***Special visit with “Meet the Artist”, illustrator and artist for the new book:
Alana Lively

We are still talking about the Titanic…what happened, why did it happen? Many factors played into the sinking of the Titanic: ego, greed, bad luck, and timing. The combined errors resulted in the deaths of over 1500 men, women and children. There are so many stories that keep bringing us back to hear more.

My friend Beverly loaned me a wonderful book, “Wreck and Sinking of the Titanic” written in 1912. There are numerous eyewitness reports of what happened on April 14th and 15th. Many of the stories were of men and women of great faith, who never lost hope, even when the last life-boat left the ship. This message is not found in some of the “newer” versions of those same stories.

Father Thomas Byles, a priest, was well known by most of the passengers. When the real danger of the Titanic was apparent, Father Byles went among the passengers hearing their confessions and praying with each one. It is said that he stayed with a large group of passengers of all faiths, on the crowded deck of the sinking Titanic, leading them in prayer.

“Most of the dead on the Titanic died heroically, yielding their lives both that the women and children of the ship’s company might live and that the lives of thousands of others totally unknown to them might be spared in the future. They perished for their fellows as truly as soldiers who give their lives in a nation’s defense, for the world can never forget what they did and suffered in a supreme crisis, and will be made wiser and better for their inspiring sacrifice.” This is a direct quote from the book and sums up what many did for one another. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15: 13

As we approach Easter, this verse is such a comfort to those who will celebrate the resurrection. We were able to visit Israel a few weeks ago and experience so much of the culture, history and food. When we arrived back in the states, we were blessed by our friend, Linda, who made us these delightful coconut macaroons, a treat we enjoyed in Jerusalem. Since they are a traditional dessert served at Passover, as they don’t have any flour in the recipe, we wanted to share them with you for your Easter celebration.

Preheat over to 300ºF

Combine the coconut, condensed milk and vanilla in a large bowl. Whip the egg whites and salt on high speed with an electric mixer until the egg whites make medium-firm peaks. Carefully fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture.

Drop the batter onto parchment lined cookie sheets using an ice cream scoop or two teaspoons. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. (Do not bake on the bottom rack.) Cool and serve.

Saturday, April 14th
2 o’clock to 4 o’clock in the afternoon
Four Seasons Hotel ~ Denver
1111 14th St – Denver 80202

Don’t miss the boat! A limited number of tickets, so purchase yours soon.

Join Penelope for an afternoon of elegance and charm as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the RMS Titanic. Guests will enjoy Afternoon Tea with refreshing hot tea, savory tea sandwiches, scones, and a delicious assortment of delicacies, catered by the award-winning Four Seasons Hotel. Titanic-inspired clothing and hats are encouraged with prizes for the best dressed. Door prizes, too!
$45.00 per person, no refunds/transferable

Tickets available on line at: www.TeaOnTheTitanic.com
Or send a check to:
Penelope’s Tea Time
PO Box 1593
Longmont, CO 80502

Questions? Email Penelope:
PenelopesTeaTime

100 years ago…

When the Titanic set sail on April 10th, 1912, many merchants had delivered enormous amounts of food and provisions for the ship of hungry passengers. Records of bills of laden from various companies listed the net worth at $420,000, or about $ 9 million in today’s values. The cargo included such items as these:
75,000 pounds of fresh meat
40,000 eggs
6,000 pounds of butter
1,200 quarts of cream
800 pounds of tea
Eight hundred pounds of tea will make 160,000 cups of tea! That’s a lot of tea!

Many venues are being offered to those who have an interest in commemorating the demise of the Titanic, including the re-release of the epic film, “Titanic.” in 3D. It was the first film to gross almost $2 billion dollars at the box office, and also the most expensive film ever produced -costing $200 million. The movie was a blockbuster at the Academy Awards with 14 nominations and 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Music and Costume Design. The film was released on the 85th anniversary of the Titanic; imagine the box-office receipts for the 100th anniversary!

Over 5,000 artifacts recovered from the Titanic since the wreckage was discovered in 1985, will be auctioned off in April, but only to one bidder. Premier Exhibitions Inc., the current steward of items found in and around the Titanic, is selling the collection. They are finding the cost to keep up such a collection too challenging, and hope to find a new owner. There are several stipulations surrounding the sale; the court must approve the buyer, the new owner must have the means to preserve the collection, and portions of the artifacts must still be available for public display. The value is estimated at 189 million. I guess I won’t be getting an original teacup and saucer or teapot from the Titanic!

Thank you to those who shared your Titanic stories about family members. Our family thought we might have a connection with one of the crew, Frederick Barrett, a stoker or head-fireman in the boiler room. My mother was a Barrett, so might have a family bond somewhere. Mr. Barrett survived and later went to work on the Titanic’s sister ship, The Olympic.

I find it amazing so many are intrigued by an event that happened a 100 years ago. I know I am always fascinated by new information and stories of the souls on-board. I think there is a fine line between interest and obsession. I hope I haven’t crossed over!

