The Waning Days of Summer 2023

Happy National Cream Tea Day 2023!

Today is National Cream Tea Day in the UK! Observed on the last Friday in June, this is a day to celebrate a distinctly British tradition. This afternoon snack is associated with the West Country...especially Dorset, Somerset, Cornwall, and Devon. Tea is accompanied by sconces with butter, jam, and of course clotted cream,hence the name. Devonshire cream is clotted cream made in Devon wnile Cornish cream is made in rival Cornwall. And there is great debate about what order to to apply toppings to a sconce: the Devonians insist cream goes first followed by jam (and of course they would since they make one of the most famouse clotted creams in the world) while the Cornish believe the jam goes on first and then cream. Either way, a scone with those toppings is heavenly.

Photo by Liyster

However, in the United States, this Cream Tea is often confused for Afternoon Tea or High Tea, both of which are altogether different.

The website High Tea gives a wonderful history on how the tradition got started:

In the 19th Century, it was customary for the upper classes in England to have their evening meal rather late, say 8:00-9:00 pm. It was understandable then that one might become hungry in the late afternoon.

Sometime around 1840, Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, complained of a “sinking feeling” and requested that some light food and a pot of tea (usually Darjeeling) be brought to her private living quarters to help ward off her mid afternoon hunger. This light food probably included bread, butter, and perhaps biscuits.

The idea proved so successful that it soon became routine, and the Duchess decided to invite a few of her friends to her private rooms for tea in the afternoon. A new social event was born in which the invited guests would have an opportunity to meet with friends, catch up on the latest news, discuss recent events, etc.

The service would normally take place in the lady’s parlour, or withdrawing room, or boudoir and be served on low-decorative tables. Hence this event also became known as “low” tea.

The light food served with afternoon tea gradually evolved to include more elaborate fare such as crustless finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a final course of sweets and pastries. The idea was to provide easy-to-manage portions suitable for entertaining in a sitting room.

The Duchess was lady-in-waiting and a lifelong friend to Queen Victoria, whom she introduced to the idea and, in so doing, gained an influential supporter. The trend gained popularity, and it soon became a fashionable pastime of the upper classes. To meet this new demand, English china manufacturers, linen makers, and silversmiths began turning out fine accoutrements to be used in the service of afternoon tea.

As you can see, the Afternoon Tea, served between 3:30 and 5PM, is what is often confused for a High Tea. In the UK, High Tea is not something fancy but more of an actual meal that is served instead of supper. It includes much more hearty fare with meat, fish, and egg dishes. This evening meal is usually associated with the working class and is consuemd between 5 and 7PM.
But today is simple: enjoy a pot of tea with a sconce, some clotted cream, and some jam. Happy National Cream Tea Day!

https://www.creamteasociety.co.uk/

Prosecco Popsicles

I am definitely going to serve these at a summer dinner party this year...drop fruit popsicles into prosecco and serve with a cheese plate! Couldn't be easier!

Late Autumn Cocktail: Cinnamon Pear Sangria

This delicious cocktail sounds like a crisp autumn day in a glass. The recipe for Cinnamon Pear Sangria includes not only white wine but also vodka...however, I got into a very unpleasant altercation with vodka years ago and ever since then, we have not been on speaking terms. So I am sure something else could be substituted if need be. Or maybe try it with just a Chardonnay? The great thing about sangria recipes is that they can be adjusted to include whatever flavors one like best.

CINNAMON PEAR SANGRIA INGREDIENTS
*White wine
*Vodka
*Cinnamon pear syrup (recipe below)
*Fresh pears
*Cinnamon sticks
*Soda water

PEAR SIMPLE SYRUP INGREDIENTS
*Fresh pears
*Granulated sugar
*Water
*Cinnamon stick
*Vanilla extract

To make the simple syrup, put granulated sugar, chopped pears, vanilla, cinnamon stick, and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Lower to a simmer and let cook for about 15 minutes. Pour syrup over a fine mesh sieve to strain out the pears and cinnamon stick and let syrup cool completely before using.

To make the sangria, pour the entire bottle of white wine into a large pitcher. Add vodka, simple syrup, sliced pears, and cinnamon sticks and place the pitcher in the fridge for about 2 hours to let the flavors meld together. Right before you're ready to serve, stir in soda water.

Original article and recipe from We Are Not Martha, here:
https://wearenotmartha.com/cinnamon-pear-sangria/

How To Spice Up Your Hot Chocolate

After yesterday''s holiday cookie extravaganza, we need something with which to wash them down:

How To Spice Up Your Hot Chocolate! Imaginative and simple additions to hot chocolate to create delectable, gourmet holiday drinks!

http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1054517/delicious-hot-chocolate-recipes-infographic

Still Cold...

...and we could use some warming up (it was 34*F here this morning!). Check out these marvelous recipes for delicious variations on hot chocolate! Those who know me will not be surprised to learn that I am very eager to try the Lavender White...as well as the Caramel!

Meet me for a drink? I could use one about now...

I'll be in the bar. You'll find me.

Water Infusions

There are some great taste combinations here and they are so simple to make. I normally make a lavender lemon water to serve guests when I have a dinner party. I just fill a large tea ball with food-grade dried lavender, drop it in a gallon pitcher along with a slice of lemon and let it steep for a good several hours. You can also mix in sparkling water with still to give your infusions a kick!

Original recipes at Tasty Yummies, linked below:
http://tasty-yummies.com/2014/07/07/infused-waters-to-keep-you-hydrated-this-summer/

BEAUTY: Photography--Nick Rees

London photographer Nick Rees photographed glasses of champagne from above, capturing the effervescence of the classic drink in a view few stop to notice.

https://www.behance.net/nickrees

Hot Chocolate Weather