Egg Salad Pinwheels

Egg Salad Pinwheel Sandwiches

This is one of our favorite tea sandwiches for spring and summer. We’ve also got a yummy Egg Salad with Ham variation at the end of this recipe. We hope you enjoy it!

Egg Salad Pinwheels

1 large loaf of Bakery Bread, sliced horizontally
3 cups of egg salad**
24-30 small green olives, drained
Softened butter or margarine

1. Discard top and bottom slices of bread loaf. Slice crusts off of each remaining horizontal slice to form a long rectangle.

2. Slightly flatten each slice with a rolling pin. Lightly butter one side of bread slice.

3. Spread a thin layer of egg salad over buttered side of bread. (Spread egg salad almost to edges.)

4. Lay a row of olives across one short end of bread slice. Roll bread over olives and continue to roll to end of slice. (Like a jelly roll.)

5. Wrap roll snugly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight. (This will help the roll hold it’s shape.) Continue with remaining bread slices.

6. Remove plastic and slice rolls into 1/2 inch thick sandwiches, 6-8 slices per roll. Makes 24-32 sandwiches depending on how many slices of bread you have and how thick you cut the sandwiches.

**Classic Egg Salad Recipe
(Makes 3-4 cups)

1 dozen eggs, hard boiled and shelled
4-5 teaspoons of sweet pickle relish
1/2 cup of finely chopped celery
1/2 cup of finely chopped onion
Salt and Pepper to taste
Approximately 1/2 cup mayonnaise
1-2 tablespoons mustard

1. Grate eggs into a bowl. Add relish, celery, onion, salt and pepper. Mix well.

2. Add mayonnaise 1-2 large tablespoons at a time until moist and creamy.

3. Add mustard to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Egg Salad with Ham Recipe Variation
(makes 3-4 cups)

Pinwheels aren’t just for classic egg salad, try adding finely diced ham for a delightful Egg Salad with Ham Pinwheel. Follow directions above and substitute 1 cup of finely diced ham for sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard for regular mustard and 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion for regular onion.

Are you planning a tea party? You’re invited to visit Teapots ‘n More and browse our latest selection of bone china teapots, tea accessories, tea cups, tea miniatures and english bone china tea sets.

Strawberry Freezer Jam

If you’ve got a freezer, you can store this easy, fresh tasting jam!

2 cups crushed strawberries*
4 cups granulated sugar
1 package sure-jell pectin, powdered form
3/4 cup water

*Tip: For 2 cups crushed strawberries, use approximately 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled, sliced and crushed.

1. Stir sugar into crushed strawberries and let sit for 10 minutes.

2. While strawberries are “sitting”, bring powdered pectin and water to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute.

3. Add while hot to strawberries. Stir about 3 minutes until sugar is dissolved.

4. Pour into sterile 1 cup (8 oz) containers that have a tight fitting lid. Do not place lid on containers.

5. Let stand for 24 hours at room temperature lightly covered with wax paper. You want any steam to escape as jam cools so don’t tightly cover the containers.

6. Tightly seal, removing as much air as possible. Keeps in refrigerator for 2 weeks or in the freezer for 6 months.

Makes about 3 cups.

See the short video below for good visual instructions.

Are you planning a tea party? You’re invited to visit Teapots ‘n More and browse our latest selection of teapots, tea accessories, teacups, tea miniatures and elegant tea sets.

My 4 Cup Teapot is 24 ounces?!?

Summertime Rose 2 Cup Teapot

We have a riddle for you: When is a one cup measure not 8 ounces?

Answer: When it’s measuring the volume of an English teapot!

No, really…it’s true. Okay, you’re not laughing. We have to admit it’s more confusing than funny.

For instance, you buy a 4 cup teapot for your Tea Set for Four. You expect it to be a 32 ounce teapot, 8 ounces times 4 cups. However, when it arrives it appears so small and you discover it is only 24 ounces. What gives?

Well, teapot manufacturers have a quirky measurement for teapots. It does actually make some sense and once you understand it, you’ll always know what to buy.

