referred to as both iced…

Dethlefsen & Balk This beautiful 27 oz. cast iron teapot was crafted obeying the century-old elaborate production process. The unique design is a new approach in the cast iron art world and resembles a Moroccan teapot with a refined pattern on the outer body finished with black lacquer. The inside is meticulously enameled. (item# 89142) One of the oldest importers and blenders of premium teas and the worldwide leader for tea accessories (strainers, porcelain, glass, samovars). 200+ teas of all origins include rarities and flavored black, green, oolong, yellow, white, fruit, herbal, Ayurveda, rooibos, and chai. Custom blends possible. Wholesale only! Shipping ex Aurora, IL 60504. 877-DB4-Teas info@dethlefsen-balk.usdethlefsen-balk.us MarketSpice, Inc. MarketSpice was established in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market in 1911, where our retail store is located. As a wholesale supplier, our products…

The warm summer months bring with them a wealth of singular pleasures. Among the most delightful is nature’s bright color palette—trees are lush and leafy, flowers bloom in a rainbow of hues, and even the sun seems to glow a brighter shade of gold. Here, we salute summer with a collection of boldly colored wares for every corner of your life. 1. Envelop yourself in the heady fragrance of summery jasmine and earthy green tea with bath products from MOR. White cedar, peony, amber, and lime leaves combine with the jasmine and tea for an intoxicating yet light scent. 2. Reminiscent of old-fashioned cups in grandma’s kitchen, these colorful mugs from Anthropologie offer a whimsical alternative to standard measuring cups. Each one holds a standard measure in one-quarter-cup increments and adds a…

July DILLON HOUSE VICTORIAN TEA 2 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center Fremont, Ohio 9 The elegance of the nineteenth century is re-created for guests at the historic Dillon House, built in 1873. Costumed waitstaff, live music, and delicious teas, sweets, and savories are highlights of the leisurely afternoon. Guests also are invited to tour the Dillon House or amble through the Spiegel Grove estate of nineteenth U.S. president, Rutherford B. Hayes. The July 9 event is dedicated to children, with a special visit from Abraham Lincoln. For reservations or for more information, call 800-998-7737, or visit www.rbhayes.org. TEA OF THE MONTH CLUB 9 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Bull Run Mountains Conservancy Broad Run, Virginia Enjoy a woodland tea party set against the beautiful backdrop of the Bull Run Mountains. Conservancy guides will lead a short hike and will educate participants about…

Mannerly Traditions napkins Watch for the hostess to unfold her napkin and place it in her lap; this is a signal for guests to follow suit. If table linens are smaller tea napkins, unfold entirely and place on the lap. Dinner napkins should be folded in half,with the fold facing the body. Napkins should not be placed on the table again until the end of the tea or the meal.Again, the hostess will be the first to do so, a silent indication that the tea is concluded. milk in last It is customary for servers to add sugar, lemon, and milk upon request, but the practice of placing creamers, plates of sliced lemon, and bowls of sugar on the table has become more acceptable in recent years. Though this is often debated among tea…