Someone once wrote a book about my home town called More English than the English. With that reputation, it’s no wonder several establishments here pride themselves on serving traditional “Afternoon Tea”.
In today’s frantic world of coffee-to-go as we rush about our business, Afternoon Tea is a nice step back in time. No tea bag dunked in a Styrofoam cup of lukewarm water; loose tea leaves are carefully measured into a real, pre-heated tea pot where it is stepped to perfection and strained into a bone china cup set atop a saucer. Tea always tastes better in a real tea cup.
Next, out comes a three-tier china plate of tasty treats;
sandwiches with the crusts removed or rolled into pinwheel slices rest
alongside gently warmed savories of pork and turkey. The sausage roll has a slice of pickle and a
dash of mustard rolled inside its flaky, over-warm pastry. The two-bite turkey
pie comes with a side of cranberry.
These savory treats are not to be consumed hastily, but nibbled daintily
between sips of fragrant tea and gentle snippets of conversation. Life slows right down, and so does my blood
pressure.
The scones are my favorite, and the day’s offerings include
one flavored with Earl Grey and one pumpkin, served with the prerequisite sides
of cream and jam. Last but not
least are an assortment of sweets, a tiny peach pie, a macaroon, a slice of
banana upside down cake, and a layered chocolate mocha cake.
There is something about tea that can’t be hurried. Perhaps it’s the time-tested ritual I learned
from my grandmother; heating the pot, measuring the leaves, waiting for the
fragrant beverage to steep. Since Afternoon
Tea is a ritual associated with ladies, I often have my historical heroines
enjoy a pot of tea together as they mull over the mulish behavior of the hero.
In 1773, the British imposed a heavy tea tax on the
American Colonies, and American tea drinking habits began to change. Once independence was gained, the US traded
directly with China and forward-thinking farmers introduced tea among their
crops. With tea once again more widely
available, the 19th Century Afternoon Tea ritual seeped across into
North America, although I doubt my heroines had the selection of teas we enjoy
today. I have long been an Earl Grey fan
but on this memorable, laid back day, I select a black tea with mango and
floral notes. Do you drink tea? Do you have a favorite?
Thanks for being here. I hope you manage time this busy month to slow down, enjoy your favorite tea or hot beverage of choice, and curl up with a good book.
I’m part of an
exciting, new, highly-secret series that will debut in the new year, so secretive
all I can leave you with is this teaser.
But I’ll be back next month with all the details.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Kathleen
Anyone who joins my VIP Readers Group receives a complimentary novella and is first in line for news about upcoming sales and new releases.
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I adore tea!!! Always have. In 2018 my family traveled to England with my English brother in law and we had High tea in his home town of Faversham in an little inn that was over 400 years old. It was the best part of the week for me!! Scones, tea, teacakes, clotted cream!!! I felt like I'd died and gone to tea-heaven. Great post, my dear!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Peg. It makes you feel special, doesn't it?
DeleteI was in a school in York for a short while as a student teacher. We had our tea break every afternoon. A different world in the teachers' room.
ReplyDeleteI love how nothing interupts the Brits and their cuppa.
DeleteI love tea and don't drink coffee! Typically I drink White Tea since it's a bit sweeter than some others and I don't need to put as much sugar in it. It's supposed to be full of antioxidants, too, which are healthy I've been told. I just like sipping it to relax!
ReplyDeleteI love white tea. No bitterness.
DeleteI love a high tea! For the past 3 years or so, the women of our family have gathered for a tea between Christmas and New Year’s Eve to relax, unwind and organize the men’s lives for the coming year. There are 3 grandmothers and 3 young moms, all connected by grandsons (aged 4 - 8). It’s a highlight to catch up with everyone and to remember the Christmas we just worked so hard to provide! I’ll miss it this year...but the visit could happen later on when next we cn all be together. It’s a nice tradition that we should keep! I enjoy a good cup of Earl Grey myself!
ReplyDeletewhat a great family tradition.
DeleteI love tea. We drink it hot for breakfast and iced for lunch and supper. Our youngest daughter and I always celebrated high tea before Christmas and for my birthday and Mother's Day (early). We have had to skip this year but I look forward to when we can again.
ReplyDeleteI love iced tea in the states. The Canadian version is super sweet. In the summer I always have a pitcher of plain leftover tea in the fridge.
ReplyDeleteI love tea! Black Currant is my favorite!
ReplyDeleteThat used to be my second favorite behind Earl Grey. I haven't had it for years.
DeleteI love formal tea. I had it once at the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong, and it was amazing. I've enjoyed it most afternoons when we've taken a cruise too. I think women especially like it because it's so pretty. Men like it because the sweets are so delicious.
ReplyDelete