Summertime Rose 4 cup Teapot

The first thing to know is that manufacturers measure the volume of teapots to the rim. Of course, you won’t fill it that high, but this is quirky measurement #1.

Secondly, the cup measurement used is 6 ounces, not the standard 8 ounces. This is based on 6 ounces of tea per cup. Therefore, a 4 cup teapot will hold 24 ounces which should be enough for four tea cups. Now you see that “cup” refers to tea cups not standard measuring cups.

Remember that we don’t fill our teapots to the rim? Here’s where the measurements fall apart.

Summertime Rose 6 cup Teapot

Imagine you’re having guests for tea. Let’s say three guests. Maybe you fill your teapot with 20 ounces of water, about 2.5 standard cups. You pour for your guests and yourself, filling the tea cups about two-thirds full, 6 ounces.  So you’re pouring about 24 ounces of tea, but the teapot only made 20 ounces.  The teapot is too small!

Tip: We recommend at least a 6 cup teapot when serving four guests. A 6 cup teapot, which is 36 ounces to the rim, will brew about 32 ounces of tea in the real world.

And what about refills? Good question! The tip below is our tried and true solution for a quick second pot. It works as long as you’re using a good quality loose tea which is brewed loose in the teapot. Otherwise, you’ll need to pull the tea bags and start a new pot brewing.

Summertime Rose 8 cup Teapot

Tip: As soon as you’ve poured the first pot, refill with more hot water and pop on a tea cozy. You’ll get another steep out of your leaves and be set for refills by the time your guests are ready.

So, a small mystery is solved. We hope you’re entertained and helped, not royally confused!

Below are the teapot measurements in ounces for easy reference:

2-3 cup Teapot: 12-18 ounces (A Tea for One Teapot)

4 cup Teapot: 24 ounces (Think Tea for Two…or Three)

6 cup Teapot: 36 ounces (Perfect for a Tea Set for Four)

8 cup Teapot: 48 ounces (Hard to find, but good for a Tea Set for Six. Otherwise, we recommend you buy a second teapot.)

Are you planning a tea party? You’re invited to visit Teapots ‘n More and browse our latest selection of teapots, tea accessories, teacups, tea miniatures and elegant tea sets.

Victorian Tea at the Hotel Del Coronado

Hotel Del Coronado

The Hotel Del Coronado, affectionately referred to by locals as The Del, is a gorgeous hotel dating from 1888. At that time, afternoon tea was a popular Victorian ritual. According to hotel literature, it was a leisurely and sumptuous affair including small sandwiches, sweets and carefully prepared hot tea – the centerpiece of the table. Polite conversation was very important and unsavory subjects were taboo. Tea service at The Del was a daily event until the 1950s.

Today, this lovely old hotel serves up tea in the Victorian tradition once a year. These tea times start after Thanksgiving, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and run right up through the end of December except for Christmas Day. During this period, there are other blackout dates when tea is not served. Reservations are absolutely required and should be made as soon as possible.

Hotel Del Main Lobby at Christmas

The teas, menu and service are exceptional! The surroundings are richly decorated for Christmas. After tea we recommend you enjoy a walk around this lovely hotel, stroll on the beach and check out the underground shopping mall.

For more information on the Victorian Tea, contact Hotel Del Coronado or visit their website, www.hoteldel.com, where tea information is available by Autumn.

Hotel Del Coronado
1500 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118
800-468-3533
www.hoteldel.com

Below is a sampling of the 2010 Victorian Tea Menu:

2010 Petit Sweets Tray

Finger Sandwiches
Smoked Salmon Mirrors:
chive cream cheese & salmon roe on white bread
Duck Rillette:
duck & curried mango chutney on toasted brioche
Pulled Citrus Braised Ham:
ham with mustard fruit on dark rye crostini

Petit Sweets
Warm Black Currant Scones
Fudge Dipped Strawberries
Chocolate Opera Cake
Fresh Fruit Tarts

Tea Selections
Black Currant Chinese Black Tea
Mandarin Orange Green Tea
English Breakfast Tea
Chamomile Herbal Tea

2010 Prices: Adults $40.00, Children Ages 6-10 $20.00

Are you planning a tea party? You’re invited to visit Teapots ‘n More and browse our latest selection of teapots, tea accessories, teacups, tea miniatures and elegant tea sets.

