November 2013

Posted on November 9, 2013 by Penelope
ladiestrans

Christmas is Coming…Many exciting things!

Mentioned in current issue of Tea Time Magazine…page 11…that’s really a blessing.

Don’t forget Christmas is just around the corner and we have some great gift ideas for you!

  • Tea on the Titanic by Penelope! Autographed copy only $14.95
  • Penelope’s Royal Teas – Titanic, Breakfast Blend and Black Currant $8.00
  • Tea Cozies – keep your tea warm for hours – Handmade in USA/washable $35.00

Go to products page. Thanks!!!

Events

Mornings here in Denver are starting out rather chilly. Only 30 degrees this morning, so a hot cup of Penelope’s Breakfast Blend Tea is just the trick to start the day off right. But, by noon, we are in the high 50’s and sunny. The leaves have fallen off the trees, so it’s starting to look like winter….which here means snow tires, snow plows and shoveling snow! The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a long and snowy winter. Just the atmosphere for curling up with a good book and a cup of tea… OR attending one of the following Tea Events with a group of girlfriends!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” C. S. Lewis

Next Thursday, November 14th, I will be presenting a Tea on the Titanic program at The House of Commons Tea Room (15th and Platt) in Denver. The event starts at 4:30…reservations required…call 303-455-4832. “An oasis of calm in a busy world..The House of Commons provides a taste of England with food and a wide range of fine teas.”

Sunday, November 17th, come for tea and enjoy the afternoon with us for a Titanic Tea…and book signing at Pots Tea at 8100 South Quebec in Littleton at 2 pm. Call 303-771-4TEA (4832) for reservations. I will be sharing from my book, Tea on the Titanic. A nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon with friends.

Saturday, Nov 23rd at Stonebrook Manor in Thornton. (near I 25 and 120th ). I will be presenting The Art of Afternoon Tea (all the ingredients for a time of charm and elegance) …two seatings…11:00 am and 1:00 pm. A full afternoon tea served in a lovely venue! Call 303-255-0063 for reservations.

Saturday, November 30, dodge the shoppers and come aboard the Titanic for an afternoon of sipping tea and exploring the customs and etiquette of 1912…Stonebrook Manor..two seatings, 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Call for reservations..303-255-0063

December Events….Stonebrook Manor –
Reservations required..303-255-0063

  • December 14th – Children’s Christmas Teddy Bear Tea..11:00 and 1:00
  • December 19th – A Cup of Christmas Tea..11:00 and 1:00
  • December 20th – Tea and Scones and So Much More..11:00 and 1:00
  • December 21st – English Country Christmas Tea..11:00 and 1:00
  • December 27th and 28th – Christmas Tea..11:00 and 1:00

Recipes

Emily’s Cinnamon Crackle Cookies

I am always looking for new recipes to serve at teatime – and especially ones that are quick and easy.
My friend, Emily, who lives in Ireland, was making these cookies the other day and posted a picture of them on Facebook. I requested the recipe and here it is. Because we have readers all over the world, especially in the British Isles, the measurements are listed for both US and UK bakers. Please follow the directions even if you think they don’t look right…I had to make two batches to “get it right”!!!

2 cups (375 gram) brown sugar
2 Tab melted butter
2 beaten eggs
3 cups or a little less (375 gram) flour
Cinnamon (a lot) and allspice…*no amount given…I guess I used 2 Tab of cinnamon and 2 tsp of allspice.

Mix the sugar and butter together, then add eggs and mix thoroughly. Next add the flour and spices and stir until blended. It should be a firm and slightly dry dough. If it doesn’t stick together, knead for about a minute.

(Here is where I goofed)
Pinch a tiny bit of dough, about the size of a dime (5 pence coin) roll into a ball then roll in sugar. Place on parchment lined baking pan (cookie sheet) and bake for 5 minutes at 350° F (180 gas mark). If your cookies are larger, bake for 8 to 10 minutes. I didn’t think they were done, so I baked them longer than the time stated, and…yes, you guessed it…they turned out really hard. Properly made, the cookies are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Makes about 60 little cookies.

