Tea Party Fun!!

Here are the recipes I talked to you about. I have not tried them, but I am planning to. Go on line to read more. The cream is an English recipe, make from clotted cream. This is a "pretend" recipe. I am growing lavendar in my garden this year. There were lots of recipes to use it in. Ready to try some. Something fun and new.
I also saw some stuff of Ellen Easton's Tea Travel. That is where I saw the jam recipe. Have fun, Marcia

Originally from Devonshire County, England, it is a thick, buttery cream often used as a topping for desserts.
Easy Devonshire Cream
1 3 oz. cream cheese, room temperature (I read where some thought you needed more)
1 T. sugar (I read where some thought 2-3 T sugar was better)
1/8 t. salt
1 cup heavy whipping cream
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, and salt; stir until well blended.
Stir in whipping cream.
With an electric mixer, beat mixture until stiff peaks form. Store in refrigerator.

There was a picture of it, looks like lemon zest on top. Another recipe was kinda like this one. But. It was 4 oz. of mascapone cream, 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 t vanilla, 1-2 T sugar and zest of lemon or lime.

Lavendar Scones
2 cups flour
1 T. baking powder
4 T. butter
mix til crumbly
add 1/4 cup sugar
2 t. fresh lavendar or 1 t. dried (save little for sprinkle on top)
2/3 cup milk
Mix til dough is soft and sticky
Roll out on floured surface. Cut into round circles or whatever.
Bake 425 10-12 mins makes 12 scones

Rose Petal Jam
1/2 lb. pink or red edible rose petals (no chemical sprays, not from nursery, green houses, florist)Clip and discard bitter white bases from the rose petals. (4 cups)
2 cups sugar, divided(Karla sprinkled the petals and still used 2c.sugar in the jam)
4 1/2 cups water (Karla used 4)
juice of 2 lemons (1/2 c.)
Rinse petals thoroughly and drain.
Place rose petals in a bowl and sprinkle enough sugar to coat each petal. Let set overnight. (one recipe said to do this, the other one didn't)
In a saucepan over low heat, place remaining sugar, water, and lemon juice; stirring to dissolve sugar. Stir in rose petals and let simmer 20 minutes (the other recipe said 10 minutes, Karla did about 15 minutes). Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil; continue boiling for approximately 5 minutes (more like 30) until mixture thickens and the temperature on a candy thermometer reaches 221 degrees F. or until a spoonful dropped onto a cold plate jells and holds its shape. Remove from heat.
After boiling, transfer the jam into hot sterilized jars. Fill them to within 1/4-inch of the top. Wipe any spilled jam off the top, seat the lid, and tighten the ring around them. Cover, label, and store in a cool place.
Makes 1 pound of jam.

It did not say to take out petals, but I think I would. It said the most fragrant roses makes the best jam.

June 27, 2010 - I made a batch of this jam today, while my roses are in full bloom. My kids thought I was crazy but it turned out to be really good. I did strain it and it takes way longer than 5 minutes to cook it to 221 degrees, more like 30 minutes. I found another recipe that was about the same except it doesn't have you sprinkle the petals with sugar and let set overnight. It called for 4 cups of rose petals and only 4 cups of water. I only used 4 cups of water and I'm glad I did or it would probably have taken longer to thicken it. We had some on an English Muffin and it was yummy!!! I think I will serve it at Abigail's Sweet 16 Garden Party on Wednesday!!!

Here is the website Marcia was referring to: http://whatscookingamerica.net/EllenEaston/TeaTravelsIndex.htm
It has some fun ideas there!! Here are more recipes I found there. There is an endless supply of recipes here. Karla

Iced Tea Punch
4 cups water
8 teaspoons of Earl Grey Tea or Black Tea Blend (I would just leave this out)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
4 cups of orange juice
Juice of 2 lemons
4 cups Ginger Ale
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
Flavored Iced Tea cubes (see below)
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil; remove from heat. Add the tea leaves and let steep approximately 5 minutes or until brewed to your liking. Remove tea bags and discard. Stir in sugar until dissolved. Let cool and refrigerate until well chilled.
Just before serving, add orange juice, lemon juice, and Ginger Ale.
To serve, place orange and lemon slices on the side of each tea glass. Place prepared frozen Flavored Iced Tea Cubes into each glass before serving. Makes 4 servings.

