Tete-a-Tete

Saint-Valentin Tea!

2012-02-14T10:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Hearts Day!

Since it's Valentine's Day...

I'm drinking Mariage Freres Saint-Valentin tea today,

in my darling Emma Bridgewater Pink Hearts

teacup & saucer.

Would you care to join me?

I wish you could!

Saint-Valentin Tea

This is the first time that I am trying Saint-Valentin tea.

I stocked up on French teas at Mariage Freres last year

on my trip to Paris.
I've been saving this special tea blend for today.

Mariage Freres describes their Valentin tea as:

"A romantic tea in which bergamont encounters mallow.

Exquisite flavour!"

#937 Saint-Valentin Tea

The Saint-Valentin tea has a lovely

floral bouquet

and makes a special cup for Saint-Valentin's Day!

If you're ever in Paris,

I highly recommend treating yourself to

the wonderful teas at Mariage Freres,
which by the way,
there are over 500 teas to choose from!

(In the photos: Emma Bridgewater Hearts Tea Cup & Saucer,

Heart Sugar Cubes by Sugars by Sharon and

Valentine Card Collection, mine.)

Go Red for Women!

2012-02-02T15:20:00.000-08:00

Collection Amelie

Tomorrow is

National Wear Red Day ...

will you be a lady in red tomorrow?

I love this cause Go Red for Women

for the fight against women's heart disease.

I've been racking my brain

what I can wear tomorrow to show my support.

Then, it dawned on me...

I have a "tres chic" accessory set

that I picked up in Paris in 2003,

my Lancel Amelie purse and scarf set.

Lancel
127 Avenue Des Champs-Elysees
Paris

I fell in love with the Amelie Paris map print collection in a French magazine

one night at our hotel in Rue Cler.

The next morning,

I asked the nice desk clerk where I could find the collection.

So that morning,
before leaving Paris,
we made a mad dash to the Champs Elysees

and the Lancel boutique.

At the Lancel boutique

I couldn't speak French and the Lancel sales clerk didn't speak English.

Somehow we managed and I came home with the

limited-edition Amelie handbag and scarf...
and we made it to the airport on time!

I think tomorrow is a perfect day

to bring them out of my closet.

Red is Lancel's trademark color, afterall!

(The photo of the Lancel boutique on the Champs Elysees
is a recent photograph from our May 2011 trip...
I just love the Brigitte Bardot billboard.)

Heart Macarons

2012-01-31T16:33:00.001-08:00

Valentine Macarons

Saint Valentine's Day is just around the corner..

and who wouldn't love

receiving heart shaped French macarons

from their sweet heart?

On my to-do list:

Take a macaron class
and learn how to make
real French macarons.
Oh how fun it would be
to pipe them into heart shapes!

Well, since I can't get to Paris
or make my own yet,
I think I'll just order
heart shaped macarons
from French-born master pastry maker
Eddy Rocq
owner of Rocq Macaons
and
Rocq Catering
in Southern California.

Sweetheart Collection

Sweetheart Collection
available by mail order at
Rocq Macarons
and
Williams Sonoma.

(Photos from Rocq Macarons)

Bonne Annee

2012-01-01T15:34:00.000-08:00

Champagne Cocktails

La Closerie des Lilas

Paris, France

Bonne Annee!

(Happy New Year)

A toast to the New Year!

Patisseries at Carette

Paris, France

I hope the New Year

brings you much happiness and joy,

sweet surprises

and, of course...
a few French treats!

Happy Christmas!

2011-12-25T14:14:00.000-08:00

Gingerbread for Santa

Because Santa deserves the very best...

we went to Tartine Bakery in San Francisco yesterday

to pick up our holiday order of

Soft Glazed Gingerbread Tiles.

Gingerbread Tiles

Years ago,

I saw Pastry Chef, Elizabeth Prueitt

(when her bakery was in Marin County)

on the Martha Stewart show

making her Soft Glazed Gingerbread Tiles.

They looked like a wonderful holiday treat and

I even purchased the Springerle Rolling Pin

she uses to decorate them

so I could make them at home.

Well, I've never made them at home

partly because I've always wanted to taste Elizabeth's first.

In Line for

Santa's Cookies

For years, I have tried to buy Tartine's

Soft Glazed Gingerbread Tiles

during the Christmas season but they're always sold out.

So this year,

I was a smart Santa's Helper and placed a holiday pre-order for

my Gingerbread Tiles to avoid disappointment.

For holiday pre-orders at Tartine you must pick them up
on Christmas Eve...

so off to San Francisco we went yesterday.

Croque Monsieurs

We made it to Tartine at 2:00 PM.

Every time we've been to Tartine,

there is always a line out the door. It was no different on Christmas Eve

only this day there were two lines...

one for customers of the day

and one for holiday pre-order pick ups.

We ended up standing in both lines and even managed to snag an outdoor table

to enjoy a late lunch at Tartine, too.

It was our first time finally getting a table

for lunch at Tartine.

Lunch at Tartine

is the next best thing to a table for two

at a cafe in Paris!

Union Square

San Francisco

I think we've started a new Christmas tradition...

going to San Francisco on

Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas to you

and

savor every moment with your family and loved ones!

Mince Pies

2011-12-22T13:53:00.000-08:00

Mince Pies

More mince pies, please!

One of the best days of my England trip this year

was spending the day at the Emma Bridgewater factory

in Stoke-on-Trent.

Thanks to my shopping trip at the factory,

I became an Emma Bridgewater Collectors Club member this year.

The Collectors Club has special privileges including special pieces

made exclusively for club members.

This holiday season,

the Collectors Club Mince Pie plates from the Joy range were a smash!

The factory had a tough time keeping up with demand for these adorable plates

and I managed to snag two of them.

Mincemeat Tarts

I was hoping to make mini mincemeat pies for Christmas

to serve on my cute mince pie plates
but it seems that I have run out of time.

Thankfully, there are Walkers Scottish mincemeat tarts available in America.

I picked some up last night at my local Cost Plus World Market.

Dusted with powdered sugar,

they are a perfect holiday treat on Emma's Mince Pies plates.

For my tea break today,

I'll be enjoying them with a "cuppa"

of my Whittard's Christmas tea!

Emma's Mince Pies Plates

If you ever get to the potteries (Stoke-on-Trent),

I highly recommend taking the Emma Bridgewater factory tour.

The nicest people work at Emma Bridgewater.

I loved seeing that each employee

had their own personalized Emma Bridewater mug

in their work station where they can drink tea all day long.

How neat is that?!

I hope you get to take a break during the busy holiday season

and enjoy a tea break
with some mincemeat tarts or home-made treats!

(In the photos: Emma Bridgewater Mince Pies plates from the Joy range.)

Christmas Tea Time

2011-12-16T12:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas Tea

'Tis the season for Christmas tea...

For the holidays, I'm drinking

Whittard of Chelsea's

Spice Imperial that I picked up in England earlier this year.

I love its holiday flavors of
cinnamon, vanilla, cloves and orange peel.

I'll let you in on a secret...

Spice Imperial is the same blend that Whittard's packages

as their Christmas Tea this time of year.

I would love to know
what holiday tea are you drinking?

(In the photos: Spode Blue & White china and

Emma Bridgewater Blue Toast Mug & Joy Mince Pie Plate.)

Marmelo Glaze

2011-12-05T12:16:00.000-08:00

Marmelo Jam

When life gives you lemons...

you make lemonade.

When life gives you thick marmelo jam...

you make marmelo glaze.

Batch #1 of my marmelo (quince) jam

was, too, thick from cooking it too long.

So I turned it into a delicious Marmelo Glaze!

Enjoy my recipe!

Marmelo Glaze

1 Cup Quince Jam

4 T. dry sherry

1 T. Dijon mustard

2 t. fresh chopped rosemary

2 garlic cloves, minced

Combine ingredients in a sauce pan

and heat over medium heat.

Continue stirring to blend the the ingredients

and to thin the jam mixture.

Brush and baste over your favorite meat

while cooking or grilling.

Bon Appetit!

Orchard Quince Jam

2011-12-04T16:47:00.000-08:00

Petite Dejeuner

This fall,

we've been enjoying the fruits of my labor...

thanks to my new French jam book

Mes Confitures
by Christine Ferber.

Marmelo

Christine says it best

in her jam book's introduction...

"With time and practice, you will refine your own technique."

She says, "Remind yourself that no two jams are ever the same.

From one year to another,

one batch to another, a little thinner, a little thicker, each is different."

So recently, I made my first batch of her

Andree's Orchard Jam and it turned out quite thick,

probably from over cooking.

It seemed more like marmalade than jam to me.

Well, no wonder...

I did a little research and it turns out the term "marmalade"

originally meant quince jam

and derives from the Portuguese word "marmelo"

which means quince.

No worries,

I turned my very thick marmelo

into a delicious glaze for pork tenderloin.

Orchard Quince Jam

Batch # 2 of my Andree's Orchard Quince Jam

turned out perfect!

Since I had to cook Batch # 1 so long to soften up the quince,

I decided for Batch # 2 to pre-cook my quince for two hours

before I turned it into jam.

Pre-cooking the quince, produced wonderful results

and a very spreadable jam.

It's delicious for a "petite dejeuner"

on a croissant!

More Quince

My husband and I love my quince jam.

Quince jam is sweet and fruity and

reminds us a bit like applesauce.

The recipe yielded a small batch

so I set out to find more quince
for fall canning.

This time I found larger quince

grown locally at another foothill farm

and decided to experiment with a few other quince recipes.

Quince Preserves

I canned quince slices and

used Martha Stewart's recipe for

Spicy Quince Preserves

in her book

The Martha Stewart Cookbook.

We haven't tried them yet.

I'm planning to use them with

a pork tenderloin or pork roast.

Paradise Chutney

My last quince project was chutney.