Emily’s Mom made these with cocoa powder so they were really chocolatey and gooey. Emily says we can make some really fun cookies with the basic dough (before we add the cinnamon)…or don’t add the cinnamon and allspice, and try some of the following:

  • Chocolate chips
  • Cranberry and orange zest
  • White chocolate and crystalized ginger or dried fruit
  • Toffee chunks and apple
  • Nuts…etc.

Thanks, Emily! What I really like about these cookies is they are little and perfect for afternoon tea sweets.

Titanic News

Titanic Violin….Sold for $1.7 million

Wallace Hartley’s violin sold at auction in London several weeks ago for almost two million dollars. The name of the buyer has not been disclosed. Mr. Hartley was the Titanic’s bandleader and encouraged the group of musicians to continue playing as the ship was sinking.

I shared with you a little bit of the history of the violin in the last blog. According to survivors, the music calmed the passengers and evidently keep some sense of peace to those on board. “Nearer, my God, to Thee” is said to have been the last song played as the ship took on water. The violin was found several days after the sinking of the Titanic in April of 1912, strapped to the body of Mr. Hartley. No other memorabilia has brought this kind of sum.

Tea Tips
Storing your tea.

Most teabags today are sold in boxes, with a waxed or foil liner. To keep your teabags or loose leaf tea from going stale, transfer the tea to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry area. It is not a good idea to store tea in the refrigerator or freezer, as the condensation or moisture created with this type of storage can affect the flavor of the tea. Tea should be kept away from light, air and heat. Many teas are quite lovely to look at with the additions of flower petals, curled leaves, etc. and you may be temped to store tea in a glass container, but the light will “do it in.” If you like to keep close company to your tea, buy a pretty tin or *ceramic caddy, transfer the tea into the container as soon as possible and enjoy. I have some teas that still taste very good after 4 years of storage. Maybe they are not as vibrant, but certainly drinkable! That’s what happens when friends find out you like tea…which is a good thing…gifts of tea! Next blog I will share about tea caddies and their importance in the history of tea.

Tea Tour 2014

Keep on the alert…I think we are about to announce the New and Exciting Titanic Tea Tour to England and Ireland in 2014. You will be the first to know the final plans. Thank you to those of you who have been so patient.

Until We Tea Again….Penelope

“But all who find safety in you will rejoice; they can always sing for joy. Protect those who love you; because of you they are truly happy.”
Psalm 5:11

Phone #: 865-310-7080    Email: Penelope

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October Blog – 10/5/2013

Posted on October 7, 2013 by Penelope
ladiestrans
Happy Fall Y’All
Tea Table

There is nothing more beautiful than autumn. The colors all around town are changing as store keepers and home owners decorate for fall. Mum baskets are adorning many front porches, and burnt orange and bronze-colored wreaths are being hung on front doors. I just love the crisp mornings and cooler evenings, and the chance to have that first cup of tea out on the porch. School is in session, and it’s a good time to reflect on all the summer activities…and jot them down for future reference to use for Christmas Card letters.

White Tea Pot

When the kids or grandkids come home from school, make a big pot of tea, and find out what their day was like at school. Those first few minutes home are the best time to listen. If you aren’t home when the kids arrive, talk to them on the phone or leave them a note, so they know they are important.

Here is a great recipe for some after-school treats…not sugar-free, but gluten-free and really yummy. Served with a nice cup of tea – it brings the family together before the rush of sports, homework and practice. My mother made these for our after-school teatimes. They have been around for along time…as evidenced by this ad from a magazine in the 1940’s.

newspaper
Oh’ Henry Bars!
ohenry

4 cups oatmeal
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2/3 cup butter
½ cup white corn syrup
2 tsp vanilla
1 12-oz pkg of chocolate chips
1 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 cup chopped peanuts

Preheat oven to 350 º F

Mix together oatmeal, brown sugar, butter, syrup and vanilla. Press into a greased 9” X 13” cake pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack. Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together in microwave until you can blend well. Spread the chocolate-peanut butter on top of the crust. Sprinkle top with chopped nuts. Cool and enjoy.

