Blueberry Scones & Tea

I saved enough fresh blueberries from yesterday's picking to bake a batch of scones. They baked up beautifully with abundant, juicy, blue orbs in each one.

The recipe called for lemon zest, but I didn't have any lemons, so used lemon juice in the dough and baked them without zest. Then I decided that orange marmalade would be an appropriate sweet to go with the scones. The zest of the orange in the marmalade made up for the lack of zest in the scones. They paired perfectly.

Gluten free scones "act" a bit differently than regular ones. Because they don't contain gluten to trap the carbon dioxide gasses when the baking soda and baking powder do their job, I try to choose forms or shapes that are most likely to rise well without much handling. Sometimes I bake gluten free scones in one large mound that is flattened and then cut with a pizza cutter to make wedges. And at other times, like today, I prefer the drop biscuit approach. I was pleased with the lightness and flavor of these scones.

A simple black tea was selected to accompany the blueberry scones. My choice was Yorkshire Gold because it's full bodied without being overpowering. It's produced by Taylors of Harrogate, a company that was founded in 1886 in Harrogate, Yorkshire, England. It is a blend of five varieties of tea grown in Assam, Sri Lanka, and Kenya. A review of this tea on Serious Eats reports that: 

• Yorkshire Gold from Taylors of Harrogate is a "luxury blend" of second flush Assam and peak-season East African teas. This is a robust black tea that works well with milk, though given its silky smoothness that's certainly not required. There are hints of cedar and earth; this tea is slightly fruity but mostly savory, perfect for getting your eyes open in the morning.

Although this is a delightful tea with the addition of milk and sugar, I tend to prefer my tea "black" or "plain" so I can taste every undertone as it is, with just a tiny touch of stevia to sweeten.

I chose this teacup because it was blue. It seemed so appropriate for the blueberry theme. It is called Saxony, by Royal Doulton. It is one of my everyday favorites.

Blueberry Scones

Makes 8 - 10

• 2 cups gluten-free flour (I used 1 cup garbanzo/fava flour and 1 cup Bob's Red Mill gluten-free flour blend)
• 1 packet stevia powder (about 1/2 tsp.)
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 6 Tbsp. Smart Balance margarine
• 1 egg OR 1 egg substitute {flax seed gel}
• 2/3 cup soymilk
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 generous cup blueberries

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a mixing bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add margarine and cut in with a pastry blender until the size of small peas. Add vanilla, egg, lemon juice, and soymilk. Stir gently with a fork until dough is moist and blended. Gently stir in blueberries.

Form scones by spoonful and place onto a baking stone. Push stray blueberries into dough so none are left out.

Bake for 20 minutes or until golden. Remove from heat and allow to cool on the baking stone. Serve with margarine or butter and orange marmalade. Also delicious with lemon curd.

Of course, at the end of every good photo shoot comes the pleasure of sitting down at a pretty table setting to enjoy what's set out to eat and a nice, hot cup of tea. Today I had a little helper. She's such a polite little thing. She was curious, but asked permission with her eyes before attempting to share. Her nose is long, though, and she has a pretty keen sniffer. I gave Sudo a few crumbs which she appreciated and enjoyed. I discovered, though, that she prefers plain blueberries to scones. She's such a dear.

An Atmosphere of Beauty

"Children growing up in an atmosphere where beauty is considered an important part of daily life cannot help being inspired to develop their own original ideas in these areas, nor can they help being prepared to live aesthetically themselves. There is a 'togetherness' in sharing a prepared table that even very small children feel, although they cannot express it verbally." 

Edith Schaeffer

These are words that guided me on my homemaking journey at the beginning of my child rearing years. Mrs. Schaeffer speaks so eloquently when she writes; she creates word pictures of simple things that speak so profoundly to our souls. In another place she shares that every dinner table should have a centerpiece that is vibrant, interesting, and transitions with the seasons and experiences of life. Such a focal point provides family members with objects of nature and beauty to enjoy. Flowers, moss, rocks, shells, seed pods, and more can be gathered outdoors and be brought inside to make creative points of interest without added expense or fuss. Including children and grandchildren in the process might mean adding points of color found in small toys like Lego's, plastic figures, or miniature tea sets. An atmosphere where creativity is encouraged can inspire a child and set the stage for original ideas as they grow through life.

