I finished a major accomplishment this morning. My collection of recipes has been a mish mash of cards, pages, magazine clippings, etc. all jammed into a small notebook. After viewing a friend's neatly organized note book, I decided it was time to do something about mine. I bought a box of plastic sheet protectors, and a spiral notebook, for the paper. Then I set about cutting and pasting recipes on the notebook paper, then inserting them into the plastic protectors. It took a few evenings to do of all that, then this morning I put them all into a binder. Interesting that I have more scone recipes than anything else!
My favorite scone recipe was given to me by an English friend. The main ingredient is Bisquick!
What's your favorite scone recipe? Why not share it in the comment section!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tea Party Tips
Well, I did it again. True, it wasn't at a tea party, but it did remind me to remind you...I'm getting ahead of myself!
We had friends over for a cook-out the other night. The weather is finally cool enough to enjoy being outdoors again. Anyway, everyone is being helpful, carrying all the plates and food outside. There was plenty of food, and we all enjoyed a nice dinner. Then we played cards, so it wasn't till after everyone had left that I discovered the special salad I had made for the dinner - untouched, in the refrigerator. I forgot to serve it! It was an unusual dish, cucumers and red grapes were the main ingredients, and I was anxious for my gourmet cook/friend to try it. Sigh.
When will I learn to make a list of the food I'm going to serve and check off the items as they are taken to the table.
I usually do that when I'm hosting a tea party, and that's my reminder to you. Make a list!
We had friends over for a cook-out the other night. The weather is finally cool enough to enjoy being outdoors again. Anyway, everyone is being helpful, carrying all the plates and food outside. There was plenty of food, and we all enjoyed a nice dinner. Then we played cards, so it wasn't till after everyone had left that I discovered the special salad I had made for the dinner - untouched, in the refrigerator. I forgot to serve it! It was an unusual dish, cucumers and red grapes were the main ingredients, and I was anxious for my gourmet cook/friend to try it. Sigh.
When will I learn to make a list of the food I'm going to serve and check off the items as they are taken to the table.
I usually do that when I'm hosting a tea party, and that's my reminder to you. Make a list!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Childrens Mystery Tea Party
I have had many requests for a mystery tea party plan deisgned for children, and I can now say it is finished! "The Case of the Missing Art Work" is designed for ages 8 to teens. I just turned it over to my webmaster this morning, so it should be up on the website soon.
This will provide a theme party for parents wishing to honor their child's birthday in a unique and fun way. Kids love mysteries and the "test" party that was done was a big hit.
Look for it soon, along with all the other mystery tea party plans at www.mysteryteaparties.com.
This will provide a theme party for parents wishing to honor their child's birthday in a unique and fun way. Kids love mysteries and the "test" party that was done was a big hit.
Look for it soon, along with all the other mystery tea party plans at www.mysteryteaparties.com.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tea Parties
I have attended 3 tea parties in one week! Dates had to be changed to accomodate every one's busy schedules, and so it just so happened that they all fell in one week.
One tea was at Barbara's Victorian Tea House in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. The home is on the historical society's list, and was a wonderful old fashioned home. The food and tea service was excellent, and my Victorian Tea Society group had a lovely time. I highly recommend it, if you are in the area.
A few days later, another tea group that I belong to held thier monthly tea in a member's home.
Her theme was tea and roses. A lovely centerpiece of fresh roses adorned the table. We enjoyed tea, salad and tea sandwiches and too many desserts.
Then, on the week-end, I attended a monthly tea that a friend does every month for 16 to 24 friends. This remarkable friend is in a wheelchair, but that doesn't stop her from hosting her teas. Her theme was a red, white and blue picnic. She sets up tables in her kitchen, dining room, den and enclosed garden room to accomodate her guests.
I hope you take advantage of the summer months to host a tea party yourself. There are so many delightful teas to serve iced, and they are so refreshing.
One tea was at Barbara's Victorian Tea House in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. The home is on the historical society's list, and was a wonderful old fashioned home. The food and tea service was excellent, and my Victorian Tea Society group had a lovely time. I highly recommend it, if you are in the area.
A few days later, another tea group that I belong to held thier monthly tea in a member's home.
Her theme was tea and roses. A lovely centerpiece of fresh roses adorned the table. We enjoyed tea, salad and tea sandwiches and too many desserts.
Then, on the week-end, I attended a monthly tea that a friend does every month for 16 to 24 friends. This remarkable friend is in a wheelchair, but that doesn't stop her from hosting her teas. Her theme was a red, white and blue picnic. She sets up tables in her kitchen, dining room, den and enclosed garden room to accomodate her guests.
