Happy St. Patrick's Day, friends! Last year I won this book in Marilyn's St. Paddy's Day giveaway over at Delights of the Heart, but only this year did I get around to reading the delightful "Celtic Teas With Friends" by Elizabeth Knight. I knew Elizabeth's name as a tea professional whose books and articles I have enjoyed over the years. What I did not realize is that this book of "teatime traditions from Cornwall, Ireland, Scotland and Wales" actually features information on tea celebrations suitable for the whole year, not just St. Patrick's Day!
While the March 17 celebration is, of course, featured prominently, other monthly teas featured in the book include a Women's Christmas Tea, which is actually a post-Christmas event on January 6; a Gathering of the Clan Picnic Tea, suggested for Father's Day; a Sip-n-See Baby Blessing Tea in September; and a Boxing Day Tea in December. Menus, recipes and suggestions for party favors are included for each event.
The book also includes lots of fun info on tea and teatime treats, and I was most intrigued to learn that clotted cream dates to the 13th century, and some believe that cooked cream was actually traded for Cornish tin as early as 500 B.C.! I definitely agree with Prime Minister Gladstone's description of clotted cream as "the food of the gods."
If you haven't yet added this book to your tea library (and you didn't win one), I highly recommend you look for a copy of this charming book!
I have this book in my tea library, and it's a lovely book. Happy St. Patrick's Day, Angela!
ReplyDeleteThis book is sitting on my desk right now... inspiration for our Celtic Mythology event tonight! Isn't it such a pretty and informative book! I'm planning on making the Irish Soda Bread Scones on page 37 - with golden raisins, caraway seeds, and walnuts. Yum! Did you spot any recipes from Sweet Remembrances and The Rosemary House?
ReplyDeleteI have that book on my wish list, glad to read your review of it. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!
ReplyDeleteDid you know that the Irish drink more tea per capita than any other country in the world?
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a cute book, I 'll have a look for it.
ReplyDeleteHappy St. Patrick's Day.
Thanks for the book recommendation. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
ReplyDeleteHappy St. Patrick's Day! This book is on my bookshelf. Watch for it in a few days.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation. Sounds like a nice book.
ReplyDeleteHello Angela, this book sounds wonderful! How about that beautiful cover? I am getting this book.
ReplyDeleteHave been enjoying St. Patrick's Day traditions, the past week and remembering how much my parents liked to celebrate the holiday: when we were little, my Mom made green dresses for us, trimmed with shamrock ribbons. They were so pretty! There was the holiday dinner at the Knights of Columbus hall, complete with all the singing and Irish step dancing.
With both my parents now passed on, I think I am remembering them now, more than ever and treasuring those Irish Eyes. Here's wishing you and your family a great holiday, Joanie