Table of contents for September - October 2009 in TeaTime

The fall harvest is over, and the farmers’ market, the curbside fruit stands, and the lawn at the Methodist church are overflowing with my favorite symbol of autumn, glorious orange-colored pumpkins. Continuing a decadelong tradition, I will go to the church and walk among rows and rows of pumpkins that are arranged by size, from petite to giant, and select a large one for the porch. Displayed with a shock of cornstalks and a pot or two of yellow chrysanthemums, this will be my tribute to fall, a visual reminder of the season I love. Inside the house, I will take from storage my collection of pumpkins crafted from pottery and straw, and a fabric one I found in a craft store in the mountains. It is made from a…

Together, writers and historians explore the discovery of our world’s most beloved drink. From the history and the myths of tea growing to the rituals of tea drinking, The Book of Tea takes you on an insightful journey of all things tea. T Throughout the world, tea has left its mark and become a substantial component of culture. The act of drinking tea began with the elite but soon spread to the masses, transforming tea drinking into a popular pastime. As you sip blissful cups, read of the origins and fascinating history behind the leaves that make up the rituals and maintain the popularity of taking tea. “Tea has become not merely the name of a beverage but the name of a meal,” says author Anthony Burgess. “Sandwiches and cakes accompany…

L Long summer days shorten, and autumn settles in, bringing stunning gold and amber foliage and refreshing breezes—the perfect backdrop for an outdoor gathering. Traditionally, harvest marks the end of the growing season and the beginning of period celebrations for many cultures. Prior to the sixteenth century, the term harvest referred to the season following summer, but as settlers gradually transitioned from country farming to town living, the brisk months of September and October became known as autumn or fall. Tradition continues with seasonal observance and an array of festivities. To commemorate the splendor of the season, we have created a fall-harvest-inspired menu to delight the palate. To begin this classic Afternoon Tea, peach scones infused with caramel accompany steaming cups of black tea. Warm creamed corn fills flaky crusts…

Oolongs have inspired the Chinese and the Taiwanese for centuries with their full-bodied brews and fragrant aromas. These teas are partially oxidized and thus fall between the blacks and greens in the four tea families. Oolongs, depending on their origin and the skills of the tea master, can be light and fragrant or deep and roasted. Chinese oolongs generally tend to have a darker roast and fruitier nature than Taiwanese oolongs, which are generally greener with a more floral aroma. Fine oolongs are meant to be infused several times, with different flavor notes released during each steeping. spotlight on oolong These four oolong teas should be in every tea lover’s collection: Tung Ting One of Taiwan’s premier oolongs comes from highgrown bushes that are shaded from the sun. This tea…

A As the cool fall wind whistles through the hollows and the evening sky glows orange with the setting sun, the stage is set for a magical All Saints’ Eve tea. Decorate with colors and accessories inspired by the season. Oranges, browns, olive green, and even a hint of mysterious black combine for a warm palette. Palm-size pumpkins and copper-hued mums, as well as the soft flicker of candlelight, create a lovely setting. Serve a delicious tea menu inspired by the festive décor. Sweets such as Caramel Crunch Apples, Pumpkin Crème Brûlée, and Pumpkin Seed Brittle are perfect autumnal treats. Piquant black-olive scones and deviled eggs made with a black-tea infusion are slightly spooky versions of two teatime classics, while S’mores Cheesecake Bites and Harvest Cakes are fun and spirited—and sure…

When searching for an ideal cool-weather sweet, comforting, tried-and-true recipes are the first that come to mind. Just in time for fall, TeaTime reader Karen Haynes sent us her recipe for a season-perfect teatime treat, classic Pecan Tassies. Though the history of the bite-size tartlets is unclear, tassies are a traditional dessert, especially in the southern United States. Basic cream-cheese-based dough and nutty filling make for a simple, crowd-pleasing sweet. “What I love about this recipe is that it is so versatile,” Karen says. “They can be presented as an elegant offering on my tiered tea tray, but I can just as easily take them to share at an informal get-together.” Adding to their charm, the tiny tarts, which Karen notes are “perfect with a cup of Darjeeling,” are easy…

Rolling hills lined with endless trees seem to guide the way into Atlanta, the Southeast’s largest city, as buildings appear to dance in the skies. What a lovely segue from the quaint outlying communities to this vibrant city. As the eighth largest region in the United States, the city itself is bustling with business affairs and home to the world’s busiest airport. But quietly nestled in and among the skyscrapers are charming, elegant tearooms in harmonious settings with delightful fare that captures the true essence and tradition of teatime. Atlanta’s array of tearooms can provide the ideal setting for a celebration, a casual midday escape, or simply an afternoon with friends. Whether you seek traditional or informal tea, Georgia’s capital has plenty from which to choose. The city also has…

Small and simple details can make the biggest impact on the overall look and feel of your All Saints’ Eve celebration. – Pieces of classic black licorice are a fun and delicious way to sip Orange Tea Punch. – Make a plain serving tray special by lining it with a piece of scrapbook paper with a print that corresponds with the other colors of the tea. – As a token for the end of the evening, place Pumpkin-Seed Brittle inside decorative cones, and tie each cone to a chair using tulle or ribbon. – Tiny easels are the perfect way to display the decorated Hazelnut Shortbread; place a different design at each place setting for a mix-and-match look. – Using simple origami skills, create a hand-held container for serving the…

The leaves were just coming into their beautiful splendor—it was fall, the season we have all learned to love. I decided to take my friend Irene for a drive to enjoy the crisp air and beautiful colors. Irene spent most of her days in a nursing home, but she was still able-bodied and her mind was sharp as a tack. I would take her for drives as often as possible, and I always referred to our time together as “breaking out.” That cool autumn day, we sped along the roads, passing fields filled with pumpkins and trees laden with ripe, red apples. Our eyes were drawn to the bright red, orange, and yellow foliage. Our hearts were dancing, and all the stresses of the day disappeared. We were offto a…

cover Royal Crown Derby “Red Derby Panel” teacup, $90, saucer, $60; Royal Crown Derby “Carlton Gold” salad plate, $70, saucer, $60, all available at brombergs.com Mini terra-cotta pumpkins, $7.50 each, available at naturesharvesthome.com necessary things Page 12: Arthur Court cookbook rest, $120, available at brombergs.com Skyros Designs Corricoware mixing bowls in mustard and paprika, $38 each, baking dish, $54, available at brombergs.com Jonathan’s Wild Cherry Spoons, prices vary, available at woodspoon.com Essentials Canisters by America Retold, set, $120, available at ironaccents.com Page 13: Herringbone Feather Throw by A Soft Idea, $56, available at Suite Dreams, 205-414-1922. Sustainable-Wax Pillar candles, prices vary, available at potterybarn.com Simon Pearce Stratton Pedestal candleholder, $160, Heartland Candlestick, $65, available at brombergs.com Tea pot holders, $5 and $8, and striped cotton dish towels, $5 each, available…