Debbie Mumm's "Tea Party Cookbook"

Recently I came across an inexpensive copy of a 1999 cookbook I didn't have in my collection, Debbie Mumm's "Tea Party Cookbook." When it arrived I was a little surprised by its stature, just 6-1/4 x 6-3/4 inches, but the small size belied the fact this book is simply packed with charming illustrations, heartwarming stories and tempting teatime recipes.

One of my favorite stories is about the time a garden club got together for a tea luncheon but instead ended up helping a sick friend with housecleaning, laundry and the dishes. "When we finally stopped for a break," writes author Rosa Linda Buchner Graziana, "all we could find was a jar of instant tea in the back of the pantry. To complete the experience, we got out the good china cups and toasted our tea cups as we ate some banana bread I had brought from home. We decided it was the best tea party we have ever had, but somehow I'm not sure the tea had much to do with it."

And oh, the recipes! As summer winds down, I find myself fantasizing about apple festivals, pumpkin-carving contests and cinnamony spiced teas. The minute the season arrives, I'll be turning to this book for Maura Cooper's recipes such as Nutmeg Tea Cakes, Crunchy Oat Apricot Bars and Apple Spice Cake. If you like tea books as much as I do, this is one I recommend you add to your wish list!