When I read the recipe for Paradise Chutney

in Nigella Lawson's book

How To Be A Domestic Goddess

I knew I had to make it.

Nigella was inspired by an old recipe using

apples, quince and cranberries.

She turned the old jelly recipe into a chutney for the modern kitchen.

I love the recipe but do find it a bit tart.

The next time I make it,

I am going to use less vinegar.

The Paradise Chutney is a great accompaniment on
turkey sandwiches and
I can't wait to use it with Christmas leftovers!

So now, you have an idea where I have been the last month or so.

I've been busy in my kitchen and ,of course,

busy knitting,too.

I still have a few pounds of quince left...

so I'm off to make more jam.

This time I am going to make Christine's

Quince Jam with Christmas Flavors!

Quince

2011-12-03T14:03:00.000-08:00

Quince

My latest obsession has been the

quince.

You haven't seen me for awhile

because I've been busy in my kitchen.

Otow Orchard

My Dad suggested a trip to visit a local farm Otow Orchard

and so began my obsession with the quince.

Before our visit to Otow Orchard I started researching the quince.

I found out that quince is an old fashioned fruit related to the apple and pear.

It used to be a popular tree found in many backyards and farms.

Quince is not edible raw.

It is hard and very sour.

It is mainly used in jams, jellies and puddings.

Quince also have a fuzz on them

that you rub off with a towel to remove

before you peel them for cooking.

Farm Fresh

My parents and I had a wonderful visit at Otow Orchard.

Owner Tosh Kuratomi gave us a tour of the orchard

and showed us what quince trees look like.

He told us that it hadn't been a good year for quince

and they had a very low yield.

I purchased the few pounds of organic quince they had left

so I could experiment making quince jam.

Let's Make Jam

Making jam and canning remind me of my Grandma Margaret.

My Grandma Margaret did a lot of canning

on the 100 acre family farm in Pennsylvania.

My Dad says,

"The cellar was always full".

I am lucky to have my Grandma's blue farm bowl

and her Hardware store cookbook from the 1930's.

I'm thinking there may have been quince trees on the farm

because there are sure a lot of splatters

on the page for apple or quince jelly in her cookbook!

Andree's Orchard Quince Jam

It's been over 10 years since I've made jam

but I still had all the necessary supplies for canning.

I did update my supplies though and splurged

on a French copper confiture (jam) pan

that the "jam queens"
Christine Ferber from France

and

Rachel Saunders from The Blue Chair Fruit Co.
of California use.

For my first attempts at quince jam,

I followed Christine's recipe in Mes Confitures for

Andree's Orchard Quince Jam.

So...

I've been busy the last month or so

in my kitchen

practicing making quince jam and other quince goodies.

I'll be sharing the results in my next post.

One thing is for sure...

quince is a delicious fall fruit with a sweet floral and fruity taste.

I'm hooked on this old fashioned fall fruit!

Mes Confitures

2011-11-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

Christine's Confitures

She's French.

She's the daughter of fourth-generation bakers and pastry makers

and she knows a thing or two about jams and jellies.

She is...

jam maker extraordinaire Christine Ferber

and her book Mes Confitures
has inspired me to make jam at home again.

La Grande Epicerie Paris

On my visit to Paris in May,

I was on the look out for Christine's jams and jellies.

If you're a foodie...

there is nothing like stepping into

La Grande Epicerie Paris.

I am like a kid in a candy store every time I visit and

Christine's jams in their pretty red packaging were easy to spot.

I wanted to bring home some of Christine's jams but didn't chance it

due to the TSA 3oz guideline for carry on liquids.

More Jam, S'il Vous Plaît

The next time I go to Paris though,

I am going to buy Christine's jams when I first arrive and savor them

on croissants from Boulangerie Malineau.

In the meantime,

I am inspired by her book and her unique flavor combinations.

Her book is divided by the seasons. I like that.

Since it's fall, I'm experimenting with her recipe called

Andree`s Orchard Quince Jam.

Instructions are a bit brief in the book, so I do recommend

reading up on jam making, if you need to.

Christine even advises in the book,

"With time and practice, you will refine your own technique."

Orange Sanguines

Christine also says,

"A batch of jam is always an act of creation!"

I can't wait to create more of her recipes like:

Orange with Earl Grey Tea,

Pear with Pinot Noir and Cinnamon

and

Vineyard Peach and Pear with Grand Marnier.

Dehillerin

18-20 rue Coquilliere, Paris

And of course,

if you buy her book,

you'll probably want to buy "the pan"...

a French copper confiture pan

like Christine always uses.

I did.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T12:03:00.000-07:00

Halloween Brew

Trick or Treat!

Here's a twist on tea for fall...

Brew up your favorite ginger or spice tea

in "piping" hot apple cider instead of water.

Steep for 4 minutes and serve with a cinnamon stick.

Perfect for a chilly evening or

bring it in your thermos when you go apple picking!

Enjoy!

Pix

2011-10-21T22:00:00.000-07:00

Pix Patisserie

Pix Patisserie is a kitschy-cute kind of place

with a Parisian cafe vibe.

On our recent trip to Portland, after an afternoon of shopping,

we stopped into Pix for a tea break

and what I like to call "macaron research"!

Macarons

Pix is known for macarons.

On our visit, my husband and I tried three flavors of macarons:

Bourbon, Fleur de Sel and Coconut Rum.

Hands down, their Fleur de Sel was the best we've ever had!

As for macaron research...

Pix is always a fun stop for unusual macaron flavors.

Pastry Chef/Owner, Cheryl Wakerhauser (a.k.a. Pix) and her team

create traditional French macarons only...
they kick them up a notch!

They make unique macaron flavors such as:

Tawny Port, Chestnut Whiskey, Sesame Matcha,

Peanut Butter and Jelly and Apple Pie..

just to name a few.

Market Spice Tea

As for tea at Pix,

I was impressed with the tea quality

and table service.

Pix proudly serves Townshend's Tea Co. teas.

I enjoyed their Market Spice delivered to our table

in an Art Deco silver tea pot.

My tea server raved about their teas

and told me Earl Grey is their most popular tea.

Naturally due to popularity it was out of stock.

Pix Patisserie

There are two Pix locations in Portland.

We always visit the original Pix location.

It's a bit off the beaten path..

not touristy

and worth the effort to get there.

Pix Patisserie

3402 SE Division St.

Portland, OR 97202

(503) 232-4407

I can't wait to go back and have a pot of Earl Grey tea

and do some more macaron research!

A Mad Tea Party

2011-10-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

Alice

I just returned from a Portland, Oregon get-away.

Portland is a groovy city.

I expected to see a few yarn bombings...

but instead I found a wonderful wall mural of

A Mad Tea Party!

A Mad Tea Party

A Mad Tea Party wall mural on the side of:

Longfellows Books

1401 SE Division Street

Portland, Oregon 97202

And yes,
Longfellows is a groovy used book store.

Teance

2011-10-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

The Tea Bar

I finally had tea at a tea bar...

Teance

in Berekely, California.

Teance is located in one of my favorite shopping areas,

the Fourth Street Shops.

On a recent trip to Berkeley, instead of shopping all day,

I treated myself to a relaxing afternoon of tea tasting

and learning more about Asian teas at Teance.

On my visit, Co-Manager, Darius Moghaddam was tending bar.

I was so impressed with his knowledge of tea.

Turns out, he has been on 5 tea buying trips all over the world.

So yes, he does know a thing or two about tea

and graciously shares his knowledge.

Darius and I decided that I should try a tea tasting of their

Flight of Three Teas.

Flight of Three Teas

Silver Needle Tea

My first flight was Silver Needle (Yin Zhen), a white tea.

This prized tea is from Fuding, Fujan, China.

Waking up the Tea Leaves

To enjoy this tea,

you first must first "wake up" the tea leaves

by pouring hot water on them and removing the water immediately.

Steeping

Next, the tea was steeped for 1 1/2 minutes in a Gaiwan.

Darius told me "a Gaiwan is an ancient tea making tool".

I had never seen one before.

Tranquility

Silver Needle tea is very delicate and subtle in taste

with a pale color. A tranquil, cup indeed.

Flower Bouquet

My second flight was Flower Bouquet, a green tea.

This tea is hand-tied into a heart bundle.

It is also from Fuding, Fujan, China.

Flowering Tea

Flower Bouquet tea is steeped in a glass tea pot.

As it steeps, the leaves unfold and
a beautiful red hibiscus flower is revealed.
It's magical!

It had a light Jasmin note and I enjoyed it.

Mochi

Besides tea, Teance also has wonderful treats,

like Japanese Mochi handmade locally.

I enjoyed a Pumpkin & Lima Bean Mochi along with my tea tasting.

It was beautiful with its edible flowers and
so much better than store bought Mochi.

Matcha

My third flight was Matcha.

Teance's Matcha is from Uji, Japan from Koyama En,

the most prestigious matcha company in Japan.

I was most excited to try Matcha green powdered tea

since I had never tried it before.

Tea Ceremony Whisk

Matcha is considered to be the healthiest of teas

because you are drinking all the leaves
which are milled into a fine powder.

Matcha is prepared with a bamboo tea whisk.

I loved watching Darius make my cup.

Matcha

Matcha is like no other tea I have ever tasted.

It is thick and frothy. Matcha has a stronger green tea flavor and

I think one probably has to acquire a taste for it.

I plan on doing just that so I can enjoy the health benefits of drinking Matcha.

The Great Wall of Tea

I'm so glad I took a break from shopping around Fourth Street

and enjoyed a break at the Tea Bar at Teance.

It was a wonderful and relaxing experience.

Thank you Darius for teaching me more about the world of tea.

I highly recommend Teance Fine Teas.

If you can't get to Berkeley,

they have an online store and Tea Subscriptions, too!

Only at Macy's

2011-10-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse

I love designer collaborations with main street department stores.

