California is truly the Golden State. It has a culture all its own inspired by people who treasure tradition and embrace innovation. It is a place of natural and man-made wonders from the towering redwoods and Yosemite to the Golden Gate Bridge and the old Spanish missions that connect this glorious state from south to north like a string of luminous pearls. California is the home of the film industry and the birthplace of the computer. Owned successively by Spain and Mexico before joining the United States, this multi-cultural paradise is also the place where the Food Revolution began. California Cuisine heralds the return of real food—fresh, natural and simply but elegantly prepared.
Our California Afternoon Tea celebrates the agricultural abundance of the Golden State. Let’s take a real or imaginary road trip on the most beautiful road in the world, Highway One, down the magnificent California coastline from the wine country, past Marin County’s dairy farms, the garlic, artichoke and berry fields of Gilroy, Castroville and Watsonville, to the orange, avocado and pomegranate groves of the sunny south. Along the way we will honor the California farmers, vintners, fisherman and food artisans who have made this menu possible.
In Watsonville fog, lagoon,
New quinces and sweet peas scent watches
The cool afternoon.
A hawk soars over
moon, Highway 101, passing
fall An artichoke field.
Under the live oak
With his tail feathers fanned, the
Peacock struts and squawks
Pepper trees dangle
Over oranges;the
Loud humming of bees.
In the warm noon air,
A California condor
Soars down the canyon.
Sea gulls at Del Mar
Beach stand with the surfers on
The cold, foggy sand.
Near the still
A great gray heron
A rabbit hop by.
Under the full
Jacaranda blossoms
In hazy twilight.
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THE TEA BOOK
The Road Back to Civilization
A Brief History of Tea
Philosophy of Tea
Harmony
Humility
Respect
Creativity
Guidelines for the Host/Hostess
Gathering and Greeting
Sharing Stories
Sharing Food
Sending the Guests Home
Respect your Hostess/Host
Bring a Gift if You Wish
Practice Humility
Monitor Your Conversation
Arrive With a Grateful Attitude
Help if Help is Needed
Do Not Criticize
Leave Gracefully
Send a Thank you Note
A Checklist for Planning a Tea Party
Teas of the World and How to Make Tea
A Sampling of Teas
Herbal Teas and Tisanes
How to Make Tea
Making Iced Tea
Tea Concentrate
Brewing Tea for a Crowd
Tea Kettle
Tea Pot
Tea Cozy
Teacups
Plates
Silverware
Teacart
Tea Strainer
Tea Infuser
Three-Tiered Server
Cream Pitcher and Sugar Bowl
Cake Pedestal
Trifle Bowl
Jam Pots
Serving Dishes, Platters, and Trays
Silver Tea Set or Silver Tray
Linens
Kitchen Equipment for Food Preparation
Sandwiches and Savories
Savory Spreads and Dips
Scones and Tea Breads
Afternoon Tea and the Four Seasons
A Spring Tea
An Outdoor Summer Tea
A Winter Afternoon Tea
An Autumn Afternoon Tea
January:A Japanese New Year’s Tea
February:Valentine’s Day Tea
March:A St. Patrick’s Day Irish Tea
April:An Easter Tea
May:Mother’s day Tea
June:A Wedding Reception Tea
July:A Picnic Tea
AUGUST:A FAMILY REUNION TEA
A North American Family Reunion Tea
An Eastern Mediterranean Family Reunion Tea
A Kosher Family Reunion Tea
A Scandinavian Family Reunion Tea
September:An Ozark Farm Harvest Tea
October:A Tea to Honor Our Ancestors(Dia de los Muertos)
November:A Post Thanksgiving Tea
December: A Christmas Tea
In Defense of Fruitcake:Fruitcakes and Candied Fruit
A Chinese Dim Sum Tea
A Portuguese Tea
A Classic British Afternoon Tea
An Indian Chai Party
A California Tea
A Hawaiian Tea
An Italian Tea
An American Southern Tea
A Russian Tea
A French Afternoon Tea
A Kosher Teawith Traditional Jewish Foods
Afternoon Tea for Special Occasions
An Afternoon Tea for Children
A Tea for Our Elders
A Honey Bee Tea in the Garden
An Urban Tea on the Go
Tea for One
Afternoon Tea For a Large Group
A Vegan Tea
A Rose Tea