The Longest Table and Shared Soup

The university that Rylan attends has an annual dinner that is unique and that helps the university students connect with community. The event is called "Longest Table' and brings together a crowd of more than 2,000 students and community members. The main street in town is closed off and one very long table it set up in the middle of the street. It stretches for many blocks. There are a variety of foods at this event, as each person who hosts a section of the table serves a menu that is unique to them, as well as table setting and centerpiece. Sometimes families go together to provide for a larger number of community members. For example, one group of three families got together to make a Mexican fair with a taco bar, salads, cream puffs, flan, and roasts. Another host family provided a lovely meal of sushi and other Japanese food and decor. Each hosts menu is different, but they are all tied together by being served on one long table. I just love the idea! What a way to share with others! And the cost to students and community members who attend is nothing! It is a community event that is designed to draw the students into the community and participants provide it as a volunteer service; a gift from the heart. 


This community service event reminds me of a story I used to read my boys when they were young. I believe that sharing stories that involve food are a great way to tie other subjects to cooking experiences and character development. Here is a story that can be used to teach cooperation, sharing, and self-reliance. It can also be used as a topic starter on problem solving. 


SHARE SOUP

Once upon a time there was a small village.  The sun was going down and it was dinner time. As usual, everyone was in his or her own little house thinking about the same thing --- what shall we have for dinner tonight?  But on this particular night everyone thought and thought for a very long time. There was a problem, and it was a problem that everyone shared. No one had enough food in his or her house to make a dinner. Everyone had the same problem!

Because this was a friendly little town where everyone knew everyone else, the word soon got around. Neighbors were talking about their problems with each other in the street, on front porches, and over back yard fences. They all agreed that something had to be done soon because everyone was getting very hungry.

There was a man in the town who happened to be a very good cook, and as he was thinking about this problem with his wife, she came up with the answer. "We will make a new and different kind of soup called Share Soup, and you will direct the cooking," she said. Her husband thought this was a wonderful idea that his wife had, and as the townspeople in the village found out about the idea they became more and more excited and happy. But what was Share Soup, they asked? The man's wife explained, "Share Soup is a soup you make with a big pot of water and every one's share of food.  If everyone brings their little share of food from home, we can make one big delicious soup for everyone. I call it Share Soup." 

"First we'll need a large pot," he said. The people brought the largest pot they could find. "And now," the man said, "water to fill the pot and a fire to heat it." It took many buckets of water to fill the pot. A fire was built on the main street of the town and the pot was set to boil.

"Soup needs salt and dried herbs," said the man. He began to stir and the children ran to get salt and dried herbs.

"Salt and dried herbs make good soup, but if there were carrots it would taste much better."

"I think I have some carrots," said one woman, and she ran home. She came back with a handful of carrots and put them in the pot.

"Share Soup should really have some cabbage," said one man, and he returned soon with a big head of cabbage which he cut up and put in his pot.

"How I wish we had some potatoes and onions; then this soup would be the most delicious soup ever," the man said. Some children remembered where they'd seen some and hurried home to get them.

A delicious soup --- and all from some water and every one's share of food. It seemed like magic! As the man stirred the soup he thought, "If we had a little rice and a cup of milk, this soup would be the best soup in the whole world." More people ran home to get a little milk and rice. Soon everyone from the town had put in his or her share of food. 

The man who was such a good cook stirred and stirred the soup while everyone watched happily. And then the soup was ready.

"Everyone gets a taste," said the man. "But first, let's set the tables." Great big tables were place in the main street. All around were lighted candles. Such a soup! How good it smelled! It really was the best soup anyone in the town had ever tasted!

*Adapted from Stone Soup, by Marcia Brown

A Spirit of Celebration

 

"A home needs not only candles and confetti to make it joyful --- a home also needs connection.  Candles offer the spirit of warmth.  Confetti adds the spirit of celebration.  And connections tie warmth and celebration together with love."

~ Lindsey O'Connor ~

Table-setting:  Our family Thanksgiving meal using the vintage '70's wedding china, individual herbal bouquets at each place-setting, candles for warmth, and hot cups of tea for celebration.

Blue Ring Bling

 

Earlier this week I shared pictures of the 'gold collection' of napkin rings that I made from simple gold napkin rings and assorted vintage jewelry.  Today I am sharing a picture of the 'silver collection'.  These napkin rings were some that have been stuck away in a drawer for years and rarely used.  Once quite plain, they now are an eclectic set of napkin rings in shades of blue.  I'm looking forward to pairing them with some vintage blue china and a few favorite blue teacups and saucers.  They are a bit 'outside the box' when it comes to proper table decor, but I think they'll set a fun and interesting table, just the same.