TEA NEWS
Keep Calm
Coming events!!
Penelope’s speaking schedule and Afternoon Teas
click here…..
Tea Q and A
As you can imagine….I get a lot of questions about tea and tea etiquette
Here is a question from last week’s event….
(“Tea on the Titanic” at the Paris Apartment and Tearoom….in Knoxville)

“What should I add to black tea….half and half, cream or milk?”

This is a question I answer in my book….Always use milk in your tea, preferably with a black tea and never with a fruity tea Don’t use half and half, cream or cream-substitute coffee creamers. Whole milk will give your tea a nice rich flavor, while non-fat milk can give the tea a chalky look. Anything other than milk will over-power the taste of your tea. Over 98% of British people take their tea with milk! If you have never tried milk with your black tea…give it a whirl!

“Tea on The Titanic”
Titanic at Night
by
Penelope Carlevato
To purchase your autographed copy
click here…..
Titanic in the News

This past summer I was able to observe the original violin played by the Titanic’s band leader, Wallace Hartley. The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, was one of several to have the privilege of displaying this rare artifact. It has been documented to be authentic by experts, and even had a CAT scan as part of the process to prove it is the real thing. I count it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Mr. Hartley’s fiancee’, Maria Robinson, gave him the violin on the occasion of their engagement. Mr. Hartley, along with the seven musicians on board, continued to “play on” as the Titanic sank and perished with the other 1500 passengers and crew. This brave group of men are given credit for helping to calm the passengers during the Titanic’s last hours.

The rosewood violin was found inside a leather suitcase engraved with the initials W. H. H. (Wallace Henry Hartley), which was strapped to Mr. Hartley’s body. The violin was returned to Miss Robinson. She never married and when she died in 1939, all of Mr. Hartley’s belongings that were retrieved from the ocean, including his violin, were left to her sister. She then gave them to the Salvation Army, but because the violin was not playable, they gave it to a local music teacher! For many years, the violin was believed to be lost until it was found in the attic of a house in northwest England in 2006.

This German-made violin is said to be one of the most valuable Titanic artifacts found. It will be auctioned on October 19th, in London by the esteemed auctioneering firm of Henry Aldridge and Son. Collectors from all over the world are interested and because of the authentication of the violin, it is expected to sell for a huge sum. Part of the interest in the violin is the engraved plaque found mounted inside the violin: “For WALLACE, on the occasion of our ENGAGEMENT from MARIA.”

Many of the survivors of the tragic night in April of 1912, reported that the band played the hymn, “Nearer, My God, to Thee” as the passengers were boarding the lifeboats, and continued to play until the last minute as the ship went down. What a history this violin has!

Hartley Violin

“Tea on the Titanic in Tennessee”


Photo Gallery – Click here!
Paris Apartment and Tearoom
Paris Apartment and Tearoom…Knoxville, TN
September 27th and 28th
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Open House – Tea and Scones

Posted on November 8, 2012 by Penelope
ladiestrans
New book…”Tea on the Titanic” is here!

New book…”Tea on the Titanic” is here!

Stop by on Friday, Nov. 9th or Saturday, Nov 10th
for Tea and Scones.
Serving our new Titanic Tea
10 to 3 pm both days

*Meet the Illustrator – Alana Lively
*Book Signing

**Pre-ordered books are here and ready for pick-up.
$12.00 pre-order and Nov. 9th/10th Sale Price
(Reg $14.95)

If you cannot make it on Friday or Saturday, your book can be shipped for $3.00

Hope you can stop by for a cuppa and scones
Tea Gifts Available (Teas, Cozies, Scone Mix, Teaspoons, etc)…

2838 South Fig Street
Lakewood, CO 80228
303-200-0311

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Precious Moments

Posted on July 20, 2012 by Penelope
ladiestrans

"precious moments"

Last month I was speaking at a church in Denver about the joys of hospitality and especially having guests for tea. After the tea, a precious grandma came up to me and said, “I really agree with you when you say, “there is just something about tea that changes the situation and helps people open up.” This caught my attention, as I know there is something about tea that God uses to open doors and hearts for sharing. I stopped what I was doing and listened while Sharon told me about a special time she had with her granddaughter. Little Shelby is 5 years old and rarely speaks. This concerned Sharon. She had been praying for wisdom on how to help with the situation.