I think designer extraordinaire Karl Lagerfeld's

collaboration with Macy's is probably the best one yet!

Karl Lagerfeld is one of the world's greatest fashion legends.

Today, he is probably best known as

Chief Designer at the house of Chanel
but he wears many hats!

A Little Black Dress

If you've ever wanted to own a little black dress by Chanel...

here's your chance. While this is not a Chanel dress,

I just can't help but see Coco's influence in this design by Karl.

This chic black dress is available in-store and online in the

Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse collection at Macy's.

It's a limited edition collection.

I saw Karl's collection at my local Macy's a few days ago

and the racks still have good stock.

Surprisingly, I don't think many fashionistas know about this collection yet.

While the dress looks nice on the rack,

it's gorgeous on a beautiful model...

What Would Coco Think?

Ooh,la,la...

I can't help but wonder...

what would Coco think?

(Model photograph from Macy's)

Truly Great Scones

2011-09-27T21:42:00.000-07:00

Tea & Scone, please!

I've been searching for a truly great scone recipe...

like the scones I've had in England.

British Style Scones

Whether at a fancy hotel tea or an adorable tea and cake shop...

scones always taste better in England.

Some scones are dense and some are lighter.

One thing is certain...
load them up with clotted cream and jam and

they're always delicious!

Proper Scone Height

On my trip to England in May,

I had some of the best scones I've ever had.

Ever since that trip, I've been on a mission to find a truly great scone recipe

to make British-style scones at home.

I'm happy to report that I've found a truly great scone recipe from, Delia Smith.

Delia is the UK"s best-selling cookery author so I knew her scone recipe would be good.

The best tip I learned from Delia is to roll the scone dough out to 1 inch thickness.

According to Delia "this is the secret of well-risen scones. Measure it if you're not sure."

So I followed Delia's recipe (to a tee), measured my dough and ended up

with truly great scones!

Truly Great Scones

I love Delia's recipe

taken from her book Delia's How to Cook, Book Two (1999).

Luckily for you, you can find it on her website Delia Online.

She calls the recipe Buttermilk Scones with West Country Clotted Cream and Raspberry Butter...

I just call them Truly Great Scones!

(In the photos: Emma Bridgewater Union Jack tea pot, plate, mug and comport. Sabre Toile spreader.)

Autumn

2011-09-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

Spices of Fall Tea

Happy First Day of Autumn!

I'm ready for spicy tea blends
and

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes.

How about you?

Last Days of Summer!

2011-09-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

Tea in the Garden

It may be the final days of summer...

but I'm still enjoying afternoon tea in the garden.

Summer will actually linger on for many more weeks here in California

with our gorgeous Indian summer. In the meantime, berry season is over

so the past few weeks,

I've been baking with the last of summer's fruits.

Lemon & Currant Muffins

I was so excited to finally find red currants in California this summer.

I bought red currants to make authentic British summer puddings

and ended up with a container left over.

What to do...but make muffins and tea cakes.

Knowing how well blueberries pair with lemon muffins, I decided to add fresh red currants

to my favorite lemon muffin recipe. I experimented with a batch in my mini-muffin tin

and the results were adorable little tea cakes. I also made a batch of regular size muffins which I enjoyed with my husband on the weekend.

Fresh red currants are really tart.

If you're going to make a batch of Lemon & Currant Muffins,

make sure you ice your muffins with a sugar glaze.

I modified a recipe from my favorite little muffin book, Muffins by Elizabeth Alston.

You can find the recipe here.

(I omitted the fresh ginger for my version.)

Afternoon Earl Grey

Lemon and Currant tea cakes are lovely in the afternoon

paired with a good cup of Earl Grey.

Since I was in England this year,

my tea cupboard is replenished now with my favorite British teas.
One of my favorite Earl Grey teas is, Whittard's Afternoon Earl Grey.
(My box of tea is a bit rumpled from travelling home in my suitcase.)

This premium black tea flavoured with bergamot

is packaged in elegant round tea bags.

I like to drink mine "milky" with one lump or two!

I love what Whittard's has printed on the box:

"Few hours in life are more agreeable than the British ceremony known as afternoon tea. Our Afternoon Earl Grey is distinguished by a lighter bergamot taste. An elegant blend, it evokes an era of fine china and leisurely conversation, when the ceremony of teatime was an unhurried pleasure".

In the past, I've ordered teas online from Whittard in the UK and
they have excellent international service.

Luckily now, Whittard teas are available again in the US though on-line retailer
Annie's Tea Time .

Now there's really no excuse not to enjoy

a really good "cuppa" here in the States!

(In the photos: Laura Ashley Summer Fruits Mug and Emma Bridgewater Polka Dots plate.)

Mamma Mia!

2011-09-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

Mama's Macaroni Salad

Need a little something to "spice up" your next picnic or barbecue?

Mama DeDomenico's Barbecue Macaroni Salad

can do just that!

. My Mamma Mia (my mother) has been making it for years. The recipe dates back to my days growing up in San Leandro, California and the famous pasta company in our town
Golden Grain Macaroni Company.
Yes, the same company that made Rice-A-Roni ...
"the San Francisco treat"!

Golden Grain was founded in the early 1900's by Italian immigrants,

Domenico and Maria DeDomenico.

Maria (Mama) DeDomenico loved to cook. She had many old world recipes passed down to her and brought them to America. In 1912, she persuaded her husband to open a macaroni business and she supplied all the recipes. To this day, I still have her little Pasta brochure from the 1970's with her favorite recipes in it.

Here's a favorite Mama DeDomenico recipe...

Barbecue Macaroni Salad

16 oz Golden Grain Salad Macaroni

*1 can (8oz) Golden Grain Marinara Sauce

1 1/2 cup chopped celery

1 cup sweet pickle relish

1 can (4oz) chopped black olives

1/2 tsp. chili powder

1 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup minced onions

Cook macaroni as directed on package; rinse with cold water. Combine macaroni, Marinara Sauce, celery,relish, olives, chili powder. Chill. Stir in mayonnaise and onions. Salt and pepper to taste.

Tips:

*Golden Grain Marinara Sauce is now discontinued.

It came in a can and was the best!

I use Newman's Own Marinara as a substitute now.

My Momma Mia likes to make her version a bit more saucey..

so feel free to use more marinara sauce, if you wish.

I like to use 1 medium red onion and more olives.

I add the onion at the same time as all the other ingredients.

Buon Appetito!

(In the photos: Emma Bridgewater Polka Dot plates and Vintage British Hamper.)

More Summer Pudding, Please!

2011-09-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

Summer Pudding

Summer is winding down...

and I'm still savoring my Summer Pudding Tea

these last few weeks of summer.

I'm also enjoying time in my kitchen with the last of summer's
berry harvests.

Red Fruits

Not all Americans are familiar with Summer Pudding.

Summer Pudding is a chilled British dessert made in a large pudding mould
or small individual moulds. Its ingredients are simple...

stale white bread, luscious summer fruits and sugar.

I've wanted to make Summer Pudding for years now.

All my British recipes call for red currants which are very popular in England but very difficult to find here in sunny California. I finally found red currants earlier this month at a grocer in the San Francisco Bay Area. The red currants were grown and shipped in
from Hurst's Berry Farm in Oregon...
a climate closer to England for growing red currants.

Pudding Please!

So I finally got to make Summer Pudding! I adore small desserts so I chose a recipe
for Individual Summer Puddings and I already had the moulds.

Years ago on a trip to London, I picked up small pudding moulds at the

neat cook shop Divertimenti. Loved that store!

***The recipe is a keeper and my tip:

be sure to use stale bread and red currants!

Happy end of summer...

and I hope your last few weeks of summer

include a little summer pudding!

(In the photos: Emma Bridgewater Hearts 8.5" plate, Black Toast French Bowl and

Divertimenti Pudding Tins.)

Summer Pudding

2011-09-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

Summer Pudding

It's still summer in California.

A trip to the San Francisco Bay Area last weekend

yielded me some beautiful berries and fresh red currants.

Delicious red summer fruits that are perfect for making summer puddings.

A trip to London in May yielded me some unique tea blends,

including a summer favorite,

Summer Pudding.

Summer Pudding tea is from my favorite British tea purveyor,

Whittard of Chelsea.

Summer Pudding Tea

Summer Pudding tea is as delicious as it sounds.

Imagine the delicious kitchen smells of making summer puddings

or your favorite red fruit jams

and you've captured the essence of Summer Pudding tea.

This black tea is flavored with succulent summer

fruits and a hint of spicy juniper. I enjoy it both hot and iced with a little sugar

to sweeten up its fruity taste.

Whittard of Chelsea

I never visit England without a trip to Whittard of Chelsea

to stock up on unique flavored black teas with wonderful British names like:

Summer Pudding, English Rose and Sticky Toffee Pudding.

There are branches all over London and the UK.

My favorite Whittard of Chelsea locations are at London's Covent Garden

Bath and York England.

Just look for the blue signs

and step into a Whittard of Chelsea branch

where you'll find 130 tempting tea blends including,

Summer Pudding...

a summer time favorite of mine.

(In the photos: Emma Bridgewater Hearts 8.5" Plate and Hellebore Tea Cup & Saucer and Spode Tea Caddy Spoon.)

British Flapjacks

2011-08-30T21:47:00.000-07:00

Flapjacks

It's back to school time and do I have the perfect afternoon treat for you...
British Flapjacks.

Flapjacks in the U.K. are not at all like American flapjacks (pancakes). British Flapjacks are sweet oat bars that remind me of thick granola bars.

I had my first British Flapjack in Stow-on-The-Wold at a cute British bakery
in the Cotswolds over 10 years ago. The first time my husband and I had them we said to each other "these must be the original granola bar!"

I've been collecting Flapjack recipes ever since.

The Ingredients

Most Flapjack recipes call for just a few basic ingredients:
Oats, Demerara sugar, Golden Syrup and butter.

