National Chai Day - 2025

September 21st is National Chai Day. It is held in appreciation of the sweet and spicy Indian beverage enjoyed worldwide. Also referred to as Masala chai, don't make the mistake of calling it Chai Tea, as Chai means tea, so you would actually be saying Tea Tea. The combination of spices includes cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper, and can be enjoyed iced or hot. Years ago, we welcomed Aparna to our home and gardens as a volunteer. She would help with whatever needed to be done for the day, but when 4:30 hit, she spoiled us as she would prepare authentic chai. You can read her instructions on making Chai here from an earlier blog post. I can still smell the spicy concoction made with Assam tea, warming spices, milk, and sugar. Warm, spicy, sweet, and milky, it solved the mid day slump and brightened our spirits.

In celebration of National Chai Day, we are happy to share this cupcake recipe.

Chai Cupcakes

For the spice mixture:

In a small bowl, blend the following spices: 1/2 tsp. each ground ginger, cinnamon, cardamon and cloves, and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Set spice mixture aside. 

Note: You will use some of the spices for the cupcake batter, 

and the rest of the spices for the frosting recipe.

For the cake batter:

1/2 c. butter (1 stick), softened

1 c. sugar

1 egg

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1-1/2 c. cake flour

1-1/2 tsp. baking powder

1-1/2 tsp. spice mixture (see above)

1/4 tsp. salt

2/3 c. milk

Frosting:

6 Tbsp. butter, softened

3 C. confectioner's sugar

3/4 tsp. vanilla extract

3 - 4 Tbsp. milk

remaining spice mixture

Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and 1-1/2 tsp. spice mixture. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approx. 5 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, mixing well after each addition. Fill 12 paper lined cupcake cups two thirds full. Bake 24 - 28 minutes, or until they test done. Cool. 

Prepare frosting, beat butter until flurry; beat in confectioner's sugar, vanilla and reserved spice mixture until smooth. Add enough milk until the frosting is desired consistency. Frost cupcakes.

Nancy's note: for the tearoom, she will prepare miniature cupcakes. This recipe will yield approx. 30 petite cupcakes. Bake for 9 - 12 min., testing until done.

A Recap of The Rosemary House Fairy Festival - 2025

The 31st Annual Rosemary House Fairy Festival is but a mere memory of fluttering fairies frolicking in the gardens, magical elves making mayhem and perhaps a few mischievous pixies here and there. Kids of all ages gathered in the gardens of The Rosemary House and Sweet Remembrances over the weekend to play amongst the fairies and friends. 

The Fairie Godmother welcomed wishes with her super sized dandelion wand and raised them skyward with hopes and dreams secretly shared.

Face painting is always a special activity. Faces could be painted by Kit Kat Sparkles, or a do it yourself paint station was available where moms could try their hand on their own little fairy.

And Fairy Rose Fairy is always entertaining with her special stories, songs, and tea parties.

The Steppin Woofs were a new addition to the festival this year, adorned with their own fairy wings and performing tricks for those gathered in the back alley..

Bubbles are always popular and everyone was invited to try their hand at creating supersized colorful bubbles.

From Hargle Bargle to Soolah Hoops, from Moss Child and the Dragon Tamer Zorra Zo, from FlyLeaf the Book Fairy to Bubble Man, from Sparkle Pop to Gingernap to Fairy Lily it takes a cast of characters (coordinated by Susanna) to pull together the festivities that take place over two days in the gardens of the Rosemary House and Sweet Remembrances. We look forward to seeing you next year, always the first weekend after Labor Day, the festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12th and Sunday Sept. 13th, 2026. See you then!

The Snarky Tea House, Doylestown, PA

We visited an Alice in Wonderland themed tea room in Doylestown, PA, a quick two hour drive east. The Snarky Tea House, open just a few weeks ago, is cheerful, colorful, playful, and worth a visit for tea. Tucked on a corner, there is seating inside and out. With a subtle exterior sign, the magic begins once you step inside.

There is a section in the front where they sell their teas. These teas were originally featured on The Shark Tank. The owner has since bought out the two sharks that supported her, and after a trip to Paris, decided they needed to open a tea room in addition to selling their line of teas. Much of the whimsical decor was handcrafted and designed by one of the owners.

Once seated, we each selected our tea flavors from the list - we had Caramel Chai (a cozy black tea with notes of cinnamon, star anise, and caramel cream), Peachy Keen (robust black tea with ripe peach pieces), Tropical Sunrise Green Tea (vibrant green tea with mango, pineapple and papaya), and a Basic Black.

The tiered tray held an assortment of sandwiches, savories, scones, and desserts.

The sandwiches included a chicken salad on croissant, egg salad on a brioche bun, and cucumber with herbed cream cheese on white. The savory featured a broccoli quiche.

Scones, served with a delicate portion of strawberry jelly and herbed butter, included chocolate chip and lemon glazed.

The pretty dessert plate included a Pistachio Macaron, Lemon Madelaine, Chocolate Truffle Candy, and a Raspberry Filled Chocolate Cup.

The one-of-a-kind experience even applies to the unisex restroom sign. Little whimsical touches all around can't help but bring a smile to those who visit.