Table of contents for January - February 2012 in TeaTime

The chilly days of winter have arrived, bringing with them unique beauty. Barren branches that once sported a heavy covering of leaves are now exposed for all to admire their shapely forms, some dusted with a lovely coating of snow and others wrapped in a shimmering layer of ice. Why not celebrate this wintry landscape by bringing its hues indoors as you enjoy afternoon tea? Sumptuous shades of silver and white beautifully adorn many of the pages of this issue, from tablescapes to essential products for tea. Since these colors pair nicely with other palettes, they are easy to integrate into virtually any décor and style. The gorgeous china we’ve used ranges from modern to traditional, masculine to feminine. For a truly memorable winter tea, choose the setting that best…

Warm & Cozy Keep your teapot from cooling down too quickly. These highquality Thistledown cozies have unique and tasteful details and come in many styles and sizes. ($75; theteaparlourshop.com) Tempting Tea Harney & Sons’ Winter White Earl Grey is a light Mutan white tea with just the right amount of soothing bergamot. ($6.95; harney.com) Steeped in Perfection Breville’s top-of-the-line electric teakettle is programmable for all types of tea and has a fully automated tea basket that takes care of the brewing for you. ($249.99; brevilleusa.com) Serve in Style Chic and polished while keeping a casual feel, this Nest teapot with warmer includes a tea infuser basket that is easily removed for a perfectly brewed pot of tea. ($59.99; bigkitchen.com) Perfect Temp It’s easy to brew a flawless cup of tea…

Winter brings bare trees, snowdrifts, and icy streets decked in shades of white, silver, and gray. This elegant tablescape draws beauty from these cold days and warms the soul with heartening cups of tea. The handetched and hand-painted silver details of glass Arte Italica dinnerware are resplendent paired with a simple yet elegant white china teapot, creamer, and sugar bowl trimmed in silver. Forming a bright and sophisticated centerpiece, three bouquets of soft white flowers nestled in mercury-glass vases of varying heights give the table a burst of life and freshness.…

The new year is a time dedicated to fresh hopes, endeavors, and accomplishments. Holiday gatherings are past, and we look toward the upcoming months and resolutions with enthusiasm. Gather friends and family to celebrate this special time of year with a tea party that features wholesome foods abounding with robust flavor. Roasted Tomato and Bulgur Canapés, Southwestern Salad in Cucumber Boats, and Chocolate-Avocado Pudding in Pecan Cups are just a few of the elegant specialties guests will relish along with a warming cup of tea. squash and spinach muffins Yield: 30 muffins Preparation: 45 minutes Bake: 50 minutes 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating pans) 2 cups cubed (¼-inch) butternut squash 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons coarse salt, divided 1¼ teaspoons ground black pepper, divided ½ cup…

Avenerable British tradition for centuries, afternoon tea is also flourishing throughout the Caribbean as posh resorts from Bermuda to Barbados entice anglophiles with brimming cups of black, green, oolong, and white tea. Offered throughout the Caribbean midafternoon as a casual or a social activity, tea is normally served with warm scones and delectable finger sandwiches. Island chefs often add their own special tropical touches to the fare, providing flavored iced teas with fresh-baked pastries and local-style breads. Here you’ll find such recipes as applesauce tea loaf, spicy nut-tea stir-fry, and teasteeped prunes for health-conscious tea lovers. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches and waters, the Caribbean has long been a favorite tourist destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Guests at hotels throughout the islands can…

Thank you, Katrina Ávila Munichiello! This is sure to be your feeling when you finish and lay aside her splendid book, A Tea Reader, and also when you return to open it over and over. Katrina had the great idea of assembling an anthology of fine writing on tea—one has to wonder why no one has done this before now. A Tea Reader is a gift to everyone who loves the English language even half as much as tea—and our tribe is large. There are a few unknown stories from familiar old writers like Louisa May Alcott and Rudyard Kipling and several pages by makers of tea history like Thomas Lipton and Robert Fortune—but in their own words. A few poems from Chinese in translations we’ve never seen before also…