Golden Syrup is the key ingredient for authentic British Flapjacks. Not all Americans are familiar with it. I don't recommend making British Flapjacks unless you have Golden Syrup. Lyle's Golden Syrup is a brand that is fairly easy to find in America. I purchased mine at Cost Plus World Market.

Let's Make Some Flapjacks:

Flapjacks are simple to make.

Butter, sugar and golden syrup are heated up over medium heat on the stove top.

Next the oats and spice mixture are added. Mix well making sure all the oats are coated.

The oat mixture is pressed into a well greased 8" x 8" pan

and baked for 15 to 20 minutes.

The Flapjacks are cooled for about 5 minutes and then cut into bar shapes while still in the pan.

Let them completely cool in the pan before removing them.

Enjoy with a cup of Yorkshire Tea or PG Tips!

Truly Great Flapjacks!

My latest batch of Flapjacks is from a recipe in the new

Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine and it's a keeper!

I also found a similar recipe online at Bon Appetit for British Flapjacks.

Next on my list though is to try Sophie Dahl's Golden Flapjacks recipe from

her UK show The Delicious Miss Dahl.

Sohpie adds coconut, dried mango and dried cherries to her Flapjack version.

Sounds divine!

(In the photos: Emma Bridgewater Union Jack pottery.)

Yorkshire Tea Loaf

2011-08-23T20:11:00.000-07:00

Tea & Cake

One of my favorite things about travelling to Great Britain

is learning about tea and tea time traditions.

While travelling in England this year, I enjoyed a tea break

or afternoon tea nearly everyday.

I came home with wonderful

tea time ideas along with a few souvenirs.

Cold Tea Loaf

Besides carrying home an Emma Bridgewater Tea Pot,
I also carried home...
a Cold Yorkshire Tea Loaf!

I purchased my tea loaf at The Yorkshire Pantry in York, England.

York is famous for Bettys Tea Room (yes, I had afternoon tea there) and Yorkshire Tea, so I wanted to buy a packaged Yorkshire Tea Tea Loaf to bring home. It was out of stock, so the clerk recommended another Yorkshire Tea Loaf handmade by The Harrogate Cake Co. instead. (Mums the word...they told me it was even a better tea loaf!)

I hand carried my Yorkshire tea loaf further on our journey to Scotland,
Paris and then home to the States. It made it home beautifully...
and all in one piece!

All Gone!

I now know what a real Yorkshire Cold Tea Loaf tastes like and

can't wait to make them at home.

And if you're an American and wondering about the name, Cold Tea Loaf...

it's called that because the fruits (currants, sultanas and mixed peel) are steeped overnight in strong Yorkshire Tea to plump up. You then bake it the next day.

So now I'm on a search for an authentic Yorkshire Tea Loaf recipe.

I recently found a British recipe in Good Food magazine by Mary Berry for a Family Fruit Teabread. She soaks her fruit over night in Earl Grey tea. I am going to try her recipe using Yorkshire Tea instead. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Yorkshire Tea

P.S. Yes, Yorkshire Tea tastes better in Yorkshire!

(In the photos: Emma Bridgewater Union Jack Tea Pot, mug and Black Toast Crumbs plate.)

Laduree New York!

2011-08-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

Laduree Rue Royal Paris

Ooh, la, la!

Pop open the French bubbly...

it's finally official:

Laduree New York's Grand Opening is next Friday

August 26th at 1:00 PM.

Wish I could be there!

Laduree New York

Laduree

864 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10021

Hours

Monday to Friday 9:00AM to 6:00PM

Saturday 9:30AM to 6:00PM

Sunday Closed

Bienvenue Laduree to the Etats-Unis!

Let me know if you get to Laduree New York before I do!

(Laduree New York Sketch from the Laduree Web Site)

Jamie's Tea

2011-08-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

So Refreshing!

There's nothing like an iced tea on a hot summer afternoon!

Today I brewed up a pot of Mango and Passion Fruit Tea by Jamie Oliver's company Jme.

Jamie's tea caught my attention awhile back at my local Williams Sonoma store. While out shopping yesterday I noticed it was on sale from $29.99 to only $7.99 so naturally I couldn't pass it up! Since my tea cupboard is quite well stocked these days, I decided to try his Mango and Passion Fruit Tea because I thought it would be wonderful iced. I was right.

Here are a few of my tips for making iced tea:

Steeping the tea

Always use premium loose teas for making iced teas. I use one teaspoon of tea for every cup.

To avoid a mess, use a large tea filter and keep it securely closed with a teeli click. Steep for the proper brewing time of the tea your using.

Today, Jamie's tea steeped to a beautiful pink color in 4 minutes time.

Icing the tea

Quite often iced tea becomes cloudy after you make it.

The best way to avoid cloudy tea, is after the tea has steeped, immediately put ice cubes in it. I find this method works every time.

The` a la mangue et aux fruits de la passion

Jamie's Mango and Passion Fruit Tea is a melange of premium black tea and dried fruit pieces. Jamie selected Taiwanese tea specialists Smith & Hsu to blend his teas. The teas come packaged in sleek modern metal tea caddies which are reusable.

I enjoyed this tea iced and sweetened with sugar. It is a very light and tropical tasting tea.

They say...

fruit infusion teas are very beneficial to ones health.

So drink up!

Here are a few tea tips from Jamie Oliver's tea guy, too!

(In the photos: French Bee glass, Emma Bridgewater Hearts Sugar Bowl and Liberty of London Poppy fabric.)

Remembering Julia

2011-08-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

Lets Bake

"If you're afraid of butter, use cream."

Julia Child

August 15, 1912 - August 13, 2004

Remembering Julia today.

I think I'll bake a cake!

(Photo taken at Sur La Table in San Francisco, CA.)

Miette

2011-08-11T12:58:00.000-07:00

Lemon Cloud Cake

Miette is the French word for crumb.

Miette is also the name of San Francisco's most charming pastry shop!

I was in "the City" last weekend and had to stop by Miette for a macaron fix!

Sweet Treats

I've adored Miette from the moment I walked up to the macaron counter a few years ago

in San Francisco's Ferry Building Marketplace.

When you visit Miette in the Ferry Building, you'll feel as though you are in a tiny Parisian candy shop. I love all their sweet treats and their pretty Laduree green interior.

More Cake Please

Miette has something to satisfy every one's sweet tooth. Their counter case is filled with cupcakes, tarts, cookies, cakes, macarons, candies and confections.

My standard order are their Parisian macarons.

I love looking at their beautiful cakes in their online shop. I've longed to order a Miette cake for my birthday sometime. Maybe this year I will visit "the City" and pick one up or better yet....

I can make one now!

The chef/owner of Miette, Meg Ray has just shared her baking secrets in her new book, Miette. It's an adorable book, just like her shop! I adore the unique design of the book with its pretty scalloped pages.

Parisian Macarons

Can't get to Paris...
and need a macaron fix, too?

Well, you can now make your own Parisian macarons right at home.

All you need are the right tools and Miette's new book.

In the book there are recipes for eight different flavored macarons. Merci, Meg!

Miette also offers classes throughout the year, too. Sign me up!

Lemon Tea Cake

Tea and cake please!

Miette's Lemon Tea Cakes look delicious and perfect for when a friend "pops" over
for a visit at tea time.

Miette's tea cake is a buttery lemon pound cake, topped off with zesty lemony icing. Luckily for us, Meg has included the recipe in the book so we can make it at home.

I can't wait to put the kettle on and serve this cake to a friend with a good "cuppa"!

Walnut Shortbread Cookies

I couldn't help but "spot" these cookies in their adorable packaging.

These Walnut Shortbread Cookies look perfect for keeping on hand in the biscuit barrel!

Again, luckily for us...

you can find this cookie recipe in the book, too.

Miette Patisserie

When you visit San Francisco be sure to stop by Miette

at the Ferry Building Marketplace.

Just look for the pretty pink sign!

PS: You can also pick up baking supplies at Sur La Table in the Marketplace, too.

Strawberry Tea 2011

2011-08-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

A Strawberry Tea Party!

This summer all over the UK,

ladies are having fundraising Strawberry Tea Parties.

British ladies are baking, canning and knitting all for the wonderful effort to raise money for Breast Cancer Care. I love this campaign! How wonderful...

tea parties with a cause!

Strawberries & Cream Cupcakes

For more information, have a look the UK's Breast Cancer Care website.

I love their Top Tea Party Tips, Recipes and, of course,

their Strawberry Tea Cosy.

The adorable tea cosy is a free pattern, thanks to knitwear designer Libby Tomey who supports this cause. Knitters knit up Strawberry Tea Cosies and then raffle them off at Strawberry Teas. I love this idea!

I found a delicious recipe for Strawberries & Cream Cupcakes in Cupcakes by Janet Smith. (Yes, it's even a British cook book.)

So, now I'm ready for a Strawberry Tea Party!

I do hope this idea takes off here in America...

for one of our Breast Cancer charities.

In the meantime,

it's a nice reminder to make a donation to one's favorite charity.

(In the photos: Emma Bridgewater Hearts Tea Cups and Plates and Blue Toast & Marmalade Teapot.)

Teeli Click

2011-07-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

Time for The` Glace

(French Iced Tea)

It's the heat of summer...

so I'm drinking a lot of iced tea!

As a California girl, I grew up on Lipton (instant) iced tea.

There was always a huge cooler of good 'ole Lipton in our ski boat

on every trip out on the water.

Today, I prefer to make my iced tea with premium loose teas.

I enjoy Yorkshire Tea iced and I love to experiment with French teas

for The` Glaces (French Iced Teas).

Teeli Click!

On my latest trip to Paris,

I discovered the neatest little tea gadget for making tea.

It's called Teeli Click.

Teeli Clicks are the perfect accompaniment to tea filter bags. The Teeli Click is a little clip that "snaps" like a barrette. You just "click-it" on your tea filter bag to close it and "voila"...no more messy tea leaves.

