A surprise of vintage teatime recipes

Jenn in Massachusetts e-mailed a few days ago and said she had "a little something" she wanted to send me. When her package arrived, it contained the most charming 1904 book titled "A Book of Beverages."

I hope you can tell from the photo, but the title was printed on its own paper label and affixed to the book's cover. I just love that, but then I just love vintage things anyway. This book was published by Jenn's Daughters of the American Revolution chapter, the Colonel Timothy Bigelow (Bigelow!) Chapter. She said their chapter house is being reorganized, a stash of these books was found, and the group decided to use them as a fundraiser. I am, then, the happy recipient of one of them, and I found several recipes for tea inside!

This recipe for Ginger Tea sounds pretty simple, doesn't it? I tend to forget that homemade teas have been around for quite a while.

And this recipe for Boston Punch made with tea sounds easy and pretty. "A single violet may be added to each cup," it says. I think of edible flower embellishments as being a new trend, but apparently the idea has been around for some time. I've so enjoyed reading through this delightful gift from a thoughtful tea friend, and I look forward to enjoying this "Book of Beverages" for years to come!