TeaTime July - August 2009

The long twilight of a summer evening is an ideal time to gather your neighbors and friends for a high tea to celebrate one of the season’s traditional pleasures—the arrival of fireflies. In the peaceful deepening of the night sky, wait for the magical miniature lights that signal their return. Pour steaming cups of tea for everyone as you recall childhood memories of chasing the summer sparklers. Using the make-ahead menu from our themed tea, A Firefly High Tea, you’ll be ready to fill the table with delicious foods and relax with your guests. I am often asked to explain the difference between high tea and other teas, and referring to Tea & Etiquette, by etiquette expert Dorothea Johnson, I quote these passages: Although often confused with afternoon tea, high tea is…

The tea family most consumed by Western cultures is black tea, which can be offered as single-estate, blended, or flavored. A well-stocked cupboard should include at least four classic, handpicked, unflavored, black teas from the major growing regions of the world. spotlight on black tea • Assam This robust, malty tea is from the northeast Indian state of Assam, where over 800 tea gardens are cultivated. It is often manufactured for breakfast and is suited to the addition of milk. Look for a mellow tippy grade to accompany Afternoon Tea meals. • Darjeeling A delicate, slightly green black tea, Darjeeling hails from the Himalayan foothills of India. Eighty-six gardens in Darjeeling produce exceptional, and expensive, teas known for their distinctive muscatel overtones. The four yearly pickings are First Flush, Second Flush, Rainy Teas,…

1. Inspired by the lush gardens of Paris, vibrant tones on white bone china by Rosanna evoke the beauty of summer in full bloom. 2. Charm guests with herbal tea served in classic Waterford crystal. A handmade glass cake pedestal by Juliska is a stage for sweet and savory culinary delights. 3. Intricate eyelet embroidery on linen napkins and place mats from Pottery Barn enhances tabletops and mimics the sweetness of summer’s bounty. Exquisite glass napkin rings by Juliska are a classic addition that completes an elegant table setting. 4. Collectable ceramic spoons add a twist to swirling cream and sugar in a cup of your favorite tea. Florals in an array of rich tones and gold make them an elegant yet simple complement to teatime. 5. For warm-weather entertaining, this stunning etched-glass drink…

July 12SERENI-TEA 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. The Tea Room at Port Gamble Port Gamble, Washington Enjoy a light Afternoon Tea and participate in a discussion about the benefits of drinking tea. Topics include meditation, calming ways to live, and how to integrate tea in our lives. For more information or reservations, call 360-297-4225 or visit www.tearoomatportgamble.com. 5BUSTLE & BISCUITS 2009 12:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Westfield Heritage Village Rockton, Ontario, Canada Delight in tea and homemade tea biscuits served with jam while surrounded with fashions of the Victorian era. A mini fashion show and period dance begins at 2:00 p.m. For more information, call 800-883-0104 or visit www.westfieldheritage.ca. 18 through 19SECOND ANNUAL JANE AUSTEN FESTIVAL Noon–4:00 p.m. Historic Locust Grove Louisville, Kentucky Revel in the Regency era at Historic Locust Grove, a 1790 National Historic Landmark, with a Regency style show, period demonstrations, and, of course,…

Few pairings are more flawless than tomato and basil. Perhaps it has something to do with the parallel seasonality of the duo—both are at their most flavorful during the summer months. Each one has the ability to make the other taste more fully like itself, and the pleasing combination is a delightful addition to teatime. Celebrate summer’s perfect pair with fluffy, flaky scones filled with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. Though they would be a welcome part of a full Afternoon Tea, they are also delectable nibbled on their own with a cup of light, summery green tea or a deliciously deep Darjeeling. SAVORY TOMATO-BASIL SCONES Makes 16 scones 2 cups self-rising flour ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon garlic powder 1/3 cup finely ground dehydrated sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil) 5 tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes ¼…

Rosy-skinned and softly fragrant, peaches lend themselves to a wide variety of dishes that are lovely additions to a warm-weather tea. The lush, juicy fruit is a summertime classic, and its honeyed sweetness is at its peak in July and August. Celebrate peaches with six sweet and savory recipes that perfectly showcase this seasonal favorite. Salty, spicy, and sweet tastes blend harmoniously in Prosciutto-Wrapped Peaches with Spicy Glaze—a delectable starter. Another first-course option, a cooling salad of peaches, grapefruit, celery, and hazelnuts, is ideal for a summer afternoon. Crostini topped with pork tenderloin, peaches, and a peach-infused pesto is a simple yet stunning savory treat. A showstopping tart with a crumbly rosemary-flecked cornmeal crust and creamy ricotta filling is crowned with ripe peach slices and topped with glistening peach jam. Buttery Peach…