Creating Napkin Rings with Bling

 

Napkins are always a part of proper table setting.  The more formal the meal, the plainer the presentation.  Always folded, the napkin can be set on the plate or to the left of the fork on the table setting.   Very formal meals always have fabric napkin, but paper napkins have become more and more acceptable over the years for most table settings.  Fancy folded paper napkins are never considered appropriate for a formal table, but they sure are fun for a casual one!  At times a napkin ring can be a part of a proper table setting, but those with "bling" should be reserved for a whimsical or casual table.

 

You might remember the beautiful napkin rings that my friend, Tari, gave me recently.  I posted about them here.  She found them when on a trip to North Dakota and knew I'd love them as part of a vintage tea table. 

Today I decided to try my hand at making a few more.  I gathered together several plain napkin rings and raided my treasure chest for an assortment of old broaches, earrings, beads, and pendants.  Most were old yard sale finds (as in before my time) with enough bits of tarnish to make them more interesting.  Little bits of "bling" all worked together to make pretty metallic circlets made to hold napkins.  I attached the "bling" individually or in groupings of three or four items.  Some of them matched (if I had two vintage earrings for a napkin pair) but the rest were created by themes of like colors, sparkle, texture, or bead.

It was a relaxing and creative way to spend an afternoon.  Who needs retail therapy when you can create to your hearts content?

Covering and the Art of the Table

 

The best part of preparing for dinner guests is setting the table!  The art of the table is a form of expression and through it seasons, foods, and personalities can be exhibited.  Linens, candles, flowers, and tableware all work together on the palette of the table, creating a picture of beauty, charm, or whimsy.  From traditional to quirky, a tablesetting is only limited by one's imagination.  Although an 'anything goes' approach is preferred by some, the proper principles of tablesetting are designed to facilitate service  for the comfort and enjoyment of each table guest.  

Most tablesettings start with a clean table.  Sometimes gleaming with polished charm, a lace, voile, or net cloth is placed over the table without pad or underlayer.  This allows the natural wood of the table to show through.  At other times, a pad (sometimes called a silence cloth) is placed on the table first and a full-size table cloth is placed over the top.  A proper overhang of the edges of the cloth on table are 10 to 15 inches, but can be even greater if a very large table is used.  For casual dining and entertaining, the more formal, full-size tablecoverings are usually replaced with something more casual.  Smaller luncheon cloths or placemats have become the norm for this type of entertaining.  

Table linens range from simple damask to colorful, embroidered pieces.  Each sets the tone for the table, enhancing and complimenting the china and accroutrements it displays.  


What's on your table today?

The Centerpiece, a Focal Point

 

There are some things each of us consider essential in our homes.  For me, one of those things is a centerpiece at the dining room table that becomes the focal point in the room.  Fresh flowers are always best, although a potted plant, sea shells, whole fruits, nuts, whole vegetables, evergreens, or polished agates also grace the table during times when cut flowers are unavailable.  The best fresh flowers are not those that come from the florist or the grocer's floral department.  Instead, they are the ones that come from your own garden.  Starting in early spring, it's fun to take a basket and shears outside on a walk through the yard, looking for what may be blooming.  Sometimes whatever is blooming dictates the rest of the table decor.  But when there is more than one type of blossom available, choices can be made that allow for spontaneity in table decor.  Simple is always best, since flowers always speak for themselves. Having several simple vases available in varying sizes makes floral design easy and fun.  Yesterday's brunch was casual and brown stoneware was the acceptable service.  As I walked around the yard, still a bit scant in the flower department, I realized that the Thundercloud Plum tree was in full bloom and that the sprigs of branches within my reach would complement the table decor.  Four or five simple snips of the shears, and the casual arrangement of these graceful twigs resulted in a dainty and non-imposing centerpiece.  These delicate flowers set the tone for the table scene and lifted the stoneware from a boring brown to a cozy hue.  

A centerpiece is an object of art that centers the table and draws guests in.  Because it is there, it relays a message of "you are special" to those who sit at your table.  A centerpiece reflects the taste and imagination of the hostess and establishes the theme of the occasion.  Usually, a small decoration with simple lines is much more attractive than one which crowds the table.  Care should be taken in choosing colors that blend, harmonize, or contrast with the china and table linens.  Although magnificent,  the large centerpieces that are frequently featured on the glossy pages of magazines are usually too large for proper table use.  The height of a centerpiece is considered very important in table etiquette.  It should be low enough so that even the shortest person seated at the table can see across to others seated there.  Generally, this means that the maximum height of a centerpiece should be no more than 12" high.  

A centerpiece sets the tone for a meal, promoting quiet elegance, cozy comfort, and personal appeal.  Go see what you have in your yard that could bring some of the sunshine inside to your own dinner table!

