Penelopes Blog

An Irish Tea

With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, what better time to share a cup of Irish Tea? I have tried many different brands and finally decided I would try my own blend. I use about 2/3 assam and 1/3 ceylon tea and brew it rather strong. This tea is wonderful with milk and like most of the Irish, I use more milk than I do with an English Breakfast tea. Then having some Irish Potato Scones with butter…a great start for a St. Paddy’s morning. The Irish actually are the world’s number one tea drinkers. They drink more tea than the English, over 6 cups per day!

I think there are some very interesting stories about St. Patrick, but did he drink tea?  I think so, but you decide after hearing this version of how St. Patrick’s day came into being.

The original patron saint of Ireland was called Maewyn.  He was said to be born in Wales about AD 385 and applied for the job of bishop of Ireland.  Since he didn’t have the requirement for the job, he was actually sold into slavery by a group of Irish marauders.  He was not in any way a saint, but acutally considered himself a pagan.  While being held a prisoner, he found that he was very drawn to a closer relationship with God. After six long years as a slave in the prison camp, he escaped and went to a monastery and realized his calling to convert pagans to Christianity. After much difficulty, he eventually was sent to Ireland as a bishop.  He was quite successful at his calling of converting pagans and this was quite an insult to the Celtic Druids.  He had several brushes with the law, but managed to travel throughout Ireland and established many schools, churches and monasteries. He remained a bishop in Ireland for over 30 years and then retired to Country Down.  He died on March 17, AD 461.

There are lots of other stories regarding St. Patrick, including the one of him raising the dead, and also of having given a sermon from a hilltop that drove all the snakes from Ireland.  Not much credit is given this folklore, as no snakes were ever allowed in Ireland!  Originally, St. Patrick’s Day was a Catholic holy day, but has evolved into a secular holiday.  Shamrocks remain the icon of the holiday for the following reason.   St. Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to give an explanation for the Trinity, with each leaf representing the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, yet all existing  as seperate but still the same plant. His followers began to wear a shamrock on his feast day.  St. Patrick’s Day came to America in the 1730’s and remains one of the most popular celebrations all over the country.

So, no matter what part of the U.S. you live, brew a pot of Irish Tea, make a batch of Irish Potato Scones and celebrate!

Irish Potato Scones

2 cups flour

1 tsp cream of tartar

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2 teaspoons sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup cold mashed potatoes ( no butter or milk)

3/4 cup milk or buttermilk

cream for top

Sift dry ingredients, cut in softened butter and potatoes. Stir in flour.  (Add more flour if too sticky)

Stir in milk.  Less handling of dough makes fluffier scones.  Pat  onto  floured surface to 3/4 inch thick..  Cut with cookie cutter into desired shapes, dip cutter into flour after each use.  Brush tops lightly with cream. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet or baking stone for 12 to 15 minutes at 400 degrees.  Cut  open and serve with butter or Jam and Devon Cream  If desired, add 1/4 cup currants before adding milk.

Enjoy and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!!!

“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

A Better Cup of Tea

How often do you make tea and how often do you enjoy your cup of tea?   Think you might like a little advise  - Tea 101?

Some commonly made errors while making that perfect cup of tea:

#1 Tea Quality – the grocery store shelves may not be the best place to buy your tea. Unless your local super market carries some popular British loose leaf tea, don’t buy the traditional tea bags. Many stores are now carrying PG Tips, Taylors of Harrogate or Typhoo, if your store isn’t, then buy some where else. I love Whittard’s Tea which is available at AnniesTeaTime.com (formerly Penelope’s Tea Time). The variety of tea’s, loose and tea bags is heavenly.

#2 Temperature of Water – Your water must be boiling and then poured over the tea leaves. Do not put the tea or teabags into the water. I suggest you invest in an electric tea kettle, available on line and at most discount and department stores. I have used the Superior brand (manufactured in Canada) for many years. They have a stainless steel base and an automatic shutoff. Once you invest in one you will wonder how you ever did without. Microwaved water for tea just isn’t proper…the water does not stay hot long enough. Sorry all you microwave tea makers!