Music For A Tranquil Tea

You’re having a tea party! The teas are selected; savories and sweets prepared. Linens pressed, silver polished, tables set and on down the check list. Fresh flowers, guest favors…check, check and double check!

What about the music? Is it really necessary?

While music isn’t the most important ingredient to a lovely tea party, it is key to the atmosphere you create for your guests. Think of it like the makeup on your face. With makeup, the goal is to enhance your natural beauty. You want people to say “you’re eyes are lovely”, not “you’re blue eye shadow is lovely”. Likewise with music, you want to choose pieces that will enhance the experience for your guests, not detract from it.

The logical next question then is which music to choose?

While the options are many, we submit the following observations. Music that contains words or is too loud competes with the conversation in the room. Fast paced or hauntingly slow music is usually less than peaceful. The best music will provide a tranquil backdrop to your gathering.

We’ve concluded that our favorite music for tea parties involves the stringed instruments by classic composers. You will find a short list of our favorites below. Feel free to add to our list. We love to hear your thoughts!

Tea Party Music Suggestions:

Bach Concerto for Violin & Orchestra in E Major, Mvt. I

Bach Double Concerto for Two Violins & Orchestra in D Minor, Mvt. II

Vivaldi Symphony in C Major, No. 44

Vivaldi Symphony in D Major, No. 30

Vivaldi Concerto No. 1 in E major, Op. 8 (Spring)

You’re invited to click Teapots ‘n More and browse our latest selection of teapots, tea accessories, teacups, tea miniatures and elegant tea sets.

Tranquility Tea Room in Thousand Oaks, CA

Last year, my birthday included a surprise visit to a new tea room! My family knew just how to make me happy…lots of good food, plenty of tea, a new tea adventure and the pleasure of their company. Perhaps you like tea adventures too, so we’re sharing our favorites in Southern California should you find yourself in the area and wanting a tea room. We’ve got more recommendations coming, so check back from time to time.

A visit to Tranquility Tea Room & Baking Co. was my birthday surprise!

If I Only Had A Heart - The Tin Man Table

The atmosphere was light and airy with charming details everywhere you looked. The owner, Candra Cogan, decorated the entire tea room with changing themes. We arrived during the Wizard of Oz theme and sat at the Cowardly Lions table. There were also Dorothy, Emerald City, Wicked Witch and Tin Man tables to name a few. The picture above is the Tin Man’s Table – “If I Only Had A Heart”.

The service was outstanding while the food was homemade, delicious and themed as well! We especially enjoyed the petite desserts and Wizard of Oz trivia quiz.

Theres No Place Like Home - The Dorothy Table

All the tables included fresh flowers, vintage dishes, lacy linens and other great details! Check out the ruby slippers at Dorothy’s Table! There were plenty of hats and shawls at the tables and more to choose from nearby.

If you are looking for a good, reasonably priced tea room for little ladies or a cozy gathering for friends & family, Tranquility Tea Room is a wonderful choice.

Important Note: Reservations are required.

Below is a list of highlights that make this tea room unique plus contact information.

Those Ruby Slippers!

– Highly themed and decorated tables

– A large collection of hand-decorated hats that are available for everyone to enjoy and most can be purchased.

– A changing theme & menu:
  January – March: Peter Pan
  April – May: Fairytale Princesses
  June – August: Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
  September – November: Wizard of Oz
  December: Christmas Tea Party

– A community minded business which supports the Lighthouse Women & Children’s Mission in Oxnard, CA.

– Original recipes with all baking from scratch.

Fun Fact: Every table has a bell for additional cheerful service!

Emerald City Table

Contact Information:
Tranquility Tea Room
2527 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
805-418-9939
www.TranquilityTeaRoom.com

You’re invited to click Teapots ‘n More and browse our latest selection of teapots, tea accessories, teacups, tea miniatures and elegant tea sets.

