Life Is Simply Bliss

 

 

AN AUTUMN TEA

What a wonderful month September is!  The heat and humidity of summer have gone away.  September has brought us back to a normal lifestyle,  the children have returned back to school and life for a short time has begun to mellow.  I sense the feel of Autumn in the air.  The trees start their gorgeous parade of reds,  yellows,  and oranges.  Our thoughts go to crackling fires in the fireplace,  shorter days,  and more time for cozying up on the couch to immerse yourself in a good book.  Even those who do not typically sit with a cup of tea will find themselves longing to sit with friends while sipping this soothing balm for the soul.  Delicious Autumn!!

 

 

 

MENU

Cheddar Chutney Tea Sandwiches

Scones

Apple Cider Tea

 

 

RECIPE

 

 

Cheddar Chutney Tea Sandwiches

 

One 9-ounce jar Major Grey’s chutney (about 1/2 cup), pieces chopped

1/2 pound sharp Cheddar cheese (preferably white), grated coarse (about 2 cups)

1/2 cup sour cream

3 ounces cream cheese, softened

12 very thin slices homemade-type whole-wheat bread

1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro leaves

1/3 cup mayonnaise

In a bowl stir together chutney, Cheddar, sour cream, cream cheese, and salt and pepper to taste until combined well.

Make 6 sandwiches with filling and bread, pressing together gently. With a 1 1/2 inch round cutter cut 4 rounds from each sandwich. Makes 24 tea Sandwiches

 

 

Cream Scones

 

2 cups of flour

1 T. baking powder

1/4 t. salt

4 T. sugar

6 T. butter

2 eggs, beaten

1/3 cup cream, milk or half & half

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. With a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, combine eggs and cream until well blended. Stir cream mixture into dry ingredients until they are moistened. Divide the dough into 2  8-inch rounds on a greased baking sheet. Cut the dough with a sharp knife into 8 wedges. Brush the top with milk and sprinkle on sugar. Bake at 400* for 10 to 15 minutes or until the scones are golden brown.

 

 

Apple Cider Tea

 

2 1/2 t. black tea leaves

2 1/2 cups of water

1/4 cup of sugar

juice of two oranges (about 1 cup)

5 cups apple cider

8 thin lemon slices

Following the traditional method,  make tea from tea leaves and boiling water;  allow to brew for 5 minutes.  Place sugar in a large bowl or pitcher.  Strain hot tea into bowl and stir until sugar is dissolved. Stir in orange juice.  Just before serving ,  add apple cider and reheat.  Pour into cups and offer a slice of lemon for each guest.  Serves 10

 

 

“No Spring nor Summer Beauty hath such grace

As I have seen in one Autumnal face.”

–   John Donne

 

 

Delicious autumn!

My very soul is wedded to it,

and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth

seeking the successive autumns.

George Eliot