Also known as Fondant Fancies or French Fancies, these fancy confections would be served at the end of dinner or with coffee and tea. All the women of Downton Abbey would want to offer this rather beautiful treat with their tea service.
We’ve all had a difficult time waiting for The Downton Abbey movie to release and are excited to throw a pre screening tea party the night before the national release and you’re invited! Additional information for the pre screening is included at the bottom of this post.
To keep ourselves occupied, we’ve been thumbing through this delectable cookbook and are looking forward to preparing a couple of these recipes for our guests here at The Secret Garden Tea Room and Gift Shop.
I feel a tea party coming on. More importantly though, I am jazzed that I’m able to share this second recipe with you with the permission of Adams Media and Simon and Schuster, of course.
This gorgeous expanded edition provide features recipes for more than 150 dishes inspired by the award-winning series.
Taking inspiration from both the show and the times — and featuring dozens of photos as well as historical insights — the cookbook will delight any Downton Abbey fan as well as home cooks with a taste for the way people (both upstairs and downstairs) ate in a bygone era. From cucumber sandwiches and berry scones for afternoon tea to dinner party fare of smoked salmon mousse and stuffed leg of lamb with almond fig sauce and hearty staff lunches featuring Yorkshire pudding and bubble and squeak, readers will become real life Mrs. Patmores as they turn out food fit for the Crawleys!
…and as an added bonus, everyone who attends the The Roaring Twenties Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea, receives a copy of this elegant and delicious cookbook! Yes, everyone!
2. For cake: In a large bowl, cream together butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy. Then beat in vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Be sure to beat well after each addition.
4. In a small bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form, then add to batter.
5. Pour mixture into a well-greased and lightly floured 9″ baking pan. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before moving cake to wire rack to cool completely.
6. Cut a thin slice off each side of the cake, then cut cake into 1″ squares. Place squares a half inch apart on a large baking sheet.
7. For glaze: In a large bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar, water, and orange and almond extracts. Beat until well blended, then apply glaze evenly over tops and sides of cake squares. Let dry. Repeat if necessarily to thoroughly coat squares. Make sure glaze dries completely.
8. For fondant: In another large bowl, mix together corn syrup and shortening. Mix in salt and vanilla, then gradually mix in confectioners’ sugar and knead by hand until it forms a stiff dough. If dough is sticky, add more confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
9. Roll out dough on a clean surface that has been dusted with confectioners’ sugar. Roll dough until it is no thicker than ⅛” thick. Cut fondant to fit over cakes, and smooth fondant down over the sides of the cakes.
Etiquette Lessons There is a certain etiquette for eating a petit four depending on its size. Large petits fours that take more than two bites to eat should be eaten with a fork. Small petits fours of one or two bites are eaten with the fingers. Either way, it is polite to serve your petits fours in a paper wrapper to protect your guests’ fingers from the delicate frosting.
We are delighted to share a recipe from The Unofficial Downton Abbey Cookbook, Expanded Edition by Emily Ansara Baines.
The Secret Garden Tea Room & Gift Shop will feature this recipe at The Roaring Twenties Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea, on September 15th and each guest will receive a copy. We hope to see you there!
Who said it? (answer at bottom of page) “It’s the gloomy things that need our help. If everything in the garden is sunny, why meddle?”
1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
24 slices white bread
12 sprigs dill, for garnish
Method
Blend cream cheese and mayonnaise in a blender until smooth, scraping down sides and blending thoroughly.
Combine cream cheese mixture with cucumber, garlic salt, white pepper, and chopped dill. Spread mixture on top of twelve white bread slices, and garnish with dill sprigs. Cover with other bread slices to form sandwiches. Cut and discard crusts from bread, then cut sandwiches into quarters.
Times Gone By
Legend has it that one of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting is the creator of afternoon tea. Knowing the Queen felt hungry around four p.m. and perhaps fretted before dinner, her lady-in-waiting started the trend of serving tea with a few breadstuffs. Soon, teatime had taken hold of England.
We cordially invite you to join us the evening of September 19th for an exclusive pre screening of The Downton Abbey movie.
