Elizabeth’s Strawberry Basil Parfait

May27

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.

Strawberry Basil Parfait

file-2Ingredients

Part I

  • 2 cups pretzels, finely crushed
  • 6 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

 

Part II

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 10 ounces Cool Whip
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

 

Part III

  • 6-ounce package strawberry Jell-O
  • 2 cups water
  • 16-ounce package frozen sliced, sweetened strawberries
  • 1/2 cup basil, chiffonade, loosely packed

 

Assembly

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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the secret garden tea room photo credit the secret garden tea room and gift shopThe Secret Garden Tea Room and Gift Boutique
1711 Elm Street | Sumner, Washington 98390
253.826.4479  |  sgtea.com

 

 

Lavender Provencal Popcorn

May3

parisSince 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.

Lavender Provencal Popcorn

LavenderProvencal__21154_F.tif1Ingredients

  • 2 quarts popped popcorn
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 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.


Herbs de Provence (with lavender)

Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons dried savory
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers (optional)

 

Note: Our Tea Tour of France is sold out and has been closed, please check out our 11 Day Tea Tour of British Columbia in September!

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Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, online or visit our location in Sumner, Washington.

the secret garden tea room photo credit the secret garden tea room and gift shopThe Secret Garden Tea Room and Gift Boutique
1711 Elm Street | Sumner, Washington 98390
253.826.4479  |  sgtea.com