Tabla de contenidos para January - February 2007 en TeaTime

A new year holds such promise—a clean slate, 365 new days, fresh pages in the day planner, just waiting for our notations of appointments, luncheons, parties, work, and vacation days. Don’t forget to pencil in personal time for relaxing with a cup of tea and TeaTime magazine. A new year also brings changes, and we have incorporated a few, beginning with this issue. We are introducing Lindsay’s List, with the hope you’ll enjoy seeing and reading about products selected by our photo stylist, Lindsay Keith. You have seen her beautiful and creative work in the pages of our magazine, and we want you to benefit from her time spent scouting for props for our photo shoots. Another change allows us to expand our spotlight on individuals whose work goes hand-in-hand…

Menu CURRIED CREAM OF SQUASH SOUP CHOPPED SALAD VINAIGRETTE MINIATURE COTTAGE PIES ROSEMARY WHITE CHEDDAR SCONES WHITE CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY TRIFLE TThere is love in a potato. This, we know, because underneath the papery, thin jacket, there awaits the promise of a butter-drenched helping of comfort, one of love’s most soothing and elemental expressions. Cottage pie is but one possibility the potato can offer seekers of succor, but, oh, what a possibility. The savory tart is a gift from the English—slow-cooked beef and vegetables in brothy gravy, encased in pastry, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. The cottage pie—not to be confused with mutton-based shepherd’s pie—is best baked to golden perfection and served piping hot. Consolation quickly ensues. Such heart and hearth-warming comfort is a delicious dose of medicine on a…

THERE IS MUCH TO CONSIDER ABOUT THE PERFECT TEA SANDWICH. The cornerstone is a round of bread or perhaps pastry, and from this sure foundation, the sky is the limit— so much possibility in such a small space. This teatime delicacy must, in two bites time, deliver a maximum of flavor and appeal with a minimum of mass and volume. Though no small task to achieve, the tea sandwich has, from its introduction to society as bits of bread and butter, evolved into a mastery of art and taste. While modern menus are apt to include some truly innovative combinations of ingredients, there is something to be said for the tried-and-true. And in the world of tea sandwiches, the quintessentials are sure to include cucumber and smoked salmon-based sandwiches—part of…

Q What is an acceptable age for me to take my young child to experience tea in a tearoom? A The age depends on the child’s maturity and exposure to dining in public places. Since children take cues about table manners from their parents, practice with your child at home. Present your child a written invitation to join you at tea, explain how the tea is poured, the addition of sugar and milk, and describe each course and how it is eaten. Then, practice, practice, practice. This can be a fun and educational experience for you and your child. Q Which tea blends are suitable for using when I am introducing my child to tea? A All fruit herbal teas may be used. I recommend a fruit infusion such as…

Some mark February 14 on their calendars with flourish while others simply brush the day off as a holiday built on an empire of heart-shaped boxes and wilted rose petals. But we prefer to imagine the possibilities rather than dwell on the negatives. We believe that love and devotion can be expressed with pastry and tea. We believe setting aside a special day to honor love, in all its many forms, is a wonderful idea. And most of all, we believe that whatever you give, you will receive—many times over. For this reason, on February 14, we encourage you to join us in celebrating Valentine’s Day, to accept the love you are offered, and to share that love with others in equal measure.…

Shiny new appliances, spacious countertops, ample storage are all important to a cook's fantasies, which makes stepping inside the new Hoffman Media kitchen just like walking into a dream. Both beautiful and functional, the onsite kitchen was designed and provided by Lowe's Home Improvement and is fully stocked with state-of-the-art KitchenAid® equipment. Not a small undertaking, the project went smoothly and ended with fantastic results, thanks in part to careful planning. Test Kitchen Director Rebecca Touliatos knew immediately what she wanted. “I was pretty specific about ovens. I wanted the biggest, widest ovens they had, and I wanted a convection oven. We wanted them under the counter so we would have more counter space, and we wanted a deep sink equipped with a gooseneck faucet,” she says. After meeting with…