Toad in the Hole

Toad in the Hole…Yorkshire Pudding with Sausage

Toad in the Hole - http://www.emerils.com

An easy and delicious English recipe!

Makes 4 individual servings.

4 custard cups or large muffin tins
4 Tbsp oil
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups milk
1/2 cup flour
1 pinch of salt
4 thick sausages (preferably pork, but any thick savory sausage will do)

1. Precook the sausages, cut in quarters and set aside on paper towel.

2. In a large bowl, mix together flour and salt. Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the eggs and some of the milk. Mix to make a smooth paste.

3. Gradually whisk in the remainder of the milk and mix again to a smooth batter.  Allow batter to stand for 15-20 minutes or up to 30 minutes.

4. Heat oven to 450 F. Place 1 Tbsp of oil in each cup and put cups on a cookie sheet. When oven reaches correct temperature, put cups in until oil starts to smoke and then take out of oven. (Watch carefully as this will happen rather quickly!)

5. Reduce oven to 400 F.

6. Place 2-4 sausage pieces in each cup. Remix the batter and quickly fill cups halfway.

7. Return to oven and cook for 25-30 minutes, until batter is puffed and golden brown. Serve immediately because the puffs will deflate as they cool.

Tip: For a spicier version of Toad in the Hole, try this recipe from Emerils.com. There are many recipes, so if you don’t like these look around on your search engine of choice.

You’re invited to click Teapots ‘n More and browse our latest selection of teapots, tea accessories, teacups, tea miniatures and elegant tea sets.

Thrifty-Nifty Tea Party Favors

Porcelain Teapot Drip Catcher

Giving a gift is certainly one of life’s win-win moments. In giving, we prepare our gifts with care and anticipation. In receiving, we are both delighted and humbled by the expression of gratitude, love or care for us. When giving a gift two sentiments still hold true. It is better to give than receive and it really is the thought that counts.

Tea parties give us an excuse to be a giver in the preparation of a small favor for our guests. It certainly isn’t necessary or expected…just a tradition we enjoy. Perhaps you feel the same way. And since gifting can be expensive, especially for a large tea party, we thought to share our ever expanding list of thrifty, nifty tea party favors! These are great for wedding and baby showers as well. Feel free to share your own ideas.

DISCLAIMER: One of our favorite stores for inexpensive favors is AsianIdeas.com. You’ll see links below for some of the gifts we’ve discovered. However, we are not affiliated with this store and recommend shopping at your own risk. Links are for information only.

Rose Ball Candle

Gifts Under $5.oo

1. A purchased or handmade bookmark – We especially like the handmade ideas on Tipnut.com

2. A See’s Candy chocolate! If you live near a See’s store, you can purchase individual chocolates and boxes to fit just one piece. Last we checked, the cost was under $2.50 for a truffle with the box.

3. A homemade treat plus the recipe: a big cookie, some homemade candy or loaf of tea bread

4. A lovely candle

5. A paper or silk fan

6. A small potted plant: house plant, flowering annual or herb wrapped in gift foil with a ribbon or raffia tie

7. A packet of seeds

8. A packet of bubble bath

9. Tea Cup Doilies

10. Pretty Coasters

11. A nice pair of chopsticks

12. A key chain

13. Luggage Tags

14. Crystal Cut Flower Pot in Box – Beautiful!

Gifts Under $10.00

1. A Christmas Ornament

2. Name/Address book

3. Porcelain Teapot Drip Catcher

4. Paper Teapot Drip Catchers

5. Tea Strainer

6. Rock Sugar Crystals

7. Collectible Demitasse Tea Spoon

8. A mini teapot

9. Sugars by Sharon 2 oz. box

10. A paper back book: poems, tips or a fun story

A Great List of DIY Party Favors

The University of Phoenix Arts has a blog entry by Brianna Davis called Get Crafty With These 20 DIY Party Favors. It includes good ideas for weddings, kid’s parties and showers. Our favorite is #8 Cupcake in a Jar. We can definitely see some possibilities for tea parties.

We hope you enjoy these resources. May your creativity be inspired!

