Tuesday, May 01, 2012

A Delight of the Heart



The tea group I belong to is having its twelfth anniversary reunion tea in Ohio this coming Saturday. I am unable to attend, but my "tea and blogging buddy", Marilyn, will be there. She and her husband are on a road trip and the reunion tea is in on their schedule. This is also the month that Marilyn hosts the traveling teapot. I was happy that they were able to make a stop on their journey to join me for lunch. Of course they brought the traveling teapot with them! My friend and neighbor, Karleen, came to lunch as well and graciously helped me with the finishing touches of our meal together. We had a menu that incorporated seasonal fruits and vegetables...broccoli quiche, roasted sweet potato wedges with Herbs d' Provence (my own blend which included lavender from my garden), farm-fresh asparagus, spinach salad with toasted pecans and strawberries, whole wheat bread (right out of the oven), and black current jam. Marilyn prepared the tea for us, decanting a teapot of Golden Yunnan (in the plum-colored traveling teapot) and another of Shanti Tulsi Tisane. Marilyn poured the tea for each of us, filling each teacup only three-quarters full. She said that was her tradition, as the rest of the teacup is left empty so it can be filled with love.  For dessert we had "Obst Kuchen", a German fresh fruit flan with a sponge-cake base that's topped with a layer of custard, then fresh fruit, and a fruit glaze on top. It is served with a whipped cream topping. Traditionally this dessert is served throughout Germany during the afternoon coffee hour, but it lends itself nicely to "afternoon tea". It's a recipe that has been in our family for many years.  We had a pleasant time chatting about our shared interests in afternoon tea, blogging, and gardening. The highlight of our conversation was their delight in their first grand baby who will be joining their family in September! Their visit was truly a "delight of the heart"!

10 comments:

  1. martha e10:37 AM

    Spending time with Marilyn is truly a delight. Your table and food looks beautiful with such thoughtful foods. I loved reading about your family recipe for Obst Kuchen. It looks especially yummy and beautiful. So glad you all had such a nice visit.

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  2. A very lovely time and beautiful table full of delicious foods! A beautiful post :)

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  3. Oh my LORD, La Tea Dah. That menu sounded FABULOUS. Wowsers. Wish I could have been there. Susan

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  4. Sounds alike a lovely time for all!

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  5. So nice to see you together!

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  6. Gwen was telling me about this get-together and though I also can't attend, I would love to go. Wouldn't it be great to actually meet face-to-face?

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  7. the photo collage says it all - great gathering of friends, gracious hospitality, beautiful table, fabulous visit, equisite menu, fantastic visit among friends, absolutely delightful! Thanks for sharing.

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  8. A beautiful table you set...I'm sure that the fellowship was sweet.

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  9. It's so nice to see Marilyn in your home! I wish I could have tagged along to meet everyone. Next time maybe everyone can come this way!
    ~Adrienne~

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  10. Oh yum! Lunch sounds delicious! Always nice to share good food with good friends. Best wishes, Tammy

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Thank you for commenting on my blog post. I am always happy to hear from blog readers. Your words encourage and inspire me. I am glad you stopped by to share conversation, recipes, ideas, and thoughts on creating a welcoming home.