Nothing warms your heart and soul in the cold of winter like knowing you are loved. Well, that—and maybe a steaming cup of tea. How fortuitous then, that Valentine’s Day falls in the middle of what could otherwise be a bleak month. Legend has it that the very first Valentine greeting was sent from St. Valentine himself while he was imprisoned for breaking Roman law by helping young lovers to marry. He sent a love letter to a girl for whom he had fallen and signed it “From your Valentine,” unknowingly spurring a tradition for centuries to come. Granted, this is just one of the favored fables explaining the origins of the romantic holiday. But no matter the inspiration, the meaning of Valentine’s Day is universal—to let your loved ones…

It would stand to reason that the one-of-kind confection known as the Napoleon is named for the late emperor of the same name, but culinarians tell us this is not so. While not named for the Corsican conqueror, the Napoleon is no less a dessert for it. In fact, as far as sweets go, the Napoleon is an often adventurous and always sumptuous choice. The basic concept is simple enough: layers of sweet creamy custard sandwiched between pillows of puff pastry, topped with a light dusting of sugar or glaze. Depending on the chef and the occasion, the custard may be flavored, while such additional ingredients as fruits and nuts lend added taste and texture. For our version, we have chosen a decidedly daring approach, substituting buttery lace cookies for…

Q You are an unquestioned authority on etiquette. Can you tell us a bit about your background, and what led you to share your knowledge with others? A I am a southerner from North Carolina who grew up in an era when politeness was part of our daily lives. Etiquette was taught in our schools and colleges throughout the South. I read etiquette books while other girls my age read romance novels. Poor behavior was a reflection on one’s family, therefore, “mind your manners” was part of one’s daily life. While attending college, I worked in a large department store where a major portion of our training covered etiquette lessons, and showing respect to our customers. First names were never used; every one was addressed with an honorific, including the…

Pretty Presentation Want to make an impression at your next afternoon tea party? Line your favorite tea canister with an eye-catching linen, then fill with a handful of indulgent treats—instant elegance! Floral Centerpiece Last-minute doesn’t have to look it—colorful tea tins are perfect bases for easy-to-assemble centerpieces. To prevent rust, first line the tin with a plastic bag, then cut a piece of floral foam to fit. Add water to the foam, and arrange flowers to your liking. Sitting Pretty Tea tins will be sitting pretty on your vanity table, where the prettily patterned canisters add not only a note of whimsy, but also offer a fun and functional way to display your collection of cosmetic brushes. Green Thumb Show off your green thumb and your imagination with this clever…

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE MIGHT BE FRIGHTFUL, BUT THIS FLAVORFUL SCONE IS SIMPLY DELIGHTFUL. Let the classic combination of cinnamon and pecans carry you back to Saturday mornings spent in flannel pajamas and fuzzy slippers, munching cinnamon rolls at the kitchen table. Back then, this breakfast served as fuel for a day of making snowmen, sledding, and maybe even ice-skating. This grown-up version serves a slightly different purpose. Whether you’re savoring scones and conversation with friends, or warming by the fire for an afternoon tea break, you’re sure to add this creation to your list of teatime favorites. And there’s no need to fret about spreads and such for this sweet treat. Made with sour cream, this scone is perfectly moist and delicious, with or without a dollop of our Honey…

Inviting Words Page 10: Scrapbook paper and cardstock, Michael’s. China, Stein Mart. Lindsay’s List Page 12: Vintage yellow plastic tea canister, vintage Bigelow and Tetley tea tins, yellow miniature teapot, Riverchase Antique Super Mall. Porcelain placecards, Tricia’s Treasures. Vintage Sunshine Biscuits cookie tins, vintage aprons, Treasures. Classic Tea Kettle in Chili Red, Chantal. Teapot Coat designed by Lori Taylor for Taylor G. Enchanting Details Page 14: China, HomeGoods. Teapot, Stein Mart. Seasonal Scone Page 15: Polka Dot dessert plate, Anthropologie. Timeless Toile Page 16: Vera Bradley Dinnerware, New Orleans toile, china, and table accessories, Hazelnut New Orleans. Blue and White Monticello toile stationery, Monticello. Central Park toile,www.HouseFabric.com. Jamestown toile, Hancock Fabrics. Where Dreams Become Realities Page 20: Le Cordon Bleu Pots and Pans, Spring Switzerland, Spring USA. A Winter’s High…