I love using my Teeli Click with large tea filters for making a pitcher of iced tea. It comes on a little chain with a hook so you can hook it on your glass tea pot while steeping your tea.

I found my Teeli Clicks at Le Palais de The`s in Paris.
It's another one of my favorite tea shops in le Marais...
just a few blocks away from Mariage Freres.

Sunday Mornings

2011-07-24T12:07:00.001-07:00

Banana Bran Muffins

On Sunday mornings....

I love to bake muffins.

Banana Bran Muffins are the most popular weekend muffin in our house.

They are quick and easy to make

and a great way to use up over-ripe bananas.

My muffin recipe is from my favorite little muffin book,

Muffins by Elizabeth Alston.

Just Out of the Oven

I love Sunday mornings with "just out of the oven" muffins
and my big mug of Starbucks French Roast coffee.

Of course, in the afternoon, they are lovely with a cup of tea!

Toppings

Sometimes I like to get creative with this muffin recipe

and add my own flair.

The recipe calls for 1/2 cup oat bran.

When I don't have oat bran in my pantry,

I substitute rolled oats and the recipe bakes up fine.

I like to add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts and

they become Banana Nut Muffins.

For Banana Coconut Muffins, I add 1/2 cup coconut to the batter

and then sprinkle coconut on top before baking. Yummy!

For Banana Streusel Muffins, I sprinkle an oatmeal streusel topping over them before baking and they turn out delicious. Probably my best version!

Muffins by Elizabeth Alston

My little muffin book is one of my favorite cookbooks.

I have the original edition from 1985.

Today, most likely, you have to purchase the book second hand...

it's definitely worth finding!

(In the photos: Copeland & Garrett Plate and Sabre Toile Spreader)

Vive la France!

2011-07-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

Tarte au Citron

It's Bastille Day...

the national holiday in France.

I hope your day and night

includes some French treats!

Kitchen Secrets

No time to bake Dorie Greenspan's Lemon Tart in Paris Sweets...

no need to worry.

Just head down to your local Trader Joe's or gourmet grocer and pick up
a ready-made Lemon Tart.

Garnish it with fresh fruits and voila...

you'll have what the French call a Tarte au Citron!

Bon Appetit

and

Vive la France!

The French Art of Tea

2011-07-12T18:01:00.000-07:00

French The`

It's Bastille Day this Thursday so ,oui,

I'm drinking French the` (tea) all week!

It's no secret...

Mariage Freres is my favorite French tea purveyor.

Mariage Freres was founded in 1854 in Paris and they are the oldest tea importer in France.

L` Art Francais Du The`

(The French Art of Tea)

Today, Mariage Freres offers over 500 teas.

With over 500 tea varieties, shopping for tea at Mariages Freres can be overwhelming. That's why I rely on their book The French Art of Tea.

The French Art of Tea is a knowledgeable guide that navigates you through the world of Mariage Freres teas. It's pages are filled with history and invaluable information for French tea aficionados. My favorite part of the book are the teas themselves with their descriptions and blend names.

I always use this book for making my "tea shopping list" whenever I visit Paris!

Mariage Freres
30 Rue du Bourg-Tibourg

My favorite place to shop for Mariage Freres tea is their original location

in the le Marias district of Paris.

Here in the States, you can find a few of their blends

(in their famous brown caddies)

at Williams Sonoma stores.

Since I live in Northern California, I normally replenish my stock at:

Market Hall Foods in Oakland , CA

The Pasta Shop in Berkeley, CA

Dean and Deluca in St. Helena, CA

All three California stores where I shop, have the best selection of Mariage Freres

that I've seen outside of Paris. I must tell you though...

nothing beats the experience of shopping at Mariage Freres in Paris!

Vive' la France

and

Mariage Freres!

Wills & KaTea

2011-07-08T14:58:00.000-07:00

Royal-tea

Let's hear it for a big "Royal Welcome" to

Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge
to the golden state of California!

The royal couple are set to arrive in America at the Los Angeles airport at 3:40 PM today. They will be greeted by California Gov. Jerry Brown and his wife.

Since I can't be there to greet them...
I do hope someone realizes that 4:00 PM is tea time
and offers them a good "cuppa" or better yet, some California iced tea!

Wills & KaTea Blend

I'm celebrating Prince William and Catherine's visit with a special tea blend named after them, Wills & KaTea. Don't you just love that name? This blend commemorates the Royal Wedding and is black tea, flavored with passion fruit, grapefruit and orange. It's wonderful with milk and sugar.

I purchased my tea at the adorable tea boutique and cafe Eteaket on my recent trip to Edinburgh, Scotland.

I found out about Eteaket in last years Cath Kidston catalog in a shopping feature on Edinburgh. I had hoped to have tea and cake there but couldn't fit it into a one day trip to Edinburgh. I did manage to walk by Eteaket in the Princes Street area but they were already closed. The door was still open so I "popped" in and they let me buy some tea. "Thank you" to the nice girls working that day at Eteaket!

Hurrah for Wills & Kate!

I'm also drinking my Wills & KaTea tea in true British style...

in my Emma Bridgewater William and Kate Wedding Mug
that I purchased at the Emma Bridgewater factory
in Stoke-on-Trent, England.

Hurrah for William and Kate coming to California!

(In the photos: Emma Bridgewater William and Kate 1/2 pint Wedding Mug.)

All American Muffins!

2011-07-04T13:06:00.000-07:00

Blackberry Muffins

We have an abundance of Farmers Market blackberries at our house so I whipped up some delicious Blackberry Muffins for our 4th of July breakfast today.

I love making muffins and they seem so "All-American" to me. You really don't see American style muffins in Europe...unless you venture into a Starbucks!

Farmers Market Blackberries

My husband grew up in Oregon and loves blackberries.

Growing up his mom would send him and his sisters down the road to pick blackberries. She would then make yummy pies, cobblers and blackberry jam.

Today, I just send my husband to the Farmers Market for fresh California blackberries. I normally make cobblers with them but decided to make blackberry muffins for the 4th of July holiday.

All American Muffins!

I used Williams Sonoma Blackberry Muffins recipe.

You need just 2 cups of fresh blackberries for this muffin recipe. It has a delicious crumble topping with chopped pecans that gives these muffins a bit of coffee cake flair! ( I added 1t. of cinnamon to the crumble topping and doubled the cinnamon in the muffin batter.)

You certainly could also enjoy these muffins in the afternoon with a cup of tea. I think they would pair nicely with Twinings Lady Grey!

Well, I still have plenty of blackberries left so...

I think I'm making a blackberry cobbler for dessert tonight!

In the photos: (Spode The Blue Room Collection "Woodman" 6" plate and Emma Bridgewater Black Toast & Marmalade French Bowl.)

Blackberry Goodness!

2011-06-28T20:14:00.000-07:00

Blackberry Shortbread Squares

Leave it to Martha...

this recipe is a keeper.

Martha Stewart's Blackberry Shortbread Squares were a hit at my house and

I'm sure they'll be a hit at your house,too.

Here's a look at my batch...

Almond Shortbread Crust

This is a quick press-in-the-pan recipe that yields tasty results.

The almond shortbread crust takes the most effort and is worth every step. Besides the normal shortbread ingredients, this crust requires blanched almonds which you roast in the oven, cool and then finely ground in a food processor. A bit of almond extract adds even more almond flavor for the most delicious shortbread crust I've ever had (outside of Scotland)!

Farmers Market Berries

Fresh berries are then scattered over the shortbread crust.

Off to the oven!

One cup of reserved shortbread dough is crumbled over the berries and

then it's off to the oven to bake. Then it's time to enjoy this berry goodness!

This is a great summer berry recipe just in time for the 4th of July. You can even make it with other seasonal berries. For the 4th of July holiday, I think it would be quite "All American" made with blackberries, blueberries and red raspberries!

I think these delicious squares are a perfect summer tea treat
to enjoy with a good friend in the garden,
with your favorite "cuppa"!

Special Note: I followed Martha's recipe version in her Martha Stewart's Dinner at Home cookbook. Its measurements/ingredients are slightly different than the recipe available here online at MarthaStewart.com.

(In the photos: Emma Bridgewater Black Toast & Marmalade Crumbs plate)

Weekend Project!

2011-06-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

Blackberries!

Summer has arrived!

Every week my husband brings home beautiful berries from the farmers market.

So, I've decided my weekend project this weekend is...

Blackberry Shortbread Squares.

I'll post the results and recipe next week on

Teatime Tuesday!

(In the photos: Emma Bridgewater Black Toast French Bowl)

Happy Summer!

2011-06-21T21:46:00.000-07:00

L'ete Summer Tea

Happy first day of summer!

Wouldn't it be nice to begin celebrating summer
with some French summer tea? And oui, of course, I have the perfect suggestion for you...

Fauchon's L'ete Summer.

Fachuon's summer tea is an Oolong tea (also known as blue tea)
with flowery notes,

scented with grenadine and citrus fruit flavors.

Tarte au Citron

According to Fauchon...
" L'ete Summer tea is ideal in the afternoon with desserts".

I think it would pair beautifully with a tarte au citron!

Fauchon Paris

24-26 place de la Madeleine

L'ete Summer Tea is available at Fauchon in Paris. I love to shop at the original Fauchon location
behind the Madeleine church which opened in 1886.

If you live in the US, you can find some Fauchon tea blends online at a
Taste of Paris.

Happy summer!

I hope your summer includes

French tea

and

sweet treats!

Bienvenue Laduree!

2011-06-14T23:21:00.000-07:00

Laduree

21 rue Bonaparte

It's no secret...

Laduree is my favorite Paris Patisserie

and

French Tea Salon!

Laduree at Harrods

Did you know,

you don't have to travel to Paris to have the Laduree experience? Today Laduree has locations all over the world including three locations in London.

