Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Tea at Sea

Our cruise on the Emerald Princess was one of the best vacations we’ve ever experienced.  A highlight of the trip was the Chef’s Table dinner.  There is much to share, but I’ll start with afternoon tea that was served by white gloved waiters between 3:30 and 4:30 each afternoon.

P4171440

The Da Vinci dining room was a lovely setting for tea.  The tea itself was served from silver teapots and was a bagged black tea, with a nice brisk flavor. 

P4121267

I was pleasantly surprised with the finger sandwiches, which included a wonderful variety of breads and mini rolls – even the traditional cucumber sandwich.

P4171441

One of my favorite teatime treats is scones and I was not disappointed with those served on this ship.  They had plain and raisin and both were delicious with a nice texture.  That is apricot preserves in the photo.  There was also a lovely raspberry jam, as well as the thick and rich cream.

The only problem we encountered with afternoon tea was trying not to indulge too much, since dinner time was approaching quickly.  The waiters were quick to refill your teacup and offer more sandwiches and sweets.  We did meet several other couples having tea over the course of the cruise.  Some of them were enjoying afternoon tea for the first time.  All of them really seemed to relish the experience.

I’ll share more soon, but for now it’s off to play catch up with the overwhelming amount of email, laundry, shopping, chores, etc.  I hope to get back to visiting my blog friends shortly.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Birthday Cruise

I’m spending my birthday making last minute preparations for our cruise.  We’ll be visiting the Eastern Caribbean with five days in port and two at sea.

PRI_emerald_350x194I can’t wait to board the Emerald Princess in Port Everglades.  This is the first cruise where we will have a balcony cabin.  I’m already envisioning sitting on the balcony in the sunshine, reading a good Tea Shop Mystery (thanks Angela).

Sanctuary05

There will be lots of opportunities to enjoy the various dining venues on the ship.  Of course, this means that I’ll need to spend some time on the fitness deck.

Fitness_Center01

I’ll miss visiting all my blogging friends,  but should have lots to share with you when I return.  Now I better hustle – there’s packing and primping (nail salon) and shopping to do.  Bye for now.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

A Quiet Cup of Tea

P4071220It feels so good to have a friend on whom you can depend.  A friend can help to mend a heart, boost you toward a brand-new start, clown with carefree, schoolgirl glee, share a quiet cup of tea.

- Jan Miller Girando, Pals 

This lovely photo of a pique-nique tea is on the April page in the 2010 The Collectible Teapot & Tea Calendar.  Each month features a beautiful collectible teapot and tea setting.  The calendar is filled with lovely photography, anecdotes, tea history, quotes, etc.  I’ve been collecting these calendars for years and have enjoyed every one of them. 

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Mismatched China Lamp

This is a project I’ve been wanting to try for quite some time.  Take all my china yard sale finds and turn them into a cute teapot lamp.

teapots-bowls-cups-de-77177302

I really like the blue, lavender and white color scheme.

teapot-lamp-de-66036734

You can find instructions for this project at the Country Living website.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Silicone Food Pod

This might come in handy next time you are boiling eggs or poaching chicken for your favorite tea sandwiches.  I’ve never seen such a futuristic looking utensil.  It looks like it would be fun to use.

You can find these at Amazon for $15.95.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns are generally sold at Easter to celebrate the   resurrection of Christ following His death on the cross. Hot cross buns are made from a rich yeast dough containing flour, milk, sugar, butter, eggs, currants, and spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. In England, hot cross buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday.  They are marked on top with a cross, either cut in the dough or composed of strips of pastry.

hot cross bun

Do you remember this nursery rhyme?


Hot cross buns,
Hot cross buns,
One a penny,
Two a penny,
Hot cross buns.
If you have no daughters,
If you have no sons,
One a penny,
Two a penny,
Hot cross buns.
If your sons don't like them,
They're the only ones,
One a penny,
Two a penny,
Hot cross buns.
I don't tell jokes
and I don't tell puns,
One a penny,
Two a penny,
Hot cross buns.
Get them while they're hot
and eat them by the ton,
One a penny,
Two a penny,
Hot cross buns.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...