Napkins Bling

 

Yesterday a friend stopped by and brought a gift that brought me simple delight!

 

Old, worn napkin rings were adorned with bling, bling, bling!  Old earrings and broaches from some woman's  jewelry box were recycled to make this lovely gift. The result was a set of vintage hoops for napkins of linen and lace.

 

Quirky and pretty, these rings will assist me as entertainer at many an afternoon tea.  Can you picture them with an assortment of old china, mismatched silverware, hand-painted teacups and saucers,  and a three-tiered tray of scones, dainty tea sandwiches, and tiny desserts?

My friend's gracious gift was melded with the hospitality of a cup of tea.  We chatted for hours, sharing tidbits of our lives.  We were reluctant to end  the afternoon, but parted with plans to share time and a cuppa tea together again soon.  Someday soon I'll share about some of the 

other gifts she brought.  Life is good!

Happiness, Joy, and Blessings

Enjoy a wonderful and relaxing week-end!
Many blessings to you!

Happy Spring!!!

Spring has arrived! Beautiful daffodils burst into bloom on the first day of spring. How cool is that? I couldn't resist bringing some inside to help with the ongoing evolution of the table centerpiece! Cheerful, yellow, fresh, and fragrant --- they anchored the centerpiece that was surrounded with colorful nests and eggs.

Happy Spring!

By the way, Vee has caught the centerpiece bug. Visit her and see what is gracing her table today.

Centerpiece Evolution

It's fun to create centerpieces out of things you have around the house and to observe their evolution as days pass. I'm always adding or taking something away and the centerpiece becomes a dynamic part of the home decor. Today's table centerpiece isn't all that different than last weeks unless you look closely. A gathering of milk glass candy dishes become pedestals for mismatched antique bread and butter plates. Tiny birds nests and eggs with a glass dome atop create variation in height on the dining room table. Candles circled by napkin rings guard each end. Featured center is a cheese dome covering a porcelain bouquet of Old Country Roses flowers in a vase. A cheerful yellow bird adds accent and three tiny crystal vases are scattered throughout, waiting for some garden flowers to be placed in the scene. Maybe tomorrow, as there are little snowdrops and crocus blooming in the tea garden outside the door. . .

Centerpieces ala Spring!

Edith Shaeffer, in her book The Hidden Art of Homemaking, shares her belief that there should always be a centerpiece on the dining room table. She emphasizes how this brings grace and beauty to the home, and how children benefit from the centeredness that results from this tradition. Centerpieces do not need to be expensive or store-bought. She empathizes the use of objects found in nature; things that children can help gather. Twigs, shells, rocks, leaves, moss, and flowers are all things that can be found outside quiet easily. Even in the coldest months of winter, evergreen branches or dry twigs can be used. Ever since reading her her book, I have tried to keep a simple centerpiece on the dining room table. It changes according to mood and what is available. My centerpiece for early March was made of a place mat, a round plate, sea shells, and a potted daffodil plant. Simple, yet effective, it helped bring SPRING to the dining room table!

Chintz and Tableware

I stopped by the health food store today to purchase some gluten-free oats and it was obvious that something special was going on. In the back of the store, tables were set up with beautiful settings of fabrics, flowers, and clear glass tableware. A side table held a lovely display of clear glass beverage ware and serving trays. A cookbook display was set up with interesting vegan recipe books. I was very interested in the table linens. They were effective, beautiful, elegant, and inexpensive! The presentation was quite stunning.

Matching table clothes covered each table. Place mats and napkins were simply squares of chintz fabric that had been cut into squares with pinking sheers for a pretty edged effect. There was not sewing, lining, or fuss --- just pinked squares of fabric cut from a beautiful print. Chintz fabric has wonderful "body" and a pretty "sheen" to the top side. Made from cotton, it washes and wears very well. I didn't have my camera with me, but my cell phone camera worked quite well in getting these pictures to share with you.

I was curious about the "event" that would be taking place, so asked a few questions of the store owner. She said that she is hosting a "vegan gastronomical event" this evening for a group of twenty individuals. It's a seven course, sit down, candlelight dinner consisting of only plant foods. Local fresh herbs from a nearby herb farm will be featured. Hors d'oevres will be served, recipes shared, prizes given, and vegan cooking demonstrations presented. The vegan feast will be featuring recipes from the Vegan Vittles cookbook. Doesn't it sound like fun?

If you'd like to see more ideas for chintz fabric, check out this site:
I Luv Fabrix

*Note that although the "shiny" is only on one side of the chintz print, the design is visible from both sides. This is important to keep in mind when choosing a project like this, as the folded napkin looks best with pattern on both sides.