#3 Storing Tea – Heat and light are the biggest enemies of tea. Store your tea in either a tin or tea cannister and keep away from heat and light, especially direct sunlight. Never put your tea in the refrigerator or freezer. Tea does have a long shelve life if stored properly.

#4 Squashed Tea Leaves – Tea leaves expand to twice their size and need room to expand and for the water to flow around all surfaces of the leaf. Use a T-Sac or mesh infuser to brew your tea. Place the tea leaves in the sac or infuser and pour the water over the tea and let steep for 3 to 4 minutes. A little less time for green tea. Before the invention of the T-sac or infuser, one would place the tea leaves directly into the teapot, then pour the boiling water over the leaves. A strainer is then used over your teacup to filter the tea leaves. Many still use this method.

#5 Incorrect Timing – If you don’t leave the tea leaves in long enough you will have a very weak, unflavorful tea. Leaving the tea leaves in too long and the tea will become bitter. Longer brewing, past 3 -4 minutes, doesn’t make stronger tea, just bitter tea. The perfect cup of tea takes as long as it takes you to read Psalm 51!

#6 Additions – The traditional way to drink black tea is with milk. Some add sugar, some like sugar and some like honey. Never use cream, half and half or International Flavors creamer. I prefer whole milk or 2% milk. Milk will enhance the flavor, while the others will mask the true flavor of the tea. Don’t use milk in a fruit flavored tea or you might just end up with curdles. Also don’t add milk and lemon together..same effect! If you have never tried black tea with milk..try it, you’ll probably like it! I don’t like to use skim or non-fat milk as it gives the tea a chalky appearance.

Ok….let’s make the perfect cup of tea. Let me know if these suggestions make a difference,

Until We Tea Again….Penelope

After School Tea Club

As a child, one of my fondest memories was having tea with my Mother after school. I would be excited to share what had happened at school that day and wanted to tell her right away. As soon as I ran into the house, I would be calling her. “Mummy, where are you? Guess what happened today? “ She would be ready to listen and I would share all the daily happenings over a cup of tea. That was the beginning of The After School Tea Club. These days I am the one getting the kettle ready and listening to my grandchildren when we are visiting with them.

I started having teatime with my 3 children and 9 grandchildren when they were very young. I am thrilled that even though some of the grandkids are now in college, we still have time for tea whenever we are together. As I have shared this concept with mothers and grandmothers around the country, most fear that since they have never had tea with their kids or grandkids when they were small, that it might be a lost cause. But, from the feedback I have received, it’s never too late. Many of the children, not just girls, but boys too, are looking forward to this unique time with Mom or Grand mom as something very special. They have even asked if friends could join them. Here are some points to consider when starting your After School Tea Club.

1. Keep it Simple
2. Keep it Short
3. Keep it Classy
4. Keep it Open

Keep it Simple:

We try to use bone china cups and saucers or mugs, pretty napkins
and a table clothe to set the tone that this is not just a “milk and cookie ‘ after school snack time. You can use cups you have. What I have found to be really special is getting each child its own cup and saucer or tea mug. Theses can be picked up at garage sales or thrift stores, or even in the discount stores, such as Marshals or Ross. Many moms have brought out the china cups and saucers from their china sets. In all the years I have been doing the After School Tea Club, we have never had a broken teacup. With the atmosphere special, the manners are usually excellent.

We usually have fruit and cookies, or scones, which can be homemade or store bought. Each family has their favorite cookie and scone recipes, and if you decide to bake them at home, have it be a weekend project. The teas we use tend to be the traditional black teas, so they can have the experience of adding milk and sugar cubes. But you might have more success with some of the fruit teas or spicy ones. I also use loose-leaf teas and brew it the proper way, so it becomes sort of a little ceremony just for us. But, teabags are perfectly acceptable.
This part of preparing should be quick and easy. If done on a daily basis, keep the tea items together in one place. I use hatbox and then never have to hunt for our tea party cups and plates.

