Book signing - In the Garden

We recently welcomed our customers to a book signing in the garden where we hosted Melanie O'hara-Salyers, author of the Traveling Tea Ladies. This cozy mystery series includes fun titles such as Death in Dixie, Viva Las Vegas, Death in Dallas among others.

 

Her books feature four strong women sleuths, strong friendships, strong tea, and recipes, too! As part of our garden celebration we served a Lemonade Iced Tea that was a recipe in the Death in Dallas book. Melanie was a previous tea room owner before adventuring into writing. So naturally, her books include tea rooms and recipes.

It was a beautiful day in the garden, a delightful Sunday afternoon. Debbie Beamer of the Mechanicsburg Mystery Bookshop assisted with the book sales while Melanie autographed the books.

Melanie graciously granted us permission to share the recipe for the Lemonade Iced Tea.
3 quarts water
2 Luzianne family size tea bags
3/4 c. sugar (or more)
12 oz. Lemonade concentrate, thawed

Place Luzianne tea bags in gallon jar and pour 1 c. boiling water over them, just enough to cover. Steep 5 minutes. Remove tea bags. Add sugar and lemonade concentrate. Stir until both are dissolved. Fill gallon jar with 3 quarts water. Chill. Serve garnished with a fresh mint sprig or freshly sliced lemon. May add more sugar if necessary.

Of special note, this adorable tea pot and stand, a recent surprise gift from a friend, generated a lot of comments. Not only does it have a spigot to dispense the tea but it can be poured out of the spout as well. This was the perfect day to make its debut! Thank you, A.M., for your thoughtful gift.