The anticipation has been nearly unbearable as we’ve all waited for the release and our impatience finally took hold of us. Elizabeth has rented a theatre and is throwing a tea party! Sip tea and nibble on scones and shortbread, while being among the first watch the movie we’ve all been waiting for.
Bring your own tea cup!
Paper cups will of course be provided if you forget to bring your own.
Period dress is encouraged
The movie takes place in the year 1927. Dress as your favorite character, the series decade you like most or in roaring 20’s attire.
When
Thursday, September 19th at 7:00 p.m. Please arrive at 6:30 p.m.
Where
Cinemark in Federal Way
2201 South Commons, 320th & Hwy 99
Federal Way, Washington 98003
Tickets
The Downton Abbey Movie pre screen movie tickets are $35 per person.
To purchase tickets, please call The Secret Garden Tea Room & Gift Shop, 253.826.4479 and ask for the gift shop where we will be happy to take your order over the phone. Our hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 4pm. As theatre space is limited, we advise you purchase your seat(s) early.
Tickets will also be available for purchase at the Vintage Market at The Secret Garden Tea Room & Gift Shop in Sumner, Washington on August 17th and 18th. (address is below)
What’s included
Pre screen of The Downton Abbey Movie
Tea, scones and shortbread
Prize for best costume and 2 runners up
…and giveaways
We can’t wait to see you.
Due to theatre constraints, nibbles are provided by Panera Bread.
The Secret Garden Tea Room & Gift Shop
1711 Elm Street | Sumner, Washington 98390
253.826.4479
Summer is here, lavender is blooming and backyard entertaining is in full swing. This elegant, floral libation is perfect for any occasion. An afternoon backyard gathering, a dinner party under the stars or a simple girls night in.
This simple recipe serves 16 and is perfect for an afternoon or evening of bubbly conversation.
Depending on the variety, lavender blooms are usually at their peak from late June through August. Harvest the flower stems on a dry day, in the late morning hours after any dew has evaporated. Fresh bouquets should be cut when about one-third to one-half of the flowers have opened. Let’sdoLavender.com
4 bottles (750 mL) dry Champagne or sparkling wine, chilled
Fresh lavender sprigs, for garnish
Directions
Bring sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Stir in dried lavender. Remove from heat. Let cool completely. Strain out lavender. Refrigerate syrup until ready to serve.
Pour a small amount if simple syrup into each flute or coupe, about 1 1/2 teaspoons and fill glass with Champagne. Garnish each glass with a lavender sprig.
Make Ahead:Simple syrup can be refrigerated for up to 1 month.
Our Mother’s Day Tea Weekend at The Secret Garden Tea Room and Gift Shop was a spectacular event and we would like to thank all of our guests who chose to spend their very special Saturday or Sunday with us.
Elizabeth’s exquisite menu for this special event began with this delectable Strawberry Basil Parfait. A delightful twist on the Strawberry Jello-O Pretzel Salad, Elizabeth added balsamic to cut the sweetness, basil for a touch of elegance and used glass cups to create individual starters for each guest.
We are delighted to share this recipe with you and invite you to please take a moment and view the entire menu and photographs below the recipe.
Preheat oven to 350˚.
Toss crushed pretzels with melted butter, add sugar and mix well. Spread on baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
Mix together cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip.
Dissolve Jell-O in boiling water and set in refrigerator until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes. Fold in strawberries and basil.
Using individual glass cups, pipe in a small bit of cream cheese mixture in the bottom. Pour in Jell-O and chill until firm.
Before serving, pipe top with cream cheese mixture, sprinkle toasted pretzel topping and add a sprig of basil.
The Menu
Pot of Tea
Toasting Glass of Sparkling Wine or Cider (First Blush of Summer White Sangria or Fruit Tea Red Sangria)
Strawberry Basil Parfait
Flower Fairy Salad with Rhubarb Vinaigrette
Sorbet
Warm Scones with Devonshire Cream, Jam and Lemon Curd
Tiered Rack with Tea Sandwiches, Savories and Sweets
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Since we are headed to France for our next Tea Tour, (see note below) we thought we would share a simple French Flavor recipe.