Flavored Iced Tea Cubes
Brewed tea of your choice
Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
Zest the orange and the lemon. Place the zest in the bottom of an ice cube tray, pour brewed tea into the trays and freeze until firm.
Remove the ice cubes from the tray when ready to served the Iced Tea Punch.
NOTE: You may also add edible flowers and herbs to the tea before freezing. Citrus juices of an orange, lime, lemon, and/or lemonade may also be frozen into the ice cubes to be served with the punch.

Old-Fashioned Lemonade - How To Make Lemonade
Simple Syrup (see recipe below)
Juice of 6 freshly-squeezed lemons (approximately 1 cup)
4 cups cold water
1 sliced lemon, for garnish
Ice cubes
Prepare Simple Syrup in advance and refrigerate.
In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice and sugar and cold Simple Syrup. Add water, lemon slices, and ice cubes; stir until well blended. Serve in tall glasses over ice.
Yields approximately 6 cups.
Basic Simple Syrup Recipe:
1 cup granulated sugar*
1 cup water
* You can reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup, if desired.
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Boil for 5 minutes, without stirring. Remove from heat and let cool before using. Store in the refrigerator.
Lemonade Variations:
Lavender Lemonade - Add 1 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds. Add lavender to the hot Simple Syrup and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain the Simple Syrup and discard the lavender buds. Refrigerate Simple Syrup until cool.
Limeade - Substitute fresh lime juice for the lemon juice.
Strawberry Lemonade - In a blender, puree 1 pint of fresh strawberries (hulled and halved); add to the pitcher with the lemon juice and Simple Syrup.

Ellen's Plain Scones
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 pound (1 cup) unsalted cold butter, diced
1 1/2 cups half and half cream
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Alternative Ingredients (see below)
Scone Wash (see below)
Cinnamon Sugar (see below)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
With a pastry blender or two knives, cut the cold butter into flour mixture until particles are the size of small peas. Fold in your Alternative Ingredients of choice to the flour mixture. Add half and half cream to the mixture and blend until dough forms. DO NOT over mix the dough.
With floured hands, pat dough to a 1-inch thickness onto a floured board. With a floured cutter of your desired shape, cut out and place 1-inch apart on a parchment paper lined or a lightly greased and floured baking sheet.
Lightly brush the top of the scones a little of the half and half Scone Wash Cream. Sprinkle some cinnamon-sugar on top of each scone to taste.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes until lightly golden brown. Baking time will vary according to the size of your scone. Scones are best served warm. Yields: 24 scones.
Alternative Ingredients To Taste:
Golden Raisins
Ground Ginger and Butterscotch Morsel Bits
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Flavored extracts
Coconut Flakes
Dried Fruits
Herbs and Spices

Scone Wash:
1/2 cup half and half cream (for brushing top of scones)

Cinnamon Sugar:
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 or 2 tablespoons cinnamon, to taste.
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. If more Cinnamon/Sugar is needed, repeat if needed.

Lemon curd is a British teatime favorite. This sweet, yet tart, velvety spread is heavenly on freshly baked scones, muffins, and tea breads. Another favorite is serving lemon curd on gingerbread or used as a filling for tarts and cakes. Lemon curd can add a special touch to your favorite desserts and tea time goodies.
Lemon curd is so easy-to-make as all it contains is eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter. I usually use the stove-top method, but the microwave method also works great.
I know that lemon curd is not something to include in your every day diet, especially if you need to watch your fat, sugar, and/or calories intake. A jar of lemon curd would certainly make a great gift, or a nice addition to gift baskets.

Stove-Top Lemon Curd
3 to 4 tablespoons lemon zest (rind)*
1/2 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (4 to 6 lemons)**
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
6 tablespoons salted butter, cut into pieces***
3 eggs, lightly beaten
* Cold lemons are much easier to grate. Always grate your lemons first, and then juice them. Grate lemons just before using as the zest will lose moisture if it sits too long.
** Do not use the bottled lemon juice - only use fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Room temperature lemons produce more juice. When choosing lemons, look for ones that are firm, plump, and heavy for their size. Always use fresh lemons when making lemon curd.
*** Use good quality butter. Do not use butter substitutes. T
Remove the zest (rind) from the limes using a zester or a peeler (be careful to avoid getting any of the white pith). Juice the lemons after removing the zest.
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar. Bring just to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 5 minutes. Add butter and stir until it has melted. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. NOTE: Use a heavy-based, non-reactive saucepan. Stainless steel, anodized aluminum, and enamel all work well. Aluminum or unlined copper pans will react with the acid in the lemons, discoloring the curd and giving it a metallic flavor.
Beat eggs into cooled lemon mixture until well blended. Return to heat and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, 10 to 15 minutes or until mixture thickens and coats spoon. NOTE: Do not let the lemon curd boil, as it can cause the mixture to curdle. Remove from heat. The lemon curd will continue to thicken as it cools.
Makes approximately 2 cups.

