Wednesday, September 25, 2013

A L O N E with T E A


“Have you ever heard the wonderful silence just before the dawn? Or the quiet and calm just as a storm ends? Or perhaps you know the silence when you haven't the answer to a question you've been asked, or the hush of a country road at night, or the expectant pause of a room full of people when someone is just about to speak, or, most beautiful of all, the moment after the door closes and you're alone in the whole house? Each one is different, you know, and all very beautiful if you listen carefully.”

Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth


Tea for one during a quiet time of the day can provide respite in the midst of busy days. A quality tea with milk and sweetener feels so good as it slides down one's throat. Adding a sweet or savory treat to nibble on adds to the moment. It's amazing how these quiet moments can provide refreshment and renewed energy to face the daily scenes of life. Alone time at the tea table can be a wonderful way to start the day. The little plum teapot seems to enjoy the ritual.


Madeleines a' la Lavende

Madeleines are small, shell-shaped tea cakes made from genoise cake batter. Scented with lavender and with sweet glaze and a flower to embellish, they are a perfect combination of deliciousness!

3/4 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. dried or 2 Tbsp. fresh lavender flowers
2 Tbsp. plus 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla
1 cup unsifted all purpose flour
Confectioners' sugar

In a food processor with chopping blade, process granulated sugar and flowers until flowers are finely chopped.

Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Brush 36 madeleine-pan molds with 2 Tbsp. of the melted butter.

In a large bowl, with electric mixer at high speed, beat eggs with lavender-sugar mixture and vanilla until light and fluffy, about five minutes. At medium speed, gradually beat in remaining 3/4 cup melted butter.

With wire whisk, fold in flour. Spoon a scant 1 tablespoon batter into each mold. Bake 8 - 10 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from pan. Cool on wire rack. Store in airtight container. Just before serving, dust curved bottom side with confectioners' sugar.


The teapot is filled with the tea for the day; Earl Grey Lavender from Adagio Teas. Its sweet, floral fragrance is notably soothing, invoking relaxation. It's perfect for a tranquil tea alone.


"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want."

Bill Watterson
Calvin and Hobbes



"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness."

Lam 3:23


" Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee."

Psalm 143:8


Since the lavender bud teapot was displaced by the little plum teapot it filled another role. Instead of standing by without purpose, it holds a generous bouquet of fresh lavender. With no water in the pot, the lavender will dry in the shape it holds and will look beautiful and smell fragrant for months ahead.

Now, go. Take on the day!

6 comments:

  1. Now I just want to go somewhere and enjoy peace and quiet with my cup of Tea! I love the bible vserses, some of my favorite ones! Have a Blessed Day!

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a beautiful posting here! Love tea set and yummy tea time!

    ReplyDelete
  3. That was a visually, mentally, and spiritually refreshing post! Thank you!
    I am gearing up for a fall tea...a thermos full of hot tea, crisp apples and pears, cheeses and molasses ginger cookies to be consumed on a plaid wool blanket at a picnic table in the golden woods. Lapsang Souchong, the smoky roasted tea ought to be served but it is just too smoky tasting for me! Probably will serve a black tea with spices instead. Have you tried Lapsang? Did you like it?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful. I've always wanted to try making madeleines - yours look delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I always love your lavender posts. Gorgeous in everyway.
    I need to try making madeleines one of these days. My one
    attempt didn't work so well.

    ReplyDelete
  6. My sweetheart is hunting somewhere in the mountains - the weather outside my home is blustery and wet - and I love the quiet moments I've enjoyed. With a cup of tea and the sweet words of God's Word. I'd love to share quiet moments of tea with you, my friend. Perhaps it will happen some day!
    ~Adrienne~

    ReplyDelete

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.