Tea at Three

Spring time seems to be a popular season for tea parties.  I enjoy hosting out-of-doors but what ever the setting a tea party stirs up excitement among females. There may be ladies that have never attended a REAL tea party, only dreamed of grown up parties from the days of dollies and tiny cups.  Are you a coffee lover?  I think you will enjoy a little tea time.











 If you have never invited your friends for tea, consider the options.  Formal or informal, elaborate or simple, several friends or tea-for-two; no need to feel intimidated by the idea of hosting. Make someone feel special by inviting them for a chat over a steaming teapot.  Special moments with friends and family are cherished.



















 Here are three recipes from my "Tea Party" files.  I keep a note card with new ideas, recipes that will freeze nicely, names of tea flavors to try, and party themes to consider.

Mint Ruffles Brownies

It's best to keep recipes simple, to save a lot of stress when preparing for large groups.  My Mint Ruffle Brownies are a basic brownie recipe, cut in tiny squares and topped with an easy butter cream icing that I flavored with 3-4 drops of mint. (use peppermint oil for cooking not peppermint extract, drops only) I used a leaf decorating tip to make the ruffles.

Lemon Macaroons 

 This Lemon Macaroon recipe is simply the basic macaroons recipe on the package of coconut.  Make an indentation in the dough before baking about 20-25 minutes, cool well and store airtight at room temperature. Fill with lemon curd the day of serving. So very, very easy. Use purchased lemon curd or make your own from my Easy Lemon Curd recipe.

Norwegian Bonbons

 These are a really special cookie, not quite as simple as others but so worth the effort. You can make them a few days ahead or freeze them with success, thaw while still wrapped then dip in thin icing.

Bonbons
1 c. butter
1/2 c. powdered sugar
Blend butter and sugar together until fluffy.
Mix:
3/4 c. cornstarch
1 c. flour
1/2 c. chopped and toasted pecans
Add to butter mixture, mixing until well combined.  Chill about 30 minutes and roll into 1 inch balls.  Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until they just start to brown.  Cool well on wire rack.  Dip in icing and set on a cake rack to dry.
Icing:
2 c. powdered sugar
1/8 t. salt
1/2 t. almond flavor, vanilla or lemon
1-2  T. milk
Mix with 1 T. milk then add more milk to make a thin pour-able icing.  Drop cookie into icing, turn over gently with a fork and lift out; use a fork in each hand.

Consider tea time just for your self, alone on a quiet afternoon.  Keep a few special teas on hand and indulge in a favorite snack, even toast and jam. I'm guessing that you have pretty tea cups and saucers, hopefully not forgotten in the back of the china closet.  I'm a coffee lover but there is something special about the ritual of tea served on a pretty tray. Add a new magazine to browse through in the porch swing and your stress level will drop at least 50 points.