Last year’s award winning Les Misérables, reminded us why we love France. There is magical, mythical Paris–“the city of love”–but our affection for France extends to their countless contributions to art, history, fashion, architecture, iconic monuments (the Eiffel Tower and our own Statue of Liberty–a gift from the French) and of course, food.
Haute cuisine is classical French cuisine, known for meats and stews, heavy sauces, flour, and butter while nouvelle cuisine offers healthier, vibrant and more innovative ingredients. Cities across the globe boast brasseries and restaurants with a take on French cuisine. Also revered are the everpresent pâtisseries. Found throughout France, these shops are beautifully decorated and filled with a stunning array of desserts and sweets.
Chefs come from around the world for lengthy training in the fine art of pastry making.
If you’re looking for a quick taste of France without jetting off to Paree, try this simple
yet superb recipe for Lavender Provencal Popcorn.
2 teaspoons Herbs de Provence with lavender – see below
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
Place popcorn in a large bowl and drizzle with melted butter; toss.
Evenly sprinkle Herbs de Provence, garlic and salt over popcorn; toss again and serve.
Notes
Note: For fewer calories, omit butter. Spray popcorn lightly with cooking spray. Evenly sprinkle Herbs de Provence, garlic and salt over popcorn; toss again and serve.
Each Sunday, we publish a small bit of information about tea, tea pottery and tea accessories. If you have questions, comments or would like to see us publish an article on a specific topic, please let us know.
White Tea
White tea is the most delicate and freshest tea available as it is minimally processed.
New, young tea leaves and buds from the Camellia senensis plant are harvested for only a few weeks each spring. This happens only in the Northern District of Fujian, China and can only be labeled white tea if it comes from the Fujian Province.
“Camellia sinensis is a species of evergreen shrub or small tree whose leaves and leaf buds are used to produce tea. It is of the genus Camellia (Chinese: 茶花; pinyin: Cháhuā, literally: “tea flower”)
of flowering plants in the family Theaceae. -wikipedia”
The leaves are typically picked mid-March to early April and only during the right conditions. The leaves cannot be picked if it is rainy or humid.
White tea is named for the silvery type down that covers the leaves and unopened buds. This is known as “Hao”.
Flavor profile
As the flavor is so delicate, common flavor profile descriptions include:
Floral
Sweet
Grassy
Delicate
Honey
Subtle
Fruity
Mild
Melon
Herby
Peach
Citrus
Apricot
Chocolate
Vanilla
Storage
Tea does not go bad, but it can go stale. If cared for properly your tea will remain fabulous for up to a year.
Store tea in a cool, dark place and away from oxygen and moisture.
Never store tea in the refrigerator.
Your tea will last longer if stored in an opaque, airtight container.
Coffee and spices can spread their flavor on to your tea, so it should be stored in a different cupboard or pantry.
How to brew the perfect pot of tea
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In order for tea to reach its maximum flavor, the tea leaves need room to expand.
Tea bags are too small to allow the leaves to unfurl and release flavor. This means they are generally filled with tea-dust, the tiny leaf particles that break off during the processing of tea leaves. They add color, but very little flavor.
For the intoxicating aroma and brilliant flavor of full-leaf gourmet tea, add the correct amount of tea directly to your teapot, add water, steep and pour through a strainer into your cup. (See chart below)
“Herbal teas are actually dried flowers.”
Types of Tea
Tisane (tih-ZANN) is a French word for herbal infusion. These “teas” include herbal, fruit, Rooibos and Yerba Mate. Typically, they are dried flowers, herbs and fruits steeped in boiling water. No tea required. We will touch more on this in future blog posts, so please check back often.
Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world (water is number one) and below is a sampling of tea types that tea lovers in the U.S. enjoy from around the world.