On our recent holiday in London we had to "pop" into Harrods just to see the Laduree at Harrods. Of course, we had to try some macarons to compare them to their Parisian counterparts.

I was curious if the macarons for the London branch were made in London or shipped in daily from Paris. I politely asked the Laduree clerk and found out that they are made locally in London. They tasted the same but for some reason, my husband and I agreed...

macarons are just more magical in Paris!

Laduree is a smashing success in London and they will soon be opening even another branch in trendy Convent Garden.

Laduree

Champs Elysess

Americans adore Laduree so wouldn't it be grand if Laduree would open

here in the States?

Well it's finally coming true..

Laduree is opening this July in New York City.

Several years ago there was a rumor about a New York City branch opening, but it never happened. This time it's really happening and America will soon have it's own Laduree branch at 864 Madison Avenue!

I can only hope (and keep my fingers crossed) that Laduree will eventually expand to other fashionable cities in America, like San Francisco. For now, New York City sounds a little closer than Paris for a macaron fix!

les Macarons

Bienvenue Laduree to the Etats-Unis!

(Welcome Laduree to the United States!)

Taking Tea at Laduree

2011-06-07T22:14:00.000-07:00

Tea at Laduree

I can finally check having tea at Laduree off my Paris list!

Finally on our 5th tip to Paris my dream of having tea at Laduree came true.

All I can say is...

it was worth the wait
and

"merci" to my wonderful husband for being my Laduree date.

16 Rue Royal

There are a number of fashionable locations for dining at Laduree in Paris. I selected the Laduree Tea Salon at 16 Rue Royal. It's one of my favorite Laduree locations on the elegant Right Bank. It's also the original Laduree location which Louis Ernest Laduree created in 1862 as a bakery.

On our first day in Paris, our first stop was 16 Rue Royal to make reservations for lunch the following day.

The Tea Salon

After a fabulous first day in Paris it was time to enjoy Laduree on day two.

Stepping into the Laduree tea salon was like stepping into another era.

Being a decorator, I was in awe of its beautiful hand painted cherub fresco ceiling and wood panels throughout. Laduree's soft pastel trademark colors are apparent everywhere you look..even on the china.

Saint- Honore

Our reservation at Laduree was for 1:00 PM.

My husband and I shared a delicious crab sandwich from the lunch menu followed by luscious Laduree desserts and tea.

From the les The`s Laduree menu, I selected The Melange Special Laduree tea. It is a delicate blend of citrus fruit, rose, vanilla and cinnamon. It was served in a silver tea pot, of course!

For our French treats we shared a Tarte Citron, Laduree's signature Rose Raspberry Saint-Honore and a few Macaroons.

Laduree's Saint-Honore pastry was the most wonderful and beautiful dessert my husband and I have ever had! Just imagine cream puffs, framboise (raspberry) and rose all executed in a breathtakingly beautiful pastry with a rose petal on top.

Table #16

Our Laduree experience was perfect in every way.

We were seated by a friendly monsieur at table #16 with a wonderful view of the salon.

I'm calling Table #16 now our special table at Laduree.

We were married on May 16, 2001 and honeymooned in Paris. We were now in Paris 10 years later celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary and were seated at table #16 at 16 Rue Royale!

The next time we're in Paris...
I'll be asking for table #16 when I make our reservations!

les Macaroons

Laduree is truly a very special place in the world

and
I'm so happy my dream of having tea at Laduree came true!

Now I dream of going back to Laduree and...

table #16.

Tea Dream Comes True!

2011-05-31T08:20:00.000-07:00

Afternoon Tea at Laduree

My dream to have afternoon tea at Laduree in Paris came true last week!

I loved having afternoon tea at Laduree's Royale Tea Salon. It was the most elegant experience of my entire holiday and I loved dining with all the fashionable French people!

I'm still too jet lagged to do a proper write-up on this elegant experience.

Do stay tuned though...

for pretty photographs and my story of having tea at Ladureee coming soon!

PS: There are two new summer macaron flavors just introduced that I was able to try in Paris:

Strawberry Mint and Melon.

They were lovely but my favorites are still Chocolat and Citron (Lemon).

Au revoir for now.

Keep Calm and Drink Tea!

2011-05-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

Tea Break

I'm on a "Tea Break" holiday in England...

enjoying afternoon tea everyday.

I'll be back soon.

Until then, as they say in England...

Keep Calm

and

Drink Tea

Hail Britannia!

2011-05-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

Time for Tea

If you love tea...

you can never have too many teapots!

Emma Bridgewater's Union Jack teapot has been on my "wish list"
for a very long time.

During the Royal Wedding weekend, a US stockist, Joann Hudson ran a "Royal Sale" on all Emma Bridgewater pottery. I treated myself to a new teapot and even though it's not commemorative china, I think it's a wonderful souvenir for me to remember the Royal Wedding.

I love that it's hand-decorated and made in Stoke-on-Trent, England...
also known as The Potteries!

It arrived yesterday and I love it!

(In the photo: Emma Bridgewater Union Jack Teapot and Spode Blue Italian Round Platter)

The Laduree Dream

2011-05-03T23:33:00.000-07:00

Marie Antoinette Tea
(All the way from Paris!)

I'll be in Paris in a few weeks...

and it is my dream
to have afternoon tea at Laduree.

Macaroons
(All the way from Paris)

Laduree is always one of our very first stops in Paris. My husband and I just adore their French macaroons and their beautiful shops certainly let you know, that you have arrived in Paris!

Through the years, I've sneaked a peak at various Laduree restaurants and tea salons around Paris but I have never had tea at one. I'm hoping that this trip to Paris makes my dream of having tea at Laduree come true!

Laduree Treats

I've already had a taste of how wonderful Laduree's afternoon tea is going to be. My dear friend's daughter who lives in Paris brought me Laduree's Marie Antoinette The` (tea) and macaroons when she came to California last year to visit her mom.

I have felt quite spoiled at home drinking my Marie Antoinette tea. Just as you would imagine, this black tea has rose floral notes and comes in a pretty pink canister. Marie Antoinette most definitely would approve!

Now let's just hope I can get a table for two
and have my Laduree dream come true....

Be sure to watch this beautiful clip from Laduree's web site called
The Laduree Dream.

It will have you dreaming of Laduree,too!

Happy May Day!

2011-05-01T11:53:00.000-07:00

It's May Day!

Look what's growing in my garden....

Liberty of London Flowers!

My Fabric Flower Garden

I've been a bit crafty lately making fabric flower pins. I upcycled one of my Liberty of London for Target scarves into flower pins to wear with my Liberty of London scarf to England in a few weeks. I can't wait to wear them to tea or to a garden party!

There is inspiration and tutorials all over the Internet to get you inspired to make your own fabric flowers.

I like to make mine with a brooch back that has a pin and an alligator clip

so I can wear them in my hair or on a pretty cardigan.

Hand-made Liberty of London

Fabric Flower Pin

Enjoy May Day...

and don't forget to wear a flower in your hair!

Royal Wedding Tea & Scones

2011-04-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

Royal Wedding Tea Party

for One

Oh, the Pomp and Circumstance..

Fairy tales do come true when the girl next door can marry her Prince!

Katherine Middleton was breathtakingly beautiful and Prince William certainly was Prince Charming! I stayed up all night to watch The Royal Wedding live and I'm so glad I did!

I've been enjoying all the Royal Wedding coverage drinking my Twinings Royal Wedding Tea in my Union Jack tea mug with Savoy Scones.

This was my first time making Savoy Scones. Here are a few of my tips from following the Savoy Scone recipe:

Savoy Scone Tips:

The secret to making thick British-style scones is

to not over mix your dough and

roll out the scone dough to 3/4" thickness.

For proper looking scones,

stamp out 2 1/2 " rounds with a pastry cutter.

Transfer scones to a baking sheet and

brush tops with an egg wash.

Let the scones rest for 15 minutes before baking.

Be patient and do not skip this part!

Enjoy your fresh baked scones

with clotted cream and jam.

The Savoy Scone recipe will certainly be one of my "go-to"
tea party recipes now.

You can find the recipe here with American measurements
and find the UK version in Taking Tea at the Savoy.

(In the photos: Hand Knit Tea Cosy, Emma Bridgewater Union Jack 1/2 Pint Mug & Spode Jane Seymour Plate.)

Baking Day!

2011-04-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

Tea & Scones

With the Royal Wedding now just hours away...
today is Baking Day.

I'm making Savoy Scones to enjoy with my "cuppa"
of Twinings Royal Wedding Commermorative Blend.

Check out this lovely clip with a chap from Twinings in London about their limited edition Royal Wedding tea.

I'll be smothering my scones with Scottish Strawberry Preserves with Champagne and
Mock Clotted Cream.

Mock Clotted Cream
Serves 4 to 6

1 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
1/3 cup sour cream, at room temperature
1 T. confectioner's sugar

One hour before serving, pour the heavy cream into a bowl and whip until soft peaks form. Whisk in the sour cream and sugar. Continue to beat until the mixture is very thick.

Place in the refrigerator and chill until serving time.

And, yes, I'll be in my jammies since the USA West Coast TV coverage
begins at 1:00 AM.

I may just stay up all night drinking tea
in my Emma Bridgewater Union Jack mug!

Royal Wedding Dress Rehearsal

2011-04-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

Twinings Royal Wedding

Commemorative Blend

The Royal Wedding is just days away now. In fact, dress rehearsals begin tomorrow at Westminster Abbey.

I'm having a bit of a dress rehearsal myself trying out my Royal Wedding tea

that I had shipped from England.

Royal Tea Dress Rehearsal

I'll be celebrating the Royal Wedding in style with Twinings Royal Wedding Commemorative Blend. It's a special edition White Earl Grey with Rose Petal Tea blended exclusively to commemorate the
Royal Wedding on April 29, 2011.