Please come and share a cup of tea to commemorate the anniversary of the most famous ocean liner, Titanic, and the release of my new book, “Tea on The Titanic.”

Prince William’s Chocolate Biscuit Cake

½ teaspoon butter to grease the pan
8 oz. of Rich tea biscuits (McVitie’s Rich Tea Biscuits)
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
½ cup sugar
4 oz. dark chocolate
1 egg
8 oz. dark chocolate for icing

Lightly grease a round 7” springform cake pan

Break the biscuits into small pieces and set aside

Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy with an electric mixer
Melt the 4 oz of dark chocolate and add to the butter mixture while constantly stirring
Beat the egg and gradually add to the chocolate mixture
Fold the biscuit pieces into the mixture until they are all coated with chocolate
Spoon the biscuit and chocolate mixture into the prepared cake pan. Don’t leave any spaces in the pan.
Chill in the refrigerator for three hours, then remove the cake from the refrigerator and let it sit until you have melted the 8 oz. of dark chocolate.
Turn the cake upside down and place on parchment lined rack
Carefully remove the cake from the pan
Pour the melted chocolate over the cake and smooth top and sides with a spatula.
Let the chocolate set at room temperature for at least one hour.
Place the cake onto a serving plate and refrigerate until ready to serve. (Toronto Star)

While many venues will commemorate countless ways the 100th anniversary of the Titanic, sharing an English Afternoon Tea might best help preserve the legacy of those who sailed on the extraordinary and grand Titanic. We have planned an Afternoon Tea on the anniversary of that day. Not just to indulge in frivolity, but to pay tribute to the many men, women and children who lost their lives.

It was common knowledge that the White Star Line was the “cream of the crop” when it came to passenger accommodations and dining. The Titanic and her sister ship, The Olympic were the five-star floating hotels of the Edwardian era.

To enjoy some of that opulence, join us for an Elegant Catered Afternoon Tea at the Four Seasons Hotel in Denver. We encourage you to dress in Titanic inspired clothing and hats, (for ideas, watch past episodes of “Downton Abbey” on PBS) as there will be prizes for the best dressed. Facts, food and fashion of the grand era of the Titanic will be shared as we sip tea served with all the accoutrements! Space is limited ~ don’t be left on the dock!

Tickets and information are available on the web site: www.TeaonTheTitanic.com

One thing that hasn’t changed in the past 100-years is the English Afternoon Tea ceremony. A proper English Afternoon Tea consists of small crustless tea sandwiches, scones served with jam and Devonshire Clotted Cream, Sweets, Pastries, and the faithful pot of hot tea.

The importance of tea during the Victorian and Edwardian era, and the great number of Irish and British passengers and crew on the Titanic, made Afternoon Tea a high priority on that fateful ship. With tea running through my veins, this combination of a long-time interest in the Titanic, and my passion for tea brought on a desire to recreate teatime as it might have been on the Titanic. Interested? I thought so. Let’s sit, have a cup of tea, and hear a story about one of Titanic’s survivors, Sydney Collett.

A picture postal card, with the following jingle, was the first news that Sydney’s parents, who lived in New York, received telling them he had embarked on the ill-fated Titanic. The card, bearing a picture of the Titanic, said:
Mother, put the kettle on, let’s have a cup of tea
Ready for the dear old “Sid,” who’s coming home from sea;
You’ll be glad to see him, and kiss him with delight,
So mother put the kettle on, I’m coming home all right.
(Signed) Sid
That was all the news of the young traveler that they had until they read his name among the list of survivors. Rev Sidney Collett was 25 years old and was traveling in Second-Class on the Titanic. He was a street preacher in London, and was traveling back to America to visit his parents. He embarked on the Titanic in Southampton, England, on Wednesday April 10^th, 1912. After the tragic accident, he was fortunate to be in Lifeboat # 9. Sidney’s life changed. He returned to England, married, had two daughters and lived another twenty-nine years.

There is more to come…hope you’ll want to continue on this voyage with me.

Until We Tea Again, Penelope

Looking Back – that can be dangerous or it can have great insight. Welcome to some thoughts about 1912.

Life Boat #6

Looking back to 1912…that’s what I have been doing for several months. A hundred years can make a difference in the way we live, think, act, and make decisions. As many of you know, I have been tied to my computer for weeks writing about something that happened 100 years ago. The Titanic, the unsinkable Titanic, hit an iceberg and sank less than three hours after the collision. Many things have changed since that terrible night; things that affect most of us in our everyday lives.

We are the recipients of safety maritime laws that are a direct result of Denver’s own Molly Brown, who petitioned Congress for new regulations for lifeboats and safety aboard all sea going vessels. Many other maritime laws are a direct result of her actions. In 1913, one year after the disaster, the International Ice Patrol formed, which to this day monitors ice conditions in the north Atlantic. With all the information I have been gleaning for the past few months, I am excited to be sharing some of that with you. Come along on a voyage that will of course have a tea component somewhere on the way…

Until We Tea Again…Penelope

See my new web site Tea On The Titanic here

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

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

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.