Microwave Lemon Curd
3 to 4 tablespoons lemon zest (rind)*
1/2 cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice (4 to 6 lemons)**
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces***
1 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs, lightly beaten
* Cold lemons are much easier to grate. Always grate your lemons first, and then juice them. Grate lemons just before using as the zest will lose moisture if it sits too long.
** Do not use the bottled lemon juice - only use fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Room temperature lemons produce more juice. When choosing lemons, look for ones that are firm, plump, and heavy for their size. Always use fresh lemons when making lemon curd.
*** Use good quality butter. Do not use butter substitutes.
Remove the zest (rind) from the lemons using a zester or a peeler (be careful to avoid getting any of the white pith). Juice the lemons after removing the zest.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter in the microwave on high.
In a separate bowl, combine sugar, beaten eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Slowly whisk into the hot melted butter until well combined.
Cook in the microwave on high for 1-minute intervals only, stirring well after each minute, until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. NOTE: Do not skip mixing after the 1-minute intervals and do not let the lemon curd boil, as it can cause the mixture to curdle. The lemon mixture will thicken further as it cools.
Pour into a clean glass jar or bowl and allow to cool in refrigerator.
Makes approximately 2 cups.

Variation: For a Lime Curd, substitute lime zest and lime juice for the lemon zest and juice.

Storing Lemon Curd:
Cover by laying a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the curd (this prevents a skin from forming on the surface).
Store in refrigerator for up to 4 weeks or store in the freezer for one year. To thaw, move the container from the freezer to a refrigerator at 40°F or colder for 24 hours before intended use. After thawing, store in the refrigerator in a covered container and consume within 4 weeks.

Cucumber Tea Sandwich
1/2 seedless cucumber, peeled and very thinly sliced (about 32 slices)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup coarsely-chopped watercress leaves
16 slices best-quality white bread*
Salt to taste
1/2 cup alfalfa sprouts

* Choose the best-quality white or wheat bread as possible. Never serve end slices. Freezing the bread before cutting and then spreading makes for easier handling.
Place cucumber slices between layers of paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a small bowl, combine butter and watercress; spread on one side of each slice of bread.
Lay cucumber slices onto the buttered side of eight (8) slices of bread. Sprinkle the cucumbers with salt. Cover each with 1 tablespoon alfalfa sprouts and top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side down.
Carefully cut the crusts from each sandwich with a long, sharp knife after the sandwiches are filled. Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally and then cut in half again. If desired, decorative shapes can be made with cookie cutters.
Yields 8 whole sandwiches or 16 halves or 32 fourths.

Ritz Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches
8 hard-cooked eggs*
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon finely-chopped fresh dill
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
20 slices best-quality white bread**
Peel eggs and place into a medium bowl. Slice eggs and then coarsely mash them with the back of a fork. Add mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and dill; stir until well blended. NOTE: This mixture can be refrigerated, covered, up to two days.
Spread butter onto one side of each slice of bread. Spread the buttered side of 10 slices of bread with 2 tablespoons egg mixture. Top with remaining slices of bread, buttered side down.
Carefully cut the crusts from sandwich with a long, sharp knife. Cut in half diagonally, then cut in half again. If desired, decorative shapes can be made with cookie cutters.
Yields 10 whole sandwiches or 20 halves or 40 fourths.

Making Sandwiches Ahead of Time:
If you need to make tea sandwiches in advance and need to keep them from drying out, cover them loosely with a sheet of wax paper and then place a damp kitchen towel over the wax paper (never place a damp towel directly on top of the bread because the sandwiches will become soggy). Refrigerate.
When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator. Uncover sandwiches just before serving.

