Tea forTwo
Afternoon tea is a great way to spend time with a friend. It may also be a welcoming gesture for a new neighbor. Use your imagination and you can create a memory to last a lifetime.
It is a good idea to keep a variety of teas on hand, including both regular and decaf. There are so many different flavors to choose from. You may even ask your friend to bring one of her favorites for you to try.
If you have a cozy spot in your back yard, why not set up a small table draped with an antique tablecloth. Put out a vase of fresh cut flowers with a sweet fragrance. Peonies, lilacs and roses are some that have wonderful aromas.
Don't be afraid to use mixed and matched china for your gathering. I have found that mixed sets make for an interesting look and can be very inexpensive to obtain. Garage sales, flea markets and second hand stores are a great place to pick these up at bargain prices. Finding a beautiful teapot may be almost as easy.
Why not serve different finger foods with edible flowers as an accent. Pansy, nasturtium and lilac flower buds are a few that you may choose to use. If you are unsure if a flower is edible, please DO NOT eat it. There are many more poisonous than nonpoisonous flowers and plants.
Summer Time Tea
2 quarts water
2 - 3 regular flavored tea bags (regular or decaf.)
1 cup sugar (more or less to desired taste)
fresh mint leaves (spearment or peppermint)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (bottled lemon juice may be substituted)
Heat water to a full boil. Add tea bags and crushed mint leaves. Turn off heat and
allow tea to steep until desired strength. (approx. 3-7 minutes) Remove tea bags
and mint leaves. Add sugar and lemon juice stirring until sugar is dissolved.
Serve warm or over ice. Garnish with lemon wedge and fresh mint leaves. Enjoy.
Makes two quarts of tea.
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