THE PLEASURES OF TEA

If you are cold tea will warm you;

if you are depressed it will cheer you;

if you are excited it will calm you.

WILLIAM GLADSTONE

(1809 - 1898)

Making  a good pot of tea requires filling the kettle with cold water.

I chose English Breakfast Tea for our tea today.
I use the old fashion plan in making the pot of tea;
allow one teaspoonful for each person and one over.

As soon as your water comes to a rolling boil pour
it over your tea leaves; covering pot with lid and letting it steep.

This is the transformative moment when the oxygen of the boiling water allows the tea leaf to release its flavor.
"The leaves  may appear tormented and miserable, like autumn leaves in a storm, but they may also look
dancing and fanciful, " writes Helen Gustafson.

You need to warm your teapot you will be serving the steeped tea in with boiling water, allowing to warm for a minute or two.

After the tea has steeped for five or so minutes you can strain it into your warm teapot.

Look how the tea leaves puffed up!

Pouring Cindy Lou a "cuppa".

Cindy Lou

We are drinking our tea the English way, with a little sugar and milk.

Now for a Tea Party!
I have set the table the night before.

These are the fruits I will be using for our "sweets" and finger sandwiches.

The cucumber tea sandwich is my favorite!

Lemon Curd waiting patiently in the refrigerator.

Gwynn and Darby

Lemon Curd tarts!

I'm holding little cream puffs filled with
strawberries and cream.

"Somehow, taking tea together encourages an atmoshere of intimacy when you slip off
 the timepiece in your mind and cast your fate to a delight of tasty tea, tiny foods,
and thoughtful conversation".  - Gail Greco

It was a delightful afternoon!