I hope you take advantage of the summer months to host a tea party yourself. There are so many delightful teas to serve iced, and they are so refreshing.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Tea Bags vs Loose tea
Tea bags are so convenient, why would anyone want to switch to loose tea? The answer is simple: Quality!
Tea bags first came into popularity in 1904. Before that, tea was sent in tins. A merchant in New York, trying to cut costs, began sending sample teas to his customers in small silk sacks. The client, not knowing this was new packaging, put the tea in hot water-bag and all. And a new way of preparing tea was born. Tea bags became popular. Then, in order for the tea to fully infuse, smaller tea leaves were used. Soon, merchants began using cheaper grades of tea, known as "fannings" or "dust". The thought was that as long as they were hidden inside the tea bag anyway, no one would know. As time went by, companies began to wrap the "leaves" in paper filters, a cheaper alternative to the silk bag. This alternative doesn't allow the water to flow through to the cup as easily, eliminating even more quality.
Unfortuantely, the tea found in most grocery stores is this lower grade of tea.
That is why I have begun to work with Heavenly Special Teas. They offer high quality premium full-leaf tea blends from around the world. Visit thier web site at www.heavenlyspecialteas.com to see a great variety of herbal/fruit, and flavored teas. Be sure to tell them Maxine sent you.
Tea bags first came into popularity in 1904. Before that, tea was sent in tins. A merchant in New York, trying to cut costs, began sending sample teas to his customers in small silk sacks. The client, not knowing this was new packaging, put the tea in hot water-bag and all. And a new way of preparing tea was born. Tea bags became popular. Then, in order for the tea to fully infuse, smaller tea leaves were used. Soon, merchants began using cheaper grades of tea, known as "fannings" or "dust". The thought was that as long as they were hidden inside the tea bag anyway, no one would know. As time went by, companies began to wrap the "leaves" in paper filters, a cheaper alternative to the silk bag. This alternative doesn't allow the water to flow through to the cup as easily, eliminating even more quality.
Unfortuantely, the tea found in most grocery stores is this lower grade of tea.
That is why I have begun to work with Heavenly Special Teas. They offer high quality premium full-leaf tea blends from around the world. Visit thier web site at www.heavenlyspecialteas.com to see a great variety of herbal/fruit, and flavored teas. Be sure to tell them Maxine sent you.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Taking the Mystery out of brewing Tea
I've been learning alot about tea lately, thanks to Heavenly Special Teas.Find them at www.Heavenlyspecialteas.com. The temperature of the water and the amount of time the tea steeps is very important. Black tea should steep in boiling hot water for 3 to 5 minutes. Green tea should steep for 3 minutes in 180 degree water. This temperature is reached just when the tea kettle starts to sizzle, just before it reaches boiling. Herbal tea, which is naturally decaffeinated, likes the boiling hot water and should steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Water that is left to boil too long gets depleted of the oxygen in the water and the result is a flat, tasteless cuppa.
For the best cup of tea, use loose tea leaves rather than a tea bag. I'll tell you why in another blog post. Ta ta for now.
For the best cup of tea, use loose tea leaves rather than a tea bag. I'll tell you why in another blog post. Ta ta for now.
Monday, May 3, 2010
New Mystery Tea Party Plan, The Sinister Sleepover
Whoever heard of attending a tea party in your pajamas? Well, that's how the guests arrive when they attend the new pajama party mystery tea party!
It seems that the hostess has awakened them all with the dreadful news that a robbery and murder has taken place while they were all snoozing. Or were they? Several of them were seen roaming the halls in the middle of the night!
This new mystery party plan is already becoming popular. One lady ordered it and wrote that she is going to do it as an actual slumber party. Another said she is ordering it for her church's ladies night out.
I always do a trial run of any new party plan, and when I hosted "The Sinister Sleepover" my guests really had fun! They arrived in pajamas and bathrobes,one had slippers with floppy dog ears, another brought her teddy bear for company.
One lady had curlers in her hair, another wore a night cap. The party was a great success. You can purchase yours by clicking on www.mysteryteaparties.com.
It seems that the hostess has awakened them all with the dreadful news that a robbery and murder has taken place while they were all snoozing. Or were they? Several of them were seen roaming the halls in the middle of the night!
This new mystery party plan is already becoming popular. One lady ordered it and wrote that she is going to do it as an actual slumber party. Another said she is ordering it for her church's ladies night out.
I always do a trial run of any new party plan, and when I hosted "The Sinister Sleepover" my guests really had fun! They arrived in pajamas and bathrobes,one had slippers with floppy dog ears, another brought her teddy bear for company.
One lady had curlers in her hair, another wore a night cap. The party was a great success. You can purchase yours by clicking on www.mysteryteaparties.com.
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