TeaTime Teatime Holidays 2022

As we usher in the festive season, thoughts of tea parties to celebrate the various holidays dance in our minds—and on the pages of this special collector’s issue. From Thanksgiving to Hanukkah and Christmas to New Year’s Eve, our varied menus in the pages that follow present detailed recipes and expert recommendations on which teas to pair with each course, as well as information on where to source them. Our helpful “Tea-Steeping Guide” on page 8 provides simple steps for making the perfect pot of tea, keeping mind that not all types of tea take the same water temperature or steeping time. And if you’re at all concerned about what to serve guests who have gluten sensitivities, our recipe index on page 128 will be an important reference, as it…

WATER Always use the best water possible. If the water tastes good, so will your tea. If that is not the case, then bottled spring water is a nice alternative. Heat the water on the stovetop or in an electric kettle to the desired temperature. A microwave oven is not recommended. TEMPERATURE Heating the water to the correct temperature is arguably one of the most important factors in making a great pot of tea. Pouring boiling water on green, white, and oolong tea leaves can result in a very unpleasant brew. In general, use 170° to 195° water for these delicate tea types, and always refer to the tea purveyor’s packaging for specific instructions. Reserve boiling (212°) water for black and pu-erh teas, as well as herbal and fruit tisanes. TEAPOT If the teapot you…

Menu SCONE Cheddar-Pecan Scones Winter Spice SAVORIES Curried Red Lentil–Carrot Soup Zucchini Tartlets Shaved Brussels with Ham on Lemon-Ricotta Toast Points Sessa Estate Assam SWEETS Maple-Walnut Brandy Snaps Apple Pie Bars Pumpkin Macarons Milk N Cookies Tea Pairings by Boulder Tea Company 303-817-7057 | boulderteaco.com Cheddar-Pecan Scones Makes approximately 16 These scones, which are best served warm, are filled with sharp Cheddar cheese and toasted chopped pecans to craft an ideal savory bake for the harvest season. 3 cups all-purpose flour1 tablespoon granulated sugar4 teaspoons baking powder½ teaspoon fine sea salt½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed½ cup toasted chopped pecans½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese1 cup plus 1 tablespoon cold heavy cream, divided • Preheat oven to 350°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry blender or 2 forks, cut butter into flour mixture…

Menu SCONE Date Scones Cozy Comfort Tea SAVORIES Curried Sweet Potato Latkes Asparagus & Smoked Salmon Bagel Chip Crostini Israeli Salad Cups Russian Caravan Tea SWEETS Blueberry Blintzes Chocolate Truffle Tart with Matzo-Almond Crust Star of David Coconut Pound Cake with Coconut Glaze Burgundy Blast Herbal Tisane Tea Pairings by Simpson & Vail 800-282-8327 | svtea.com Date Scones Makes 12 Delicious, triangle-shaped scones laden with warm spices, fresh orange zest, and dried dates assemble marvelously into a Star of David pattern when plated together for a Hanukkah celebration. 2 cups all-purpose flour⅓ cup granulated sugar2 teaspoons baking powder¾ teaspoon fresh orange zest½ teaspoon fine sea salt¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon⅛ teaspoon ground allspice4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed½ cup chopped dried dates¾ cup cold heavy whipping cream½ teaspoon vanilla extractGarnish: confectioners’ sugar • Preheat oven to 400°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. • In a large bowl, whisk together flour,…

Menu SCONE Earl Grey–Pineapple Scones with Earl Grey Cream First Flush Darjeeling-2022 Gomtee Estate SAVORIES Crab & Corn Vol-au-Vents Caprese Canapés Curried Duck & Mango Tea Sandwiches Golden Treasure Black SWEETS Cranberry & Cherry–Topped Cheesecakes Raspberry-Anise Linzer Cookies Ambrosia Cakes Earl Grey Superior Mixture Tea Pairings by Grace Tea Company 978-635-9500 | gracetea.com Earl Grey–Pineapple Scones Makes approximately 12 Imparted with the citrusy flavor of bergamot from the Earl Grey tea leaves and sweetened by dried pineapple, these delicious, cream-based scones are wonderfully balanced and delightfully unique for the holidays. 3 bags Earl Grey black tea*, divided1 cup boiling water½ cup chopped dried pineapple2½ cups all-purpose flour⅓ cup granulated sugar1 tablespoon baking powder1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest½ teaspoon fine sea salt6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed¾ cup plus 3 tablespoons cold heavy whipping cream, divided½ teaspoon vanilla extractEarl Grey Cream (recipe follows) • In a 2-cup heatproof bowl, place 1 tea…

Menu SCONE Orange-Almond Scones Holiday Winter Spice Tea SAVORIES Roasted Grape & Brie Tartlets Radish & Beef Canapés with Tarragon Aïoli Lobster-Chive Tea Sandwiches Aberdares Gold Black Tea SWEETS Creamy Lemon & Raspberry Tartlets Cardamom Butter Cookies Maple-Pecan Chiffon Cake Chestnut Black Tea Tea Pairings by The Tea Shoppe 304-413-0890 | theteashoppewv.com Orange-Almond Scones Makes 12 These round and picture-perfect scones incorporate the best flavors of the Christmas season, thanks to fresh orange zest and almond extract. Sprinkle these fluffy bakes with sliced almonds for a delightfully crunchy topping. 3 cups all-purpose flour¼ cup granulated sugar4 teaspoons baking powder½ teaspoon fine sea salt½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed1 cup plus 2½ tablespoons cold heavy whipping cream, divided2 tablespoons fresh orange zest½ teaspoon almond extract1 large egg3 tablespoons sliced almonds • Preheat oven to 375°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar,…