This stately Victorian mansion, built in 1888, and located in Middletown, PA was our destination for a celebratory end-of-the-year Afternoon Tea. In operation since 1970, it has been declared a National Landmark.
Alfred's Victorian Restaurant offers fine dining throughout the week, and Afternoon Tea on Saturdays. Our gathering of family and friends, all instrumental in the operation of Sweet Remembrances, enjoyed an afternoon tea hosted by owner, Robin Pelligrini. The spirit of the holiday season was prevalent in the decor throughout the mansion.
Once seated in the Burgundy Room, we were presented with several pots of a black spiced plum tea. Salad was the first course and consisted of crisp lettuce greens, apple pieces, dried apricots, nuts, and a delicate poppy seed dressing. Two varieties of warm scones, cinnamon and apple spice, were presented in a wicker basket and placed at each end of the table. Cinnamon butter and a fruit spread accompanied the scones. When our teapots emptied, we were served Nutcracker Sweet and later, Snowflake.
Individual plates with a variety of tea sandwiches came next. The cucumber tree in the center of the plate stole the show. It was surrounded by a fresh cinnamon swirl bread with a cream cheese filling. The mixed rye and pumpernickel bread held sliced cheese and a savory onion filling. The petite fillo cup was quite tasty with a cheese and jelly combination, and the deviled egg was garnished for the season.
Desserts completed the offering with a Mary Berry Cherry Cake. Assorted smaller treats were also on the plate; red velvet cookie, snowman macaron, and a gingerbread truffle snowman.
It was a special holiday treat to be able to sit down and enjoy the companionship of family and friends.
Not only do we appreciate our family and friends, but we are thankful for all of our customers that visit The Rosemary House and Sweet Remembrances throughout the year. May 2023 be filled with joy and good health, much happiness, flavorful herbs and spices, and endless tea times, too. Happy New Year!
Take the opportunity to pour yourself a cup (or two or three or) of hot tea during the month of January, and celebrate National Hot Tea Month. Even though we are experiencing milder than usual weather in PA this month, a pot of properly brewed tea (with a cookie alongside) is the perfect solution to the winter blues.
“There is something in the nature of tea that leads us into a world of quiet contemplation of life.” - The Importance of Living
