It's Tea Time!


Music Notes Amadeus anyone?

One of my favorite things is a cool rainy day when I can stay in bed with a good book, piano concertos, and a hot pot of tea. Unfortunately now that I'm in Southern California that isn't going to happen very much. I guess I'll just have to turn the sprinklers toward the windows, close the shade, and pretend!

My favorite tea is the Twinings Queen Mary blend. Unfortunately I have been unable to locate it for years. I originally bought a tin of the loose tea at the Twinings shop at Epcot Center. I've never seen the blend since. I have spent hours scouring the web, I have had friends look in Europe…all to no avail…so far. If you know where I might be able to find it please e-mail me with the information!

I'm also looking forward to moving into my new house, as will be able to show off my teapot and teacup collections. I have had glass cupboard doors installed in a couple of the cabinets so that I can display my pots and tea tins while still protecting them from dust, and my Flower of the Month teacups will have more space on their shelves because of this.

Twinings Tea bagsWhen I was in college my female friends and I used to get together once a week for tea and conversation. Well, Debbie had hot chocolate and conversation, but that's ok! Sandy almost always had Prince of Wales, and I flittered about the choices, though most often it was Ceylon Breakfast (good any time of day really). Everyone else tried something new each week (I had over 20 types in my dorm room most of the time). I miss those days, they were fun, but when I see them now we still drink tea and remember together. That's fun and rewarding as well.

These days I seem to enjoy reading about tea as much as I enjoy drinking it. I'm not sure why. I think it has something to do with getting new ideas for tea and tea parties! I often wish I were English and could have a culturally sanctioned tea time in the afternoon!

If you enjoy reading about tea or are looking for some new tea recipes, please check out the links below. They are part of Li's Bookstore, in association with Amazon.Com. For more information on my relationship with Amazon or their policies, see the main Li's Bookstore page. Otherwise, feel free to browse and shop below!


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Li's Bookstore

Tea and Friendship

Girlfriends: Invisible Bonds, Enduring Ties, by Carmen Renee Berry and Tamara Traeder. Paperback, 1995, 230 pages.

This 1996 best seller is a wonderful book to read and to share with friends. It includes great tips on things friends can do for each other (I drooled over the teacup wedding shower, OF COURSE!) as well as great excuses for a group of friends to get together. The best part, though, is seeing yourself and your friendships in the stories of the book.

A Token of Friendship, by Barbara Milo Ohrbach. Hardback, 1987, 56 pages.

A friend gave me this book after I moved 1000 miles from all of my friends and family. In the four years since then, I have often taken comfort in the quotations and thoughts contained in it. There also are some yummy recipes and great ideas for gifts. If you have a special friend that you want to surprise, this is a wonderful book!

The London Ritz Book of Afternoon Tea, by Helen Simpson. Hardback, 1986, 64 pages.

This book has recipes and directions for an appropriate afternoon tea. From different seasons to High Tea and more, you'll find something that's right for you!

Biscuits and Scones, by Elizabeth Alston. Hardback, 1988, 106 pages.

Biscuits and Scones features 62 recipes of everything from breakfast biscuits to desserts. You will LOVE the chocolate chip scones! You don't need to be an expert to make these recipes, and all the terms are explained in an easy-to-understand fashion.

Winnie-the Pooh's Teatime Cookbook, by Ernest H. Shephard, 1993, 64 pages.

Ok, I admit it. I bought this book because of the irresistible combination of Pooh and tea, not expecting much of the book itself. I am happy to say that I have been very happy with my purchase! The recipes are easy, quick and delightful. From the banana malt to oatmeal honey bread to curried chicken salad, you can make a feast appropriate for a king or for children and their stuffed bears! Your choice!

The Afternoon Tea Book, by Michael Smith, 1986, 275 pages.

This book has had staying power because of two things: intriguing history sections and yummy recipes! He doesn't just give you the chocolate cake recipe, it explains why it has to be this recipe. Believe me, his favorite chocolate cake is on my "to make" list!



Thank-you number for having a cup of tea with me!

© 1997. Last Updated August 15, 1997