To enjoy this tea, Twinings recommends:

Use one teabag per person and pour on boiling water, leave to brew for no more than 1 minute (or you will loose its delicate flavor). It's perfect without milk but the Queen won't mind if you prefer to add a splash of milk.

I've sampled the tea both with and with out milk and do prefer it without milk. I'm so glad I had a dress rehearsal so I am properly ready for the big day now!

I plan on enjoying my Royal Wedding tea with scones
(smothered with Scottish Strawberry Perserve with Champagne )
when I watch the Royal Wedding in my pajamas. How about you?

(In the photos: Vintage Spode Jewell china.)

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

2011-04-19T18:19:00.000-07:00

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

"I am sorry to say that Peter was not well during the evening.

His mother put him to bed, and made some camomile tea:

and she gave a dose of it to Peter!"

From The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

I can't help but think of Beatrix Potter's

adorable Peter Rabbit at Easter time.

Hilltop Farm Garden Gate
(I took this photo when we visited Beatrix Potter's
Hilltop Farm in The Lake District, England)

As the tale goes, mischievous Peter squeezed under the garden gate to Mr. McGregor's garden and ate too many vegetables that gave him an upset tummy. That is why his mother gave him camomile tea.

Chamomile herbal tea is soothing for an upset stomach and calming as well.

Peter Rabbit

Since it's Easter week my Peter Rabbit figurine and friends are out for tea.

I hope you enjoy fresh baked scones or hot cross buns with tea this Easter week.

And if you're ever travelling in The Lake District, be sure to visit Hilltop Farm and have afternoon tea at nearby Sharrow Bay Hotel on Lake Ullswater.

***If you are interested in the life of Beatrix Potter, you might enjoy my 2009 post about her on my knitting blog. She was a woman way ahead of her time. I admire her so much.

(In the photos: Royal Winton Old Cottage tea cup and Richmond plate, vintage Beswick Peter Rabbit figurine and Wedgwood Peter Rabbit tea caddy.)

Royal-Tea Memorabilia

2011-04-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

King George VI Coronation Mug

Thanks to the upcoming Royal Wedding...

there's a lot of buzz over British Royal Commemorative china again.

I might even snag a William & Kate Royal Wedding mug when I visit The Potteries

(Stoke-on-Trent, England ) next month.

Commemorative china and Royal souvenirs honoring coronations and royal events have been collectible for years.

Check out this neat article The Queen of Royal Memorabila from the UK newspaper, The Times. I loved it!

Princess Elizabeth

I spotted a fantastic 1937 King George VI Coronation Mug (top photo) today at

Folsom's Antique Peddlers Fair.

The British antique dealer was quite lovely allowing me to photograph it. She couldn't wait to come over and turn it around to point out the mug's backside with the adorable HRH Princess Elizabeth on it.

I loved the movie The King's Speech and it was so neat to see an actual

commemorative mug from his reign today!

Royal-Tea

2011-04-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

A Royal Wedding Tea

I've got my fascinator and Union Jack tea mug...

I'm ready for a Royal Wedding Tea Party...

How about you?

Well then, we better get to planning.

British Tea Books

We've got just over 2 weeks to plan a lovely Royal Wedding Tea Party.

Now is a perfect time to pull out any British tea books you may have for menu inspiration, ideas and recipes. A few of my favorites are The London Ritz Book of Afternoon Tea and Taking Tea at the Savoy.

From Taking Tea at the Savoy:

Think of afternoon tea and what comes to mind? Ladies in smart hats, floral tea dresses, and white gloves, sipping Earl Grey from bone china cups, little finger poised in mid-air, then daintily cutting off a piece of fruit tart with a silver cake fork or delicately eating a cucumber sandwich, crusts removed....

Feeling inspired? Let's talk about the menu!

The Savoy

The Savoy is one of London's great hotels for afternoon tea.

My husband and I honeymooned at The Savoy ten years ago. I love my little tea book souvenir, Taking Tea at the Savoy.

I think Savoy Scones are perfect for a Royal Wedding Tea menu.

Chef Anton Edelmann's scone recipe is not only in Taking Tea at the Savoy but also here when he was a guest on The Martha Stewart Show.

For perfect scones both Chef Anton Edelmann and Britain's Delia Smith have this tip:

for perfect English scones, dough should never be rolled out to anything less 3/4" (2cm). Hmm, so that is why scones in England always have more height than American scones!

Tea at The Ritz

Besides tea and scones, A Royal Wedding Tea menu should include cucumber sandwiches, traditional finger sandwiches, a few sweet treats and, of course, strawberry jam and clotted cream for the scones.

I've never had tea at The Ritz London due to its strict formal dress code (gentlemen must wear a jacket & tie) but I have sneaked a peak at the gorgeous Palm Court Tearoom inside. A nice gentleman even gave me an Afternoon Tea Menu. Feel free to use this Afternoon Tea Menu as a guide for planning your Royal Wedding Tea menu.

Lastly, don't forget to bring out your best china and your favorite pot of tea. I'm thinking a lovely Earl Grey or commemorative Royal Wedding Blend is just what the Royal Couple ordered!

Good luck planning your Royal Wedding Tea Party.

Remember you can even treat yourself to a "tea party for one" while you watch the Royal Wedding in your pajamas, like me. Just don't forget to wear your fascinator...

Kate would like that!

(In the photos: Emma Bridgewater Blue Toast & Marmalade Tea Pot and Union Jack mug, Fascinator by August from Nordstrom, and assorted tea books.)

A Cottage Tea

2011-04-05T22:10:00.000-07:00

Anne Hathaway's Cottage

I love English cottages, gardens and tea!

I've been thinking a lot about England lately preparing for our trip "across the pond" next month. Whenever we visit England, I try to take an afternoon tea break everyday.

One year while visiting Anne Hathaway's Cottage in Stratford-Upon-Avon, I had my tea break at The Cottage Restaurant & Tea Gardens.

The Cottage Restaurant

& Tea Gardens

The Cottage Restaurant & Tea Gardens is a perfect place for a tea break. I loved it's conservatory building and it's just a "hop and a skip" away from Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

A Welcoming Sign

This adorable "Open sign" caught me eye
and hearkened me in for a cream tea!

Freshly Baked Scones

Tea & scones
always taste better in England!

Cream Tea Break

The Cottage Restaurant is a small family-run little place
but huge on friendly hospitality and tasty scones! It's a perfect stop for a cream tea break.

And...I loved that they had Liberty of London fabric table cloths!

If you visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage be sure to "take time for tea" and have a tea break at
The Cottage Restaurant & Tea Gardens.
The tea menu is available all day.

Fleur de Geisha

2011-03-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

Fleur de Geisha

Hanami (flower viewing) is the Japanese custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers.

Every spring from the end of March to early May the Sakura (cherry blossoms) bloom all over Japan. The Japanese people enjoy the tradition of hanami today by celebrating in parks and festivals with outdoor parties under the Sakura trees.

Geisha Girls

Hanami is also celebrated in the United States.

On March 27, 1912, Japan gave 3,000 Japanese cherry trees as a gift to the United States. These trees were planted in Washington DC. In 1965 another 3,800 gifted trees were planted there. Japans' gift of the cherry blossom trees celebrates the enduring friendship between the people of Japan and the United States.

Washington D.C. has had a Cherry Blossom Festival since 1935 to celebrate spring and the gift of the cherry blossom trees. Today the festival has grown into a 2 week spring celebration known as the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Le Palais des The`s

A wonderful way for to celebrate the arrival of spring and hanami is to drink

Fleur de Geisha tea by Le Palais des The`s.

Le Palais des The`s is tucked away in the le Marais in Paris. I discovered this wonderful tea purveyor while meandering the Marais on my last trip to Paris.

My favorite tea discovery in their shop was Fleur de Geisha . This tea is actually inspired by the Japanese tradition of Hanami viewing cherry trees in blossom. Fleur de Geisha is a Sencha (green tea) delicately scented with cherry blossom.

Fleur de Geisha

Fleur de Geisha is the perfect tea to celebrate the cherry blossom trees.

This special tea blend can be ordered online from Les Palais des The`s but I've decided to wait and pick mine up on my upcoming trip to Paris in May.

I hope you'll try this lovely taste of spring and take time for hanami.

Special note: I would like to express my heartfelt prayers to the people of Japan and their loved ones as they recover from their devastating earthquake and tsunami. For ways to help the people of Japan, you can visit this website.

(In the photos: Large Washi tea canister available for purchase at The Tea Cupboard.)

An Afternoon in Paris!

2011-03-22T13:12:00.001-07:00

Un Apres Midi a` Paris

(An Afternoon in Paris)

Spring has sprung...

and there's nothing better than An Afternoon in Paris
in the springtime!

Place des Vosges

A lovely place to visit on An Afternoon in Paris is the Place des Vosges.

The Place des Vosges is the oldest square, and some say the most beautiful square in Paris. I agree.

The Place des Vosges is located in the trendy le Marais district.

I'll be spending an afternoon in Paris (well, actually five) next month when my husband and I holiday in England and Paris. This will be our first time staying in the Marais arrondissment. (We normally stay in the Rue Cler area near the Eiffel Tower.) The Marais is home to trendy boutiques, famous patisseries, and my favorite French tea purveyors... Mariage Freres and Le Palais des The`s!

I can't wait for Paris in springtime!

An Afternoon in Paris

Speaking of spring, An Afternoon in Paris is one of my favorite teas to drink in springtime. It's floral and fruity notes certainly conjure up memories of Paris afternoons.

An Afternoon in Paris is one of Fauchon's top selling blends. This lovely Chinese Black tea is flavored with sweet Orange oil, orange peel, vanilla, rose oil and rose petals. I find its ideal steeping time is 4 minutes. Of course, this tea is perfect in the afternoon with your favorite French desserts. Very Parisian, indeed!

