One of my favorite things is a cool rainy
day when I can stay in bed with a good book, piano concertos,
and a hot pot of tea. Unfortunately now that I'm in Southern California
that isn't going to happen very much. I guess I'll just have to
turn the sprinklers toward the windows, close the shade, and pretend!
My favorite tea is the Twinings Queen Mary
blend. Unfortunately I have been unable to locate it for years.
I originally bought a tin of the loose tea at the Twinings shop
at Epcot Center. I've never seen the blend since. I have spent
hours scouring the web, I have had friends look in Europe
all
to no avail
so far. If you know where I might be able to
find it please e-mail me
with the information!
I'm also looking forward to moving into
my new house, as will be able to show off my teapot and teacup
collections. I have had glass cupboard doors installed in a couple
of the cabinets so that I can display my pots and tea tins while
still protecting them from dust, and my Flower of the Month teacups
will have more space on their shelves because of this.
When
I was in college my female friends and I used to get together
once a week for tea and conversation. Well, Debbie had hot
chocolate and conversation, but that's ok! Sandy almost
always had Prince of Wales, and I flittered about the choices,
though most often it was Ceylon Breakfast (good any time of day
really). Everyone else tried something new each week (I had over
20 types in my dorm room most of the time). I miss those days,
they were fun, but when I see them now we still drink tea and
remember together. That's fun and rewarding as well.
These days I seem to enjoy reading about
tea as much as I enjoy drinking it. I'm not sure why. I think
it has something to do with getting new ideas for tea and tea
parties! I often wish I were English and could have a culturally
sanctioned tea time in the afternoon!
If you enjoy reading about tea or are looking for some new tea recipes, please check out the links below. They are part of Li's Bookstore, in association with Amazon.Com. For more information on my relationship with Amazon or their policies, see the main Li's Bookstore page. Otherwise, feel free to browse and shop below!
Girlfriends: Invisible Bonds, Enduring Ties, by Carmen Renee Berry and Tamara Traeder. Paperback, 1995, 230 pages.
This 1996 best seller is a wonderful book
to read and to share with friends. It includes great tips on things
friends can do for each other (I drooled over the teacup wedding
shower, OF COURSE!) as well as great excuses for a group of friends
to get together. The best part, though, is seeing yourself and
your friendships in the stories of the book.
A Token of Friendship, by Barbara Milo Ohrbach. Hardback, 1987, 56 pages.
A friend gave me this book after I moved
1000 miles from all of my friends and family. In the four years
since then, I have often taken comfort in the quotations and thoughts
contained in it. There also are some yummy recipes and great ideas
for gifts. If you have a special friend that you want to surprise,
this is a wonderful book!
The London Ritz Book of Afternoon Tea, by Helen Simpson. Hardback, 1986, 64 pages.
This book has recipes and directions for
an appropriate afternoon tea. From different seasons to High Tea
and more, you'll find something that's right for you!
Biscuits and Scones, by Elizabeth Alston. Hardback, 1988, 106 pages.
Biscuits and Scones features 62 recipes
of everything from breakfast biscuits to desserts. You will LOVE
the chocolate chip scones! You don't need to be an expert to make
these recipes, and all the terms are explained in an easy-to-understand
fashion.
Winnie-the Pooh's Teatime Cookbook,
by Ernest H. Shephard, 1993, 64 pages.
Ok, I admit it. I bought this book because
of the irresistible combination of Pooh and tea, not expecting
much of the book itself. I am happy to say that I have been very
happy with my purchase! The recipes are easy, quick and delightful.
From the banana malt to oatmeal honey bread to curried chicken
salad, you can make a feast appropriate for a king or for children
and their stuffed bears! Your choice!
The Afternoon Tea Book,
by Michael Smith, 1986, 275 pages.
This book has had staying power because
of two things: intriguing history sections and yummy recipes!
He doesn't just give you the chocolate cake recipe, it explains
why it has to be this recipe. Believe
me, his favorite chocolate cake is on my "to make" list!