Last fall while she was shopping, she found a Precious Moments tea set in a thrift store. She was excited to find such a “deal” still in it’s original box. I always encourage women to be on the lookout for these opportunities, as God will use them for something exciting down the road.

Well, God did use that little tea set with Shelby the next time Grandma Sharon went to visit. They had an afternoon to themselves and out came the tea set. The tablecloth, napkins, tea cups and saucers were all arranged on the dining room table while Grandma and Shelby put “sweet tea” into the teapot and some special cookies onto their plates. Grandma started talking to break the silence and all of a sudden little Shelby opened up. She talked and talked…more than anyone had ever heard her before. This little girl had a lot of things to say! Grandma was so excited that something as simple as a tea party had led to so much change.

I have had countless tea parties with my grandchildren. We have had some wonderful conversations over tea, and what we started at about the age of 2 has continued to age 21. One of our granddaughters just turned 16 and she wanted to celebrate her birthday with a tea party. That’s almost 20 years of tea parties! Enjoy, these are precious moments.

Psalm 72:14….”their lives are precious to him.”

Precious Raspberry Mini Muffins

1 cup raspberries
1 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1 tsp powdered sugar

Mix together flour, sugar and baking powder. In a separate bowl, mix oil, sour cream, vanilla and egg until well mixed. Stir in flour mixture, then fold in raspberries. Divide mixture evenly between 24 mini muffin cups that have been lined with baking cups. Bake 12 to 14 minutes and test with tooth pick to make sure muffins are done. Cool on wire rack for 5 minutes,then lightly dust with powdered sugar.

These are great little treats to serve at your precious moments tea.

***Coming soon….June 2012…Join Penelope on the trip of a lifetime…travel by train to some of the most beautiful sights in England.

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Taking Time for Tea

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Penelope
ladiestrans

After the enjoyable afternoon we shared with our lovely dresses, hats and life-vests at the Titanic Tea on the 14th, I am reminded again that we need to slow down and take time for tea with family and friends.

Sometimes we get ourselves so invested in the daily business of life, that friendships with those we cherish most are put on the back burner.

I would like to encourage you to take time today, put on the kettle, call a friend and catch up on their world. None of us knows what tomorrow will bring, so get out a teacup and make a batch of these Chocolate Shortbread Bites from my soon to be released new book: Tea on The Titanic – a hundred years later
Don’t forget that taking time for tea with our children and grandchildren is a wonderful way to make memories!

Chocolate Shortbread Bites

1 cup flour
1/3 cup butter at room temperature
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 eggs
1 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted in microwave on defrost, cooled
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine the flour, butter and powdered sugar until mixed well. Press into an 8-inch square baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Beat remaining ingredients together until fluffy. Pour this mixture over the hot cookie crust and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes or until set. Cool and cut into squares. Can be made ahead and kept in an airtight container. Makes 16.

Until we tea again….Penelope

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Ten Tips for Tea-riffic Christmas!

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Penelope
ladiestrans

Merry Christmas
Open House

Saturday, December 21st 12:00 to 4:00 pm

Meet me at the Twisted Trunk

3905 South Mariposa St.

Englewood, CO 80110

Launching my new book Tea Lover’s Journal and book signing

Order from Amazon – https://tinyurl.com/s3sbheh

Join me for a “spot” of tea and refreshments and Free Tea Tips presentation.

Win Penelope’s new book at our free drawing!

A fabulous array of antiques, vintage and handmade items for your Christmas shopping.

Ten Tips for Tea-riffic Chras!istm

Sanity is a choice.

Christmas can be a time of calm or chaos – Let’s choose calm!

Take with an attitude of gratitude. Remember the blessings, not the burdens.

Plan important meals and activities. Keep a list!

Shop Early

Stay Well – hydrate with water, take a walk, and read a good Christmas book.

Set Boundaries – for yourself and others.

Ask for help – Delegate and allocate roles to family members.

Buy what you can afford – don’t overspend.

Eliminate unnecessary activities and traditions. Skip the Nutcracker this year.

Simplify your decorating, baking, shopping, and entertaining. Plan a potluck.

