As you may have figured out by now, I'm a tea addict. Yes, I confess....I dream of tea times, tea paraphernalia, tea parties, tea flavors, and tea travel.  I LOVE TEA! And one of my all time, was my only at one point, favorite teas is Earl Grey. There is a saying among teaists to the effect that if you are an Earl Grey drinker, than you are an Earl Grey drink to the death...however, as much as I continue to adore Earl Grey, I am eager to sip other namesakes as well. 

All this being said, to get to the point...in a round about way...today is simply glorious! sumptuous sunlight, cool breezes, and that particularly delicious smell of late summer/early fall (although it is neither) came flooding into my house this morning. Immediately I was overcome with the intense need to be outside...and what better way to enjoy tea time than with the aromatic and sensation enhancement of a perfect day. 

I also had the urge for a London Fog. If you don't know what this is...well it's England in a cup...or in literal terms an Earl Grey latte. Sadly, I had neither milk nor a frother :( What to do. Then I was struck with a bolt of brilliance..."I have whipped cream!" The tea was brewed the cup filled with billows of cream and a mock London fog accompanied my almond cookie and serene backyard atmosphere. I enjoyed myself so much, I had to share my new cheat concoction ideas with you all...don't forget...nothing goes better with a London Fog than some Lizbeth's cookies ;)

Mock London Fog
Essentials: Earl Grey tea leaves, can of whipped cream, sugar, water, tea kettle, tea pot
*Opt. vanilla, whipping cream

Bring water to 195* F
Place 1 tsp of loose leaf (or bag) Earl Grey tea (for the pot) plus a tsp (bag) more for each additional cup into tea pot
Poor water slowly over and allow to steep for 3-5 minutes
Fill bottoms of tea cups with whipped cream and add a bit of sugar if you like it sweet
Once tea is suitably steeped, strain and pour over cream and sugar  
Enjoy!

*Alt. 
Pour 1/2 cup of whipping cream into sauce pan and heat til almost at a boil
Place a tsp of Early Grey tea leaves (tea bag) into steamy cream and allow to steep 
Strain cream and refrigerate til chilled
*Opt. add vanilla extract for more intense flavor
Once chilled, whip the cream til soft peaks form 
Use this cream in place of can whipped cream in above recipe

This second option makes for a more intense flavor but is a bit more time consuming. Either way, both options can be used with other tea flavors such as Chai or English breakfast to make easy tea lattes. 
P.s. in my opinion, it's better than frothed milk!


Much Sweetness!

How cute are these!?!?!
I cannot express how much fun I had making these adorable tea party cookies for Harper's 2nd birthday! I love everything about them and I hope Harper and her little friends will too. 

Last week was my oldest niece's 6th birthday. My brother in-law and sister in-law commissioned me to make something girly and fun that would fit in with the "Dolly and Me" theme party tonight and this is what I made. A bouquet of flower cupcakes for the main display and regular sized flower cupcakes with matching dolly mini cupcakes for the kids. The painted set of cup and teapot cookies are the favors. 
I am falling in love with butter cream flowers. They are so much fun to make and eat! I also think the bouquet would make a great engagement party, bridal shower, baby shower or anniversary cake so I'm very excited to have it in my repertoire.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I absolutely adore Tea Time. I always have but after visiting England, it became a serious addiction. American Tea Time had never risen to the refined deliciousness of a genuine English Afternoon Tea and once I participated in this delicate and exquisite ritual, I was hooked! Like a true Englishman, I believe tea really is the answer to every problem, in at least a small way. 
There's just something unspeakably soothing about tea. It's a kind companion when you're all alone and when shared with others, it has an uncanny way of loosening tongues and bonding friendships. 
If you've never had the delight of being served an Afternoon Tea, I highly recommend indulging as I do, at least every few months. However, as this can be a bit of a monetary splurge and sometimes requires travelling miles to find a decent Tea Parlor, I get my in-between fix with homemade Tea Time. It is one of my life's greatest pleasantries and provides me instant stress relief as well as rendering a more amiable human.


How to do "Homemade" Afternoon Tea 
what you will need:
a hot pot of tea (my personal favorites are Early Grey and Vanilla Almond)
tea cup & saucer
strainer (if you use loose tea)
spoon
sugar or honey
milk or lemon (never both)
finger sandwiches
scone
clotted cream or devonshire cream
jam or preserves (any type will do)
small desserts (Lizbeth's tea time cookies would be a great addition)


At a Tea Parlor,  tea and scones are served first, then finger sandwiches, and finally desserts, but when I set out my tea at home, I just have it all on the table at once. If you own a fancy tiered stand, it's fun to arrange your desserts, sammies, and scone on this. Personally, I just pile up my tea tray with all the goodies and indulge. As I'm often home alone in the afternoon, I like to enjoy my tea time while watching a British film or show; it makes the experience feel more "authentic." For more tea ideas and recipes, keep an eye on this blog.


Much Sweetness
~Lizbeth