tea

Hannah’s Birthday Tea Party

Firstly I need to apologize for not bringing a nice camera to Hannah’s first birthday party; to her family- because my photos do not do it justice, and to my readers- because my photos do not do it justice. Phew! Now that is out of the way.


We were invited to the most lovely tea party the other afternoon to celebrate the 1 year anniversary of the birth of our dear friends’ daughter Hannah. The event was stunning! It included a beautiful backyard tent and a vast assortment of delicacies…


It was hard to contain our excitement.

tea sandwiches, dainty scones and sugar cookies,

darling pots of tea and tea cups,

a gorgeous cake,

a wonderful hosting family,

and great memories to share.

I wish everyday had a tea party…


So we could have our cake,


and eat it too!

Loving Lately ☕

Loving Lately: A spot of tea

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We all know that I am a coffee person. But why limit yourself?

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I am also a long time drinker of tea.

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There’s really no replacement on a cold dreary evening… or when nursing a sore throat.

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The health benefits are really amazing actually.

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The knowledge of the art is extensive.

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It’s also a good reason to have a party.

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Tea is really a culture all of its own…

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Global even…

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But I like to keep it simple.

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Thank you Pinterest dearie, for once again providing me with photos to accompany my thoughts.

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Iced Chai Tea Latte

I made this drink for an India themed dinner party. Immediately I knew I would have to share it during the holidays. Honestly it was like the most beautiful thing I had ever tasted. I know that is a strange thing to say, but it really was. It was complex, but simple; like something I’ve never tasted before, but familiar; aromatic and yet subtle. I think it would be special to serve with a meal or to drink alone. Just trust me on this and give it a try. (BTW I did have to find the cardamom pods at an Indian grocer, but I am sure they are available on-line.)

Originally posted on Big Girls Small Kitchen.

Iced Chai Tea Latte
Makes 1 drink

Ingredients
6 tablespoons Chai Tea Concentrate (recipe follows)
1 cup milk of your choice*
Ice

*If you use sweetened almond, soy, or rice milk, you may need to play around to make the concentrate less sugary. This recipe was developed using 2% milk.

Pour both the Chai Tea Concentrate and the milk into a glass, stirring to combine them. Add a large handful of ice, and drink immediately.

You can make this into a hot drink for winter by warming the milk and chai concentrate slowly in a small saucepan until very hot. Serve in a mug.

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Chai Tea Concentrate
Makes 1 1/2 cups, enough for 4 lattes

Ingredients
3 tablespoons sugar
8 cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick, snapped in half
1 slice ginger, peeled
5 whole cloves
4 whole black peppercorns
2 black teabags
1 tablespoon honey

Combine all ingredients except the honey in a pot. Add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower slightly and let simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let steep for 5 minutes. Remove the teabags, squeezing out any liquid from them. Let the spices steep for another 15 minutes. Strain, removing all the spices. Add the honey and stir in. Taste, adding more honey if you like.

Cool completely.

The concentrate is easily doubled and will last a while in the fridge.