Keep it Short: Timing is Everything

In today’s hectic lifestyle, your child’s habit may be to run into the house after school, grab a soda or a candy bar, then retreat to their rooms or the den and spend hours testing or watching TV without so much of a “Hi Mom”. You can change the tone of your families after school activities by turning your living or dining rooms into your own version of The After School Tea Club. I don’t advocate this to be a long event, just about 10 to 15 minutes. Studies show that the best time for your child to share his day is right after school. Another interesting thought is how important it is to spend time with your child. A recent study showed that 89 percent of 1.100 British children, who were interviewed for the study, said they would rather spend time with their parents than receive a material gift from them. (Hewlett Packard Study May 9, 2006) Time is everything! So don’t try to have a 2-hour sit down tea party, just a cup of tea and a few cookies, or fruit will let your child know they are important to you. By the way, let the answering machine pick up the phone calls, and no cell phones or texting allowed for this special 15 minutes.

Keep it Classy: Incorporate the Classics (Music)

I hear you…”My kids don’t like that kind of music.” We play the music very soft, in the background, but it sets the tone for the teatime. In our fast paced world, this is a unique tradition to begin. Let’s give our boys and girls the opportunity for a time of culture and also a place to share their hearts. It might be that they have never been exposed to this type of music, so try some of the light classical to begin. I like to use the cable music channels, and then they can see what is playing. Encourage them to choose the music for the next After School Tea Club. At first you might meet with reluctance, but I know from experience that they really do think this is a special time just for them.

Keep it Open: Encourage Sharing

Probably the biggest benefit of setting aside time with your child is the ability to have some sharing time with them. Have an open mind, don’t be critical and let you heart listen to what they are sharing. Be sensitive to their frustrations and joys. Some families have incorporated the teatime into a daily afternoon family ritual, while others will meet just once a week. So much of this is determined by the schedules of the families. The After School Tea Club can be a fun way to open the doors for communication with your children. During the holidays, when they are home from school, this has been a time of day that many of the kids looked forward to. I hope you will try this and not be discouraged if it takes awhile for it to be accepted. If they know that you are doing something special, just for them, I believe they will come to appreciate your time together. From the comments I have received, it is worthwhile starting this tradition in your home.

This is a precious time of day to be available. If you can’t be there when they walk in the door, encourage your child to start getting things ready for the tea club. Don’t delay; start the After School Tea Club in your home today.

To join the After School Tea Club, go to www.Time4Tea.org.
It’s Free!
Ideas, recipes and items needed are posted on the website.
We encourage you to send in your ideas and recipes.

Tea Alfresco

Alfresco means “outside” or in “fresh air”.  Let’s take the tea party outdoors to the patio or porch.   The garden becomes the tea room and gives us the chance to use some of the teacups and teapots that might be a little more casual or fun.  Start looking for paper napkins that would go with your teacups.  A good place to shop for the small cocktail napkins, perfect for alfresco teas, is Tuesday Morning.  Also many stationary shops now carry them.  

Add some variety to your menu.  I know I can get in a rut and serve the traditional menu items, so start trying some fun and unusual recipes.  Here’s one that is quick and easy and really good.  Reminds me of one of our teas in a quaint little tearoom in a village in the Cotswolds.

Cotswold Tea Sandwiches

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup chopped pecans

1 Tab finely chopped onion

4 strips well-cooked and drained crumbled bacon

 Combine all ingredients and refrigerate one hour before making into sandwiches.  Makes 16 quarters.

Don’t forget to grow some flowers that you can cut and use for the table.  Right now the peonies are blooming.  They look lovely floating in a bowl of water.  I think being in the garden and having tea is a chance for us to take that time to remember how great is God’s love for us and a place to be at his feet and hear his voice.

“Come unto me, all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11: 28-29

Those are the words of Jesus that I leave you with today.

Until We Tea Again.  

