Lately afternoon tea has been on our mind. Why? Maybe it has to do with the lovely ritual, the slow deliberateness of it, or just the pretty dishes and respite from the day it provides.
This past weekend, The New York Times published a little piece on afternoon tea (and drew a distinction between that and "high tea;" the latter has been historically associated with the British and would take place later in the day with heartier foods). Afternoon tea is what so many of us think of: little sandwiches, lovely sweets, and sterling silver.
Depending on where you live, you can probably still hunt down a spot to enjoy a good afternoon tea. The New York Times detailed many favorite spots in Manhattan, but we like the idea of creating your very own little afternoon tea at your desk, cubicle, or kitchen table. Because when it comes right down to it, afternoon tea is really all about taking a moment to breathe and break away from the day, isn't it?
What routines or rituals do you have to allow yourself to step back for a moment?
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Yes, but HOW do I get some of that fig tart in the photo?
Taunting us with that photo and then not sharing the fig tart recipe is just plain mean :)
At my former job a group of us always did afternoon tea. It was a great way to take a moment. Going to have to go back to this.
afternoon tea is must for me,,;;-)
though most of the time i have it alone,,but i truly enjoy the moment
Seriously. Come on guys! Post that fig tart recipe!
I don't have any way to get tea in the afternoon without spending too much for it in a cafe, but I've recently started a ritual with the same basic premise. When I get home at 6:00 (after my 2 hour commute), I sit down and the dining room table and have dessert with my wife. It gives me a half hour (ish) break before I have to get up and make dinner, and it keeps either of us from being hungry while I'm cooking. It's so relaxing just to sit there for a while instead to rushing to do chores when I get home. Plus, it feels decadent to eat dessert first. ^_~
Fig tart recipe please!! Also, are those heath plates?
My undergraduate college -- University College at the University of Toronto -- had afternoon tea every afternoon for the undergrads. It was pretty low-key: you'd show up, grab a mug of tea and a couple cookies, and hang out on the balcony catching up with people. It was a really great way to take a light study break mid-afternoon, and give you enough calories to make it through to dinner.
Man, life would be better if there were an institutionalized tea break every afternoon.
Oh yes, the fig tart recipe, please!
Oh! Fig Tart recipe is on my blog, actually. And yes, they're Heath plates (good eye).
http://asweetspoonful.com/2010/09/weekends-and-figs.html
Ah, afternoon tea; I have read some teas are medicinal,too, so i read about Olive Leaf Tea and now i sell it in Calgary Alberta, 403 225 0351; $25 for a months supply delivered to you! homebased little enterprise for me! give me an email: paul-lauren@hotmail.com!