We invite you to visit Teapots ‘n More and browse our current selection of tea accessories and sugars as well as new bone china teapots, tea sets and other delights.

Have a Charity Tea

With great empathy, we’ve watched the news from Japan this week along with all of you. Our hearts break for the stories of loss and alternately rejoice through tears for every life saved, every act of courage and bravery. In the face of such destruction, it is easy to feel small and insignificant. However, these are the times that require our action and affirmation of all that is good in each of us.

So, what can you do? Well, what are you good at? Are you a good organizer? Are you a good baker? Do you love to decorate? Do you know a lot of people? Do you love a good party? Perhaps a tea party?

Japanese Geisha Girl Tea Table

If you’re answer is yes, we suggest a Charity Tea. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Just send out invites and plan a tea as you normally would with one small change. Ask your guests to bring a donation of any amount, large or small. You’ll be surprised at how your little bit can add up when you put it all together.

Below are some ideas to spark your imagination and philanthropy!

1. Who should we give to? If you are seeking to help the  Japanese people, American Red Cross and Samaritan’s Purse are a few good suggestions. These organizations are already in the country with people and delivery systems in place. Other possibilities are a local children’s hospital, food bank, cancer society or disabled veteran’s group. Just look around or ask your guests for suggestions and pull one out of a tea cup during your tea party.

2. If your tea is small enough, total up your donation while your guests are present so everyone can share in the accomplishment. Otherwise, be sure to send out a donation total with your thank you notes.

3. To accompany your donation, write a short letter or card together with your guests and have everybody sign it.

Silk Fan in Box

4. Give your guests a remembrance of the day such as a Japanese fan, nice chopsticks, bamboo coasters or a pretty candle.

5. Make it fun. Share good food & good company for a good cause. You’ll be glad you did!

Thoughts On Collecting Tea Cups

Vintage Hand Painted Tea Cup & Saucer

This week, we acquired a lovely old estate tea cup for our vintage and antique collection. It is old porcelain with no mark and completely handpainted. A beauty! The only historical clue is an old sticker on the bottom of the saucer which says “Aunt Claire”…apparently the former owner. When I hold these old tea cups, particularly the ones with a little character, a romantic notion strikes me. What have they seen? What joys celebrated? What sorrows comforted? What frustrations soothed? What would they say if they could talk?

Collecting tea cups, or anything vintage, is always an adventure. Sometimes you’ll find a bit of history or a rare treasure. Other times, you’ll find a common piece that you really love. With tea cups, there are so many to choose from at flea markets, estate sales, antique shops, garage sales and online. In fact, the choice on ebay alone is staggering! So, how do you determine what to collect?

Satsuma Hand Painted Cup/Saucer/Plate Trio

Some people collect tea cups made in specific regions such as England, Japan or Europe. Others collect specific manufactures such as Royal Winton, Lefton, Satsuma or Limoges. You can collect certain patterns or types such as Geisha Girl porcelain, Blue Willow, Royal Winton Julia Chintz, or Limoges hand painted designs.

However, most collectors choose tea cups they love. We believe this is the best way to collect and offer the following simple guidelines for your consideration.

1. First and most important, choose what you really love and will still enjoy 10-20 years from now.

Royal Winton Julia Chintz Cup/Saucer/Plate Trio

2. Don’t collect for value or profit. Tea cups or anything vintage are like fine art. It will only be as valuable as the consumer demand for it. A tea cup purchased for little money may never be worth much except to you or it may someday be valuable to collectors. Conversely, a tea cup in high demand and highly priced may eventually lose value if the demand for it goes down. So again, whether vintage or new, buy what you love.

3. Finally, make memories with your collection. It’s easy with tea cups! Make sure you have tea parties with your collection: big, small or even just you. Celebrate joys, comfort sorrows, sooth frustrations, share your life and enjoy your tea cups. They won’t talk! 🙂

For information on Wileman Shelley China, visit our posting The Wileman Shelley Potteries: A Brief History.

We invite you to visit Teapots ‘n More and browse our current selection of vintage & antique tea cups as well as new bone china teapots, tea sets and other delights.