Saturday, December 15, 2018

Holiday Hand Bell Concert in the Tea Room!

We welcomed nationally known solo handbell artist Ron Bellamy of  Lancaster, PA to the tea room recently where he performed holiday classics and entertained with his delightful skill of bringing to life this amazing array of handbells and chimes. After playing a beautiful assortment of holiday numbers, our guests were provided chimes and sheet music and a quick introductory course in playing the chimes and singing along to holiday favorites concluded the mini concert.
Afternoon Tea preceded this special event where bells took center stage. A Holiday Coleslaw with an Orange Vinaigrette was topped with a petite red beet bell. Sandwiches included Cranberry Pistachio Chicken Salad, Benedictine Bells, Cranberry Conserve and Brie in a Tart Shell, Swiss Apple Melt, Roast Beef, Tomato Puff, and Basil Pesto on Pastry Rounds, and Asparagus and Blue Cheese Rollups. Special thanks to Kathie Bittenbender of First United Methodist Church for the use of her handbell cookie cutter to create the Benedictine Bell sandwich. Kathie is the handbell choir director for the local Methodist church in Mechanicsburg.

The scone course included English Cream Scones and Cinnamon Chip Scones with scone toppings and fresh fruit. Dessert featured a Chocolate Coconut Bon Bon, Petite Glazed Fruit Cake and Cream Cheese DreaMint Bells.

Here is Ron Bellamy performing a rendition of Silent Night.

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Desserts! From Sweet Remembrances!

 Pour yourself a cup of tea and enjoy some holiday desserts.


 

 All homemade. Simply delicious.

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Gingerbread Boys and Girls - a recipe



Our big 5-0 anniversary year celebrations continue ~1968-2018~. This photo is the front room of the shop in 1973.  Although difficult to see, the tree is trimmed in adorable gingerbread boys and girls, each one decorated with festive outfits. Below is the recipe we used and you will note that this recipe will make approximately 100 gingerbread boys and girls. If you are planning to decorate with these little cuties, be sure to make the hole before you bake the cookie! The delicious combination of fragrant and flavorful spices makes this a favorite recipe of ours to this day.

Saturday, December 1, 2018

ARGO Tea, Chicago, IL

A quick journey to Chicago, IL was not without tea! Located in the theater district within walking distance of the CIBC Theater where we were fortunate enough to see Hamilton, was this casual tea cafe, Argo Tea. This chain of cafes was founded in Chicago in 2003. 
Special blends, unique flavors, and cleverly crafted teas are their specialty. A small display case offered a choice of muffins, cookies, and mini quiche. This cafe was a hub of activity with people coming and going, while others lingered over their cup of tea, working or socializing. 
Colorful displays surround the cafe. Along one wall there was a beautiful display of a wide variety of teas that they offer. The clear glass bottles provide the opportunity to see the leaf,  while the placard features its origins, and growing conditions.

Pumpkin Chai was the beverage of choice on this late fall afternoon.