Table of contents for May - June 2008 in TeaTime

When my daughter inherited her grandmother’s china, she was only 10 years old, more interested in painting and soccer games than in bone china. We packed away the fragile dishes, with their tiny pink flowers and pale green leaves, a delicate pattern that had reminded Rena of her youngest granddaughter. The set of china remained tucked away in our attic until Emily was older and had moved beyond soccer balls (but not the paints, brushes, and canvases). The china, which graced my mother-in-law’s table for many years at every special family occasion, is a pattern that is no longer manufactured. Now my daughter takes extra care when the pieces—a tangible connection to her grandmother—are used in her home. Should Emily want to add to the set or to replace a…

Danube So Blue From the first few shimmering notes to the triumphant final strains, “The Blue Danube” by Johann Strauss II is one of the most beguiling and recognizable pieces of music in the world. And though most listeners know it as a waltz, the work was first written by Strauss as a choral piece, with lyrics that describe both the innate beauty of the “Danube so blue” and the lush countryside through which it flows. “Eastward you flow, welcoming your brothers, a picture of peace for all time,” wrote the Austrian composer. “Old castles looking down from high, greet you smiling from their steep and craggy hilltops, and the mountains’ vistas mirror your dancing waves.” What an exquisite picture his words paint—as descriptive and vivid as the music they…

Cucumbers are a quintessential ingredient on the tea table—cool and crisp, they add delightful crunch and freshness to any dish. In the same family as zucchini and yellow summer squash, the slender green cucumber was first cultivated nearly 3,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest foods still grown today. Because they are so mild, cucumbers pair effortlessly with many different flavors. It is an ever-present ingredient in numerous styles of cooking, from the quintessential English cucumber tea sandwich to an Indian cucumber and yogurt sauce. Ingredients such as watermelon and ricotta salata cheese are a bit unusual but surprisingly delicious when combined with thinly sliced cucumbers. Thick rounds of the vegetable showcase tender, sweet cantaloupe with creamy herbed goat cheese for a satisfying blend of flavors. Tiny tomatoes…

With more than 275,000 CHINA, SILVER, CRYSTAL, AND COLLECTIBLE PATTERNS IN STOCK, REPLACEMENTS, LTD., IN GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA, IS UNIQUELY SUITED TO ITS MISSION OF “REPLACING THE IRREPLACEABLE.” CURATING MANAGER CHRIS KIRKMAN HELPS UNRAVEL THE MYSTERY OF IDENTIFYING THOSE PRICELESS PATTERNS WHILE EXPLAINING THE FINER POINTS OF REPLACING LOST, DAMAGED, OR MISSING PIECES. Q: What do you think lies at the heart of the appeal of heirloom china, silver, and crystal? A: I think there is something very emotionally stirring here. I think so many people feel or want to feel a connection between the past and present, their ancestors and themselves. The china, crystal, and silver that people have in hand has likely been in their families for generations. It has survived long after their loved ones have gone.…

Q I will coordinate a seated Afternoon Tea event at my church later this year. I plan to invite several members of a local college sorority to serve as wait staff. What guidelines should I give them in preparing to serve an Afternoon Tea? A You might suggest that the servers dress in similar outfits, such as all black. All of them will likely have access to black slacks, a black top, and a pair of black shoes. Be sure that shoes are closed toe (no sandals). An inexpensive black or patterned apron may be added to complete the sophisticated uniform. Remind them to wash their hands before serving and as needed throughout the afternoon. Be sure no one is chewing gum. All dishes should be served from the diner’s…

ALMOND PROFITEROLES Makes about 50 profiteroles 2 cups plus 1 tablespoon water, divided 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes 1 teaspoon vanilla paste 2 cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt 9 eggs, divided 1 tablespoon firmly packed light brown sugar 2 tablespoons chopped toasted almonds 1 recipe Tropical Green Tea Pastry Cream (recipe follows) 1. Preheat oven to 400°. 2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring 2 cups water, butter, and vanilla paste to a boil. Add flour and salt; stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat. Cool 4 minutes. 3. Add 8 eggs, one at a time, beating with a wooden spoon for 30 seconds after each addition until smooth. 4. Spoon or pipe about 1 tablespoon mixture into…

Cover Cover: “Chateaubriand Blue” teapot and china by Bernardaud~available at Replacements, Ltd. Tea and Etiquette Page 10: For more information, visit www.teaandetiquette.org. Enchanting Details Page 13: “Chateaubriand Blue” teapot and china by Bernardaud~available at Replacements, Ltd. Lindsay’s List Page 14: Legato Lavaliers, necklace and pendant~available at House of Ruth Designs. Savon de Thé soap gift set~available at Gianna Rose Atelier. Nighteas Teacup Light~available at Shabbyfufu. Just Write, by Molly O’Shaughnessy~available through Gibbs-Smith Publishers. Morocco French Goatskin Ladies Travel Clutch, Luggage Tag, and Passport Cover~available at Graphic Image. Magnet Board~available at www.hardenbrookstudio.com. Page 15: Hand-Painted Wedding Ornaments by Amy Calandra~available at Light of Mine Designs. Lollia Wish Eau de Parfum~available at Lollia. Limited Edition Pens made of brass and vintage beads~available at Vivian Collado. The Tea Experience Page 26: Nature’l, 103…

Dethlefsen & Balk One of the oldest importers and blenders of premium teas and the worldwide leader for tea accessories (strainers, porcelain, glass, samovars). 200+ teas of all origins include rarities and flavored black, green, oolong, yellow, white, fruit, herbal, Ayurveda, rooibos, and chai. Custom blends possible. Wholesale only! Shipping ex Aurora, IL 60504. 877-DB4-Teas • info@dethlefsen-balk.us www.dethlefsen-balk.us MarketSpice, Inc. MarketSpice was established in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market in 1911. Our retail store continues to operate in that location, and we have expanded our company as a wholesale supplier, resulting in availability of our products in additional venues. Our most popular item is our world-famous signature MarketSpice Tea. 800-735-7198 • wholesale@marketspice.com Maryland China Company Since 1910, Maryland China Company has been offering the finest white porcelain and ceramic items…