It's soon to be summertime...a great time for hosting a Tea Party
Little girls scooting around in high heals, vintage hats, pearls and gloves on a Saturday afternoon at a Tea Party what could be more fun!
Fill the room with china tea cups, and saucers, pretty plates, dainty napkins, tiny sandwiches, delicate deserts and "tea".
Watch them capture the personality of the hats they wear!
Tea Parties are fun!
I always love the atmosphere of a tea party!
Looking for a different twist to your next party? Host a tea party for a birthday party or bridal shower!
Here are a few of my favorite recipes for creating the special mood at your next tea party.
Blueberry Streusel Scones
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chilled, unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 cup fresh blueberries(dried blueberries can be substituted)I like to use them fresh from my blueberry bush!
Zest of one lemon (opt.)
1 large egg, lightly beaten(don't overbeat)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup cream
extra cream, to brush on scones
Streusel Topping
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
How to Brew the Perfect Pot of Tea
Step 1: Fill a kettle with fresh, cold water, adding enough to make the desired amount of tea, plus some extra to allow for evaporation and to prewarm the teapot.
Step 2:
Wait until the water is near boiling, then pour a little into the teapot and swirl it around. This warms the pot so that it is at an optimum temperature for holding the tea. Empty the pot.
Step 3:
For each cup of tea, place 1 rounded teaspoon of leaves into the warmed pot. (If your pot has a strainer basket, use it)
Step 4:
Allow the water in the kettle to reach a brisk, rolling boil.
Step 5:
Pour the water from the teakettle onto the leaves in the teapot.
Step 6:
Let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the size of the leaves. Allow a longer steeping time for larger leaves than for fine leaves.
Step 7:
Stir just before serving, then strain the tea into cups. Depending on the tea, you might add sugar, milk, honey or lemon. (or any combination, my favorite is honey & lemon)
Step 8:
Keep the pot covered with a cozy to keep the tea warm, and enjoy.
Cucumber Petite Sandwiches
1 medium onion - grated
A few tablespoons salad dressing, don't overdo it here or your sandwich filling will be runny!
2 medium cucumbers - peeled, seeded, and grated
12 oz. softened cream cheeses
1 lb. wheat or whole grain bread
Cucumber Slices (for Garnish)
Parsleys Sprigs (for Garnish)
Step 1:
Combine the cucumbers and cream cheese, then blend in the onion.
Step 2:
Add in a tablespoon or two of Miracle Whip salad dressing and blend until the mixture is soft and spreadable. Add a little more to soften further.( you can use mayonnaise here, but I don't like mayo so I make with Miracle Whip Salad Dressing)
Step 3:
Cut the crusts off the bread.
Step 4:
Spread mixture over half the bread pieces, then top with another piece of bread. Then I use my handy little "cut n seal" tool from Pampered Chef, (it's only about 10.00)which cuts and seals the sandwiches.
Step 5:
Garnish with parsley or cucumber.They are just YUMMY!
