The Charms of Tea: Reminiscences and Recipes

The tradition of teatime has long been a cherished one, bringing tranquil settings to the mind, delicate refreshments to the palate, and warm conversation with good friends to the heart.

The Charms of Tea plays tribute to the elegant ritual with inspirational writings, recipes and special menus, and exquisite art and photography that set the mood for this very special time of day.

Share teatime with Lewis Caroll's Alice, Anne of Green Gables, Mr. Chips, and even Peter pan. Losr yourself in the writings of Henry James, Daphne du Maurier, Saki, Marcel Proust, and M.F.L. Fisher as they share their thoughts on the delights and comforts of tea.

There are nearly 65 recipes for making sweets and savories, including such classic teatime treats as Cucumber Snadwiches with Mint Butter, Currant and Pecan Scones, Sage Bread, Spiced Blackberry Jam, Raspberry and Lemon Curd Hearts, and Chocolate Torte. You'll learn the secrets of preparing and serving the perect pot of tea, the wonderful variet of tea leaves to choose from, suggestions for beautiful table settings, and unique menu ideas for picnic teas, breakfast teas, garden teas, and nursery teas.

The Charms of Tea, with its delightful reminicemces amd delicious recipes, is to be shared, savored, and treasured as the tradition of tea itself has been for more than two centuries.

The smoky flavor of China tea is perfectly complemented by bits of fresh mint sprigs for a bit more flavor and color.

YIELD 4 Servings

3 teaspoons China tea

1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

31/2 to 4 cups boiling water

4 lemon slices and mint sprigs

4 to 5 teaspoons sugar, optional

1. Warm a teapot and teacups with hot water. Drain and dry them.

2. Combine the tea leaves and chopped mint in the teapot. Add the boiling water. Cover with a tea towel or tea cozy and steep for 5 minutes.

3. Stir and strain into the hot cups, and garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs. Serve right away, with or without the sugar.

Copyright 1991 by The Hearst Corporation