The day started out with the frantic preparation of Valentine's Day gifts, frantic because I woke up late and was expecting company for TEA in less than 3 hours
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| Macarons: red bean, raspberry, mango, strawberry-lemon curd |
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| I used my new stamp set for the first time, Red birds on brown stickers from PaperSource |
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| Lindt chocolates in colors corresponding to the macarons |
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| Domestic bliss |
With the treats done, I quickly tidied up around the house and got cracking on experimental savory scones
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| I omitted the sugar and added capers and grated white cheddar to the SAVOY Hotel recipe |
The evening before, I embarked on a red velvet marathon baking session which resulted in a "bumper crop" of red velvet cupcakes and a layer cakes
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| Red velvet batter on the way |
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| 3 lbs cream cheese, 1/2 pound butter and 2 lbs powdered sugar: | A LOT OF FROSTING |
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| Red velvet cupcakes, perfect party favors |
Since it was Valentine's day and the weather was springlike, I opted to use the
apple blossom patterned Bavarian dishes inherited from Raleigh's grandmother Olive Batten
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| "Apple Blossom" by Tirchenreuth, Bavaria |
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| La Perruche rough cut sugar cubes |
And tea must also include homemade macarons off course, and we had raspberry, strawberry and mango
The scones turned out really well, can't wait to make them again
I love the moment hot water is first poured on loose tea leaves, the aroma is wonderful as the leaves begin to unfurl
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| I paired the "Apple Blossom" with brown Toile napkins from Pottery Barn, Johnson Brothers "Greendawn" plates |
And our centerpiece of Valentine's tea, red velvet cake!
I was very pleased with how the red velvet cake turned out, it had a good chocolate flavor perfectly balanced with just the right amount of tartness in the cream cheese frosting, not bad for a 1st attempt. And it was perfect with a cup of Assam blend tea
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| A perfect ending to a lovely afternoon tea! |
I opened the windows after tea and the cats formed a heart...
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| Happy Valentine's Day! |
They were looking out at the visiting cat out on the deck
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