Oreo Truffle Balls
1 (1 pound, 2 ounce) package Oreo cookies
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature*
2 (8 ounces) packages semi-sweet chocolate chips**
Optional Toppings (additional chopped Oreo cookies, chopped nuts, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, Heath Bar Crunch bits, colored sugar or sprinkles, etc.)
* You can use original or low-fat cream cheese
** Use a good-quality chocolate chips. The taste and quality of these truffles are dependent on the quality of chocolate you start with.
Line two large baking or cookie sheets with either wax paper, parchment paper or a Silicone Baking Mats; set aside.
In a food processor or blender, process and crush all of the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. NOTE: Do not over crush! You want a crumb, not a powder. If you do not have a food processor or blender, cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a Rolling Pin.
Add cream cheese and process until thoroughly mixed and you have a creamy dough (there should be no white traces of cream cheese).
Using your hands, roll into walnut-size balls, approximately 3/4-inch diameter. If the mixture becomes too soft to work, place the remaining mixture back into the refrigerator to slightly harden. Place Oreo Balls on the lined baking sheet and refrigerate or at least 45 to 60 minutes.
The Oreo Balls may be stored in the freezer for up to 1 week before dipping in chocolate.
If you put the Oreo balls in the freezer for a short time before dipping in chocolate, this helps keep the balls cold longer. I also put the cookie sheets in the freezer first so they are really cold when I place the chocolate-covered Truffle Balls onto the cookie sheet.
Use latex gloves to roll the balls, less mess!
How To Melt Chocolate - Using one of the below methods to melt the chocolate chips:
Double Boiler: In the top of a double boiler over hot water, not boiling water (don't let the bottom of the bowl touch the water, melt chocolate; stirring until smooth. Be careful boiling water may cause steam droplets to get into chocolate which can result in "seizing," when the chocolate becomes stiff and grainy. If you don't have a double boiler you can improvise one by placing a glass or stainless steel bowl over a pot of simmering water. Remove from heat. Let the chocolate cool slightly, but it should not set.
Microwave Melting Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips using either the defrost setting or 10-percent power in the microwave. Microwave for 1 minute, then check and stir. If you need more time, do it in 10 to 20 seconds intervals and check and stir after each addition of microwave time. Remove the container from the microwave and stir the chocolate until completely melted. Baking chips and baking chocolate may appear formed and un-melted after heating but will become fluid after stirring. Blend in cream, brandy, liqueur, or coffee
When ready to coat the truffle balls with the melted chocolate, remove the chilled Oreo Balls from the refrigerator. Replace parchment paper on baking sheets if they are not clean. A small fork, toothpicks, wooden skewer, or chopsticks are great to use as dipping tool. Dip each Oreo Ball into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip back into the pot. Place the Oreo Truffle Balls onto the wax paper. If the chocolate gets too hard to dip well, reheat it over the double boiler or in the microwave.

Variation Ideas:
These truffle balls may also be coated with additional chopped Oreo cookies, chopped nuts, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, Heath Bar Crunch bits, colored sugar or sprinkles, etc.
You can also make Mint Oreo Truffles by substituting Mint Oreo Cookies for the regular Oregon Cookies.
Let Oreo Truffle Balls harden and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep truffles refrigerated or frozen prior to serving.
Makes 40 to 50 candy balls, depending on the size balls your roll.

For more menu ideas see this site: http://whatscookingamerica.net/HighTeaRecipes.htm
There are a ton of recipes here......you could spend hours here.....in fact I just did.....and didn't even begin to see what all is here.

just one more....
Strawberries in Lemon-Lavender Syrup
1 pound fresh strawberries
6 tablespoons water
1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons dried lavender flowers
Whipped cream (optional)
Rinse and drain strawberries. Hull and cut into halves or quarters into a large bowl and set aside.
In small saucepan over low heat, combine water, lemon juice, sugar and lavender and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes or until sugar is dissolved and lavender is infused. Remove from heat and strain syrup, discarding the blossoms.
Pour strained syrup over strawberries and toss gently to mix. Serve berries and syrup right away in pretty glass bowls or stemmed glasses. Garnish with whipped cream, if desired.
Note: You can prepare the syrup in advance and let it cool. Toss with berries just before serving. Makes 4 servings.

Happy Tea Party!!!!