Through the window of my Kentucky home, I watched in quiet wonder as snow drifted softly to the ground. With my Valentine tea for the young women in my church only a week away, the days ahead promised a flurry of activity. A litany of chores filled my mind. Cleaning house topped the list, but I also needed to polish silver, iron table linens, and pull china from the cupboards. With so much to do, I welcomed the sense of peace the falling snow brought. As I gazed out the window, my thoughts drifted to the chilly February day that inspired my Valentine tea. The year before, I had spent a lovely afternoon with friends at the famed Elmwood Inn in Perryville, Kentucky. Elmwood is the first tearoom in North…

COVER Photography by Marcy Black Simpson, food styling by Janet Lambert, and photo styling by Lucy W. Herndon. Edelstein Platin-Tasco teapot ($139.95) and footed teacup and saucer ($17) from Replacements, 800-REPLACE, replacements.com. Rosanna small White Cake Pedestal ($38), 877-343- 3779, rosannainc.com. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 3: Arte Italica Vetro Silver coffee cup and saucer ($74), 212-213- 0859, arteitalica.com. MASTHEAD Page 6: Royal Crown Derby Elizabeth Platinum 5-piece place setting ($575) from Bromberg’s, 205-871-3276. COME FOR TEA Page 8: Royal Crown Derby Elizabeth Platinum teapot ($725) from Bromberg’s, 205-871-3276. Arte Italica Vetro Silver coffee cup and saucer ($74), 212-213-0859, arteitalica.com. Wedgwood Sterling sugar bowl ($145), 877-900-9973, wedgwoodusa.com. NECESSARY THINGS Page 14: Thistledown Shop Classic Gray and White tea cozy ($75), 877-890- 9106, theteaparlourshop.com for retailers. Cuisinart PerfecTemp Stainless Teakettle ($79.95), 800-726-7190,…

Completing the Set How do I purchase a back issue? I couldn’t find a copy in the store, and I don’t have a subscription. I’m looking for the June 2011 edition as it had the second part of an article about teashops in Florida. I have the first part from the previous edition, but I want the set because I live in Florida. I’m going to sign up for a subscription now, but would sure love to have that back issue. Thanks! KELLEY BENNETT Florida We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed the first article on teashops in Florida. We hope you have an opportunity to visit some of those tearooms in the near future. Back issues of TeaTime can be purchased online at hoffmanmedia.com/store.aspx or by calling 888-411-8995.…

LORNA REEVES, editor Tea for Two’s ornate silver tea canister is as functional as it is beautiful, allowing me to store my loose-leaf tea, like White Pearl from Simpson & Vail, in plain sight. This tea’s mild, sweet taste is delightful on a wintry afternoon, and the flavor endures through multiple steepings. ANNE-HARRIS JONES, assistant editor This cute but practical two-tier dessert server brings elements of nature into my home and can be used in formal and informal settings. LUCY W. HERNDON, stylist The delicate, white Regal Teapot Set is so versatile. I can mix it and match it with my own seasonal or patterned dishes for any style tea party. And this food-safe mercury-glass cake stand adds sparkle when I want to dress up a table. MEAGHAN DAVIS, editorial…

january 8 Monthly Tea Demonstration Noon, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m. Seishin-an Tea House Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens Delray Beach, Florida Attendees will observe Japanese sado, an ever-changing demonstration rich in seasonal subtleties. Involvement in the true spirit of sado—harmony (wa), reverence (kei), purity (sei), tranquility (jaku)—along with a sip of green tea and a sweet, will help bring a calm perspective to a busy life. Cost is $5 with paid admission to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. For more information, visit morikami.org, or call 561-495-0233, extension 210. 22 MusicaliTEA with the Sierra Master Chorale 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Miners Foundry Nevada City, California Celebrate National Hot Tea month in song! Sierra Master Chorale members will sing during a delicious three-course luncheon (prepared and served by choir members)…

currant-orange scones Yield: 16 to 18 scones Preparation: 10 minutes Bake: 10 minutes 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour* ½ cup sugar, divided 1 tablespoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ¼ cup cold butter ½ cup dried currants 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest, divided ¾ cup buttermilk 2 large eggs 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream ¼ cup butter, melted • Preheat oven to 425°. • Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside. • In a large bowl, combine flour, ¼ cup sugar, baking powder, and salt, whisking to combine. Using a pastry blender, cut butter into flour mixture until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add currants and 1 tablespoon orange zest, tossing to combine. Set aside. • In a small bowl, combine remaining ¼ cup sugar and remaining 1 tablespoon…