Penelope

Another Teacup Connection

This morning I was thinking about all the wonderful friends I have met over a teacup. Just then the phone rang and it was Diane, a friend I met because of a whole suitcase full of teacups. I had gone to Puebla, Mexico, as one of the speakers for a women’s retreat. Another speaker,  who lived in Puebla, took me on a city tour.  We had the greatest time and became best friends. She told me her sister, Diane, lived in Colorado,  and it would be great if we could meet.  Diane and I are now best friends and share with each other our love of writing.  In fact we were roommates at the Writers Conference last week.

Her call this morning was rather alarming, as she is leaving in the morning and going to her sister’s in Mexico for her neice’s wedding. But, Diane could not find her passport! That is a major problem. You can’t get the US Passport Office to act that fast! She had turned her house over the day before, and I could hear real panic in her voice. We both believe in prayer, so that’s what we did. We prayed. Diane and I prayed over the phone, then my husband and I prayed!

Diane called just a few minutes ago, to say she had found the passport! It was in a very unlikely place and I believe that God changed her focus of where to look.  He reguided her search!   

Mark 11: 24 “Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Adios, Diane!!!

The Tea Party of Life

Making tea becomes second hand when you begin with the basics.  

1. Use fresh cold water
2. choose quality loose-leaf tea
3. warm the teapot with hot tap water
4. pour boiling water over the tea leaves
5. let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes
6. remove the tea leaves from the teapot, using a tea infuser or use a tea stainer and pour the tea into your cup – use a tea cozy to keep it hot.

Now that we are enjoying a cup of tea together, let me ask you a question?

What is your tea personality?

• A Teacup
• A Teapot
• A Teaspoon
• A Tea Cozy

I have had fun using the different personalities to create “The Tea Party of Life”.  See which tea accroutament you are!

• A teacup is a fun loving individual who is creative, enthusiastic, and loves to be around others, as seen by being with a saucer all the time! Talkative  (open top of the teacup) and transparent (put a teacup up to the light). Motivates others and is a great net worker.
• A teapot is a born leader, independent, organized and in control.  They have a “handle” on life, but have a tendency to be quick tempered “blow their lid” and very goal oriented.
• A teaspoon is easy going, patient and kind and wants to keep the peace at all costs.  The are good listeners, balanced and  most of the time very witty. The teaspoon is never heard while stirring the tea!
• A tea cozy is very detail oriented, neat and tidy, on time and very conscientious.  They like things to be perfect, thus the perfect one to keep the perfect cup of tea hot!

Each of us have a place in God’s kingdom.  We have traits, desires, goals and responsibilities to one another and to the Lord.  ”Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”  Esther 4:15

Might you be a blessing to someone today over a cup of tea?

Until We Tea Again – Penelope

Colorado Christian Writers Conference

I just returned from the Colorado Christian Writers Conference in Estes Park, Colorado.  What a glorious time.  I loved being in the Rocky Mountains and experiencing God’s creation up close.  I can see the mountain range from my home, but it’s not the same as being up there. We saw elk everywhere we went.  The mornings were crisp and fresh, but the days warmed up and were filled with workshops, clinics, critique groups, singing, eating, meeting new people, learning new ideas and planning new projects.  Probably one of the most rewarding aspects was renewing old friendships, catching up with friends from previous conferences and making lots of new “best” friends!

Until We “Tea” Again – Penelope

Hello Tea Lovers!

Welcome to my “musings” all about tea.  I love tea, in fact anything to do with tea, so that includes you if you are “into tea”!  My love of tea was inherited from my Mum.  She drank and served tea most of her 85 years.  Probably one of the things she just couldn’t get over was; ” why didn’t the Americans know how to make tea?”  When I first began to teach “The Art of Afternoon Tea” in California, she would say, “Really, Penelope, it is not that difficult, a tea class?”  So, I might as well start at the beginning and encourage you to try making tea the proper way, which means you need to buy loose tea!  Tea bags will do in a pinch.  I like to compare coffee; do you like instant coffee or fresh brewed?  That’s the  difference.  Try it and I am sure you will be pleased with the results.

Until We “Tea” Again – Penelope