To enjoy this tea, I'm afraid you'll have to enjoy an afternoon in Paris and buy it there. Fauchon products are being sold again online in the US but not all products are available on the US shopping site.

I can't wait for more afternoons in Paris!

(In the photos: Vintage Shelley "Woodland" Tea Cup & Saucer.

Available for purchase in The Tea Cupboard.)

Leprechaun Tea Toddy

2011-03-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

Leprechaun Tea Toddy

I love that anyone can be a "wee bit" Irish on St. Patrick's Day.

(Yes, I'll be wearing something green and making my traditional Corned Beef & Cabbage. Yum!)

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, here's a wonderful tea toddy recipe perfect for celebrating St. Patrick's Day or anytime you need a soothing treat on a cold night.

Yum!

Leprechaun Tea Toddy

1 cup hot brewed Earl Grey tea

1 shot Baileys Original Irish Cream

1 tsp. sugar

1 dash Irish Whiskey

In a tea cup, combine the brewed tea, Baileys, sugar and whiskey. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Make Your Own Tea Bags!

2011-03-10T16:45:00.000-08:00

Make Your Own Tea Bags

The French call them Sachets or Filtres.

Brits and Americans call them Bags.

Call them what you will...

Tea filters make it so easy to enjoy your favorite loose teas!

The' Filtres

Make Your Own Tea Bags

1) Place 1 teaspoon of tea per cup in the filter

2) Place the filter in your cup and fill with freshly boiled water

3) Infuse your tea for it's proper infusion time

4) Remove the filter and throw it away

Voila'..a perfect cup of tea!

I first purchased filtres a' the' (tea filters) years ago in Paris. I love enclosing tea filters with luxury loose tea gifts to friends. They are such a convenient way to enjoy loose tea when you don't want to brew an entire pot of tea!

(In the photos: Wedgwood vintage Edme tea cup & saucer, Whittard Tea Measure Spoon, Kusmi Tea.)

Birthday Cake!

2011-03-01T12:19:00.000-08:00

German Chocolate Cake

Forget the fancy bakery...

there's nothing like an "old fashioned",

good 'ole home-made birthday cake!

My husband requested a German Chocolate Cake for his birthday and my sweet Mother whipped one up for him since I've been sick with a lingering cold and not in a baking mood.

All gone!

Some recipes can pass the test of time. This is one! My Mom sticks with the original German Sweet Chocolate Cake recipe printed on the Baker's German's Sweet Chocolate box.

Traditionally, this cake is baked in three round layer pans. You can modify it and make it a two layer cake or, for ease, a sheet cake, too. If you're like me and think the coconut-pecan frosting is the best part, the more layers the better... for more frosting.

I'm anxious to experiment with the recipe and see how it works for cupcakes.

The Original Recipe

Based on it's name, many people think this cake originated from Germany. That's not the case. The cake is named after Sam German, who in 1852 invented a dark baking chocolate for the American baking company Baker's Chocolate Company. This cake, Baker's German's Sweet Chocolate Cake was named after him. In 1957 the recipe was published in a Texas newspaper and it's been a family favorite since then. It certainly is one of our family favorites!

Special note: this cake tastes even better the day after baking because the chocolate cake becomes more dense.

As for tea time,

I think this cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of Earl Grey for tea in the afternoon.

(In the photos: Spode Baking Days White Salad Plate.)

The Tuck Box

2011-02-22T17:39:00.000-08:00

The Tuck Box

The Tuck Box is tucked away on one of my favorite streets in Carmel-by-the-Sea. When you first set eyes on the storybook-style Tuck Box you'll think you have stumbled down a Cotswolds lane.

The Tuck Box originally opened as a tea room by two British ladies in the early 1940's. Sadly, today it's not at all like an old fashioned British tea room that you might expect from it's adorable Fairy tale-like setting. I knew this though since I had lunched here before. It's not really a tea room but more of a breakfast and lunch spot that serves tea and scones, too.

Last weekend while doing a bit of window shopping on Dolores Street, I decided to "pop" in The Tuck Box for tea and scones.

Come in for Tea!

The inside of The Tuck Box is tiny and cozy and feels just like a charming little tea room should. Its decor is rather simplistic but feels authentic with its chintz curtains and tea pot lined shelves. While its interior is charming, The Tuck Box is really best known for its Fairy tale cottage architecture.

The Tuck Box is one of Carmel's most well-known Fairy tale cottages.

The Tuck Box was built in 1926 by Hugh Comstock. Comstock was neither an architect nor carpenter but in 1924 he built his wife a 300 sq ft doll house (cottage showroom) to sell her hand-made Otsy-Totsys rag dolls that were overflowing from their home.

From that little doll house, Comstock went on to build dozens of Fairy tale cottages in Carmel during the 1920's. The Tuck Box is perhaps his best known and most loved Carmel landmark. And, the best part is, you can have tea and scones there!

Time for Tea!

Afternoon Tea & Scones

The Tuck Box Afternoon Tea consists of :

Scottish style scones,

A pot of Ceylon Black loose tea

Oallieberry, Orange Marmalade &

Whipped Creme

Price $7.75

Scones & Jam

Nothing beats a warm scone slathered with
home-made Oalliberry jam and whipped creme!

Tuck Box Scones

Tuck Box scones are different than any type of scone I have ever had in England or America. My server told me they are from the original Tuck Box recipe and are Northern Scottish style scones. They are made in an 8" cast iron pan and then broiled off before serving. I must say, they reminded me a bit more like my Mom's old-fashioned corn bread. While I enjoyed them, I much prefer traditional English scones.

I do recommend The Tuck Box as long as you are not expecting afternoon tea with cute little sandwiches and English style scones. My advice is to take The Tuck Box for what it is: an adorable historic cottage, serving good home-made food, Scottish style scones... in one of the most beautiful places in the world...Carmel-by-the-Sea!

The Tuck Box

Dolores (between Ocean & 7th Avenue)

Carmel-by-the-Sea

(831) 624-6365

Hours 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Be sure to visit my favorite places on Dolores Street:

Soiled Doves Bath House

Piccolo

Jan de luz

La Bicyclette

Sweet Hearts

2011-02-01T20:52:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day Sugars

Valentine's Day is just around the corner.

Will you be having a Saint Valentine's Day tea party? If so, you definitely need these sweet little heart shaped sugars for your tea party!

Have a Sweet Heart

I love little surprises. I always love finding pretty little handcrafted sugars in the sugar bowl at Afternoon Tea! Your guests will love finding these sweet little hearts, too!

Special sugars add such a delightful touch to a tea party setting. When serving decorative sugars, I always like to use a pretty sugar spoon and vintage sugar tongs. Little dainty details like these really make your tea party special.

Sugars by Sharon

I'm smitten with the handcrafted sugars by a northern California company Sugars by Sharon. Sugars by Sharon are hand-molded, colored sugars in all sorts of decorative shapes. Best part of all, they are real sugar and dissolve beautifully in your tea cup!

I've spotted Sugars by Sharon at Crown & Crumpet in San Francisco and Amy of An Afternoon to Remember carries them, too. Just click here to find them where you live.

(In the photos: Royal Winton "Old Cottage" tea cup & saucer and sugar bowl, vintage silver tongs and vintage Valentine's Day cards.)

Laduree's Sucre

2011-01-25T19:11:00.000-08:00

Laduree's Sucre

Sucre is a sweet "little gem" of a book.

It's from my favorite Parisian Patisseire Laduree.

I have a sweet spot for anything Laduree. Laduree is always one of my first stops whenever I visit Paris.

Sucre is a book to treasure. It comes presented in a Laduree trademark pastel green box wrapped inside lavender tissue paper. The book's covering is a soft pastel green velvet with gilded pages. Oui, it's quite regal!

Sucre is like a present when you open it for the first time.

My book was a present to myself for my birthday last month. I found my copy at the charming San Francisco boutique, Nest. You may be able to find it online or you may just have to hop a flight to Paris and pick one up!

Sucre

Sucre in French translates to sugar in English.

Sucre features 100 sweet recipes from Laduree Pastry Chef, Phillipe Andrieu. The book was originally only available in French. Merci Laduree for making it available in English!

Bilingual food and travel writer, Kerrin Rousset translated the book to English. I wonder how long that actually took her? You can read more about it on her blog.

Sucre is filled with perfect photographs so sweetly styled. They will certainly make you crave Laduree's sweet pastries. I'm not sure if I will actually ever try to "whip" up any of it's recipes. In my opinion...the book is perfect "eye candy" just sitting on my cocktail table!

So here's a petite peak inside Sucre for you:

Pyramid of Macaroons

The book begins with the story of Laduree.

In 1862 Louis Ernest Laduree opened his bakery in the heart of Paris at 16 rue Royal.

You can still visit this original location today as well as other locations in Paris. The first French macaron I ever had was at the Laduree salon on the Champs Elysees. It was love at first bite!

Macaron Amande

(Almond Macaron)

What would a Laduree book be without their world famous macarons?

Luckily for us, the first section in the book is Les Macarons. There are recipes for: Macarons Amande, Chocolat, Citron and Framboise. The latter three just so happen to be a few of my husband and my favorite flavors!

Cake au Citon

(Lemon Cake)

Laduree's Cake au Citron looks like a perfect tea cake to me!

It features a lemon cake batter with a lemon syrup and lemon glaze over it. I think this would be lovely to pair at tea time with Laduree's Earl Grey tea.

Financiers

I think Financiers are perfectly suited for a cup of tea!

I've made Financiers before. They are similar to Madeleines.

These little tea cakes are called financiers because their traditional rectangular bar shape resemble little bars of gold! Sur La Table now carries (online only) a mini financier mold made in France.

So Treat Yourself!

This book makes a lovely present to yourself and anyone who loves:

Laduree, Tea Time, Baking and French Sweet Treats.

I hope you treat yourself to Sucre!