White Tea
Green Tea
Oolong Tea
Black Tea
Pu’erh Tea
Flavor combinations
A flavored tea begin with a base of white, green or black tea and then fruits, berries, nuts, flowers, herbs or other ingredients are added. Flavors are combined to both enhance and complement. For instance, coconut and lemon, toffee and caramel, or dried lavender buds, Earl Grey bergamot oil and the essence of sweet cream. To the delight of tea lovers around the world, flavor combinations are endless.
How to brew the perfect cup of tea
Warm your teapot by filling it with very hot tap water.
Fill your teakettle with fresh, cold water and place on high heat.
When your water reaches the correct temperature (see below), pour the warm water out of the teapot and add the tea leaves.
Add the hot water and let steep amount of minutes for tea type (see below)
Pour through a strainer into your tea-cup or use a tea filter in the pot.
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Join us as we explore many sides of this beautiful Canadian province. Our adventures will take us to the metropolitan city of Vancouver and of course the elegant and lovely Victoria, the closest thing to England this side of the Atlantic.
Tour museums, gardens, markets while enjoying afternoon tea each day.
(see itinerary below)
This tour will be a uniquely casual, family-style experience as we travel together as a small group enjoying various modes of local transportation. A luxury passenger van, ferry and a horse-drawn carriage.
There will be free time in the schedule for independent excursions or relaxation too, as most evenings are free to enjoy any way you wish.
What is included in tour price
Lodging
All group travel in Canada
All group tour entries
All group transportation
Breakfast
Afternoon Tea
What Is NOT included
Most dinners
Lunches and Snacks
Optional tours and events
Tour Dates and Cost
Monday, September 8, to September 12, 2019
Price $1595 Based on double occupancy Plus airfare or transportation to Sumner, WA
We will meet very early on Monday, September 8th.
There are luggage limitations on this tour: one medium-sized suitcase and one day bag or large handbag for your wallet, iPad.
Day 1 Travel to Anacortes, WA Ferry through San Juan Islands Cream Tea on the ferry Tea at The Empress Hotel Arrive in Victoria (2 nights)
Day 2 Double Decker Bus Tour Craigdarroch Castle Royal BC Museum Afternoon Tea
Day 3 Butchart Gardens Tea at Butchart Gardens Ferry to Vancouver (2 nights)
Day 4 Granville Island Carriage ride thru Stanley Park Afternoon Tea
Day 5 Fort Langley Afternoon Tea Travel to Kamloops (1 night)
Please join us here at The Secret Garden Tea Room and Gift Shop and celebrate Mom Saturday May 11th and Sunday May 12th.
This year’s Mother’s Day Tea is a five-course, garden themed event.
Reservations are only taken by phone, 253.826.4479 or in person.To reserve and purchase your table or for additional information, please call during business hours, Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm. All tickets for the weekend event are purchased in advanced.
Menu
Pot of Tea
Toasting Glass of Sparkling Wine or Cider
Strawberry Basil Parfait
Flower Fairy Salad ith Rhubarb Vinaigrette
Sorbet
Warm Scones with Devonshire Cream, Jam and Lemon Curd
Tiered Rack with Tea Sandwiches, Savories and Sweets
Warm Towel & Commemorative Photograph
Cost is $65 per person | Children’s version $50
Price includes tax and gratuity.
This tea is also available Gluten Free ($5 add) Vegetarian or Nut Free, with advanced notice.
Please visit our website’s special events tab for additional information.
Do you need gift ideas for Mom? Come shop with us!
We are delighted to share a recipe from The Unofficial Downton Abbey Cookbook, Expanded Edition by Emily Ansara Baines.
Ingredients
Period dress is encouraged
Due to theatre constraints, nibbles are provided by Panera Bread.
Ingredients
The Secret Garden Tea Room and Gift Boutique
Since we are headed to France for our next 
Ingredients
As the flavor is so delicate, common flavor profile descriptions include:
Loose Leaf Tea vs. Tea Bags 
Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world (water is number one) and below is a sampling of tea types that tea lovers in the U.S. enjoy from around the world.
How to brew the perfect cup of tea
Please join us here at The Secret Garden Tea Room and Gift Shop and celebrate Mom Saturday May 11th and Sunday May 12th.