Make a cup of Christmas tea and pray for your family and friends.

Christmas Sand Tarts

A few months ago, my friend Sue Hart passed into heaven. I’m remembering her this Christmas and sharing her delicious cookie recipe.

1 cup butter

1/3 cup powdered sugar

1 Tab vanilla

1 Tab water

2 cups flour

1 cup chopped pecans

Cream together the butter and powdered sugar, adding the liquids.

Add the four, mix well, then stir in the pecans.

Form the dough into small balls and bake on an ungreased cookie sheet in 300ºF oven for 20 minutes until slightly brown.

Remove from oven and while the cookies are still hot, roll in powdered sugar, then place on a cooling rack. When cool, store in an air-tight container.

Penelopesteatime@gmail.com

PenelopeCarlevato.com

“Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad.”

Psalm 96:11

Tag: Christmas, tea, sanity, chaos, tea tips, book launch, book signing, cookies, gifts[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

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Tea on The Titanic…100 years later

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Penelope
ladiestrans

What was the Afternoon Tea on the Titanic like?

Tea on the Titanic would have been very similar to the teas given by Queen Victoria. The table would have been an impressive sight with the White Star China, linen napkins, silver teaspoons, and the food most likely served on silver tiers. Flavored teas were not popular at that time, so a black tea, Darjeeling, or Earl Grey would have been the choices. Because the Titanic made dining and service high priorities, nothing would have been left to chance. The afternoon tea would have been planned before the ship ever set sail. Fresh-baked scones, served with the traditional clotted cream and jam; fresh fruit tartlets; and crisp buttery shortbread would have been carefully arranged. Scones are one of the most traditional items served at tea. Hope you like this recipe from my new book, “Tea on The Titanic”

Rachel’s Buttermilk Scones

My cousin Rachel lives in a lovely old stone cottage near Bath, England.
She is one of the best cooks I know. You will love her scones.

2-1/4 cup self-rising flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, cold and cut into small pieces
6 oz buttermilk (or plain yogurt)

Put flour, sugar and butter into a large bowl and use a pastry blender until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Make a well and add the buttermilk into the center of the well. Mix lightly with a fork until a soft dough is formed. Don’t mix too much or the dough gets tough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead very briefly and lightly.

Roll or press dough out to approx 1-inch thick and cut into 2-inch rounds with a floured cutter, dipping the cutter in flour after each cut. Try not to twist the cutter, or the scones will be lopsided. Gather trimmings and repeat until all dough used.

Transfer to lightly greased baking sheet, spaced a little apart. Brush with milk or beaten egg and bake at 375ºF for 15 minutes, just until lightly brown.

To order tickets for Saturday’s Titanic Tea Click here

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A Hundred Years Later

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Penelope
ladiestrans
Tea On The Titanic
Saturday, April 14th
2 o’clock to 4 o’clock in the afternoon
Four Seasons Hotel ~ Denver
1111 14th St – Denver 80202

Register now to attend at Click here

***Special visit with “Meet the Artist”, illustrator and artist for the new book:
Alana Lively

We are still talking about the Titanic…what happened, why did it happen? Many factors played into the sinking of the Titanic: ego, greed, bad luck, and timing. The combined errors resulted in the deaths of over 1500 men, women and children. There are so many stories that keep bringing us back to hear more.

My friend Beverly loaned me a wonderful book, “Wreck and Sinking of the Titanic” written in 1912. There are numerous eyewitness reports of what happened on April 14th and 15th. Many of the stories were of men and women of great faith, who never lost hope, even when the last life-boat left the ship. This message is not found in some of the “newer” versions of those same stories.

Father Thomas Byles, a priest, was well known by most of the passengers. When the real danger of the Titanic was apparent, Father Byles went among the passengers hearing their confessions and praying with each one. It is said that he stayed with a large group of passengers of all faiths, on the crowded deck of the sinking Titanic, leading them in prayer.

“Most of the dead on the Titanic died heroically, yielding their lives both that the women and children of the ship’s company might live and that the lives of thousands of others totally unknown to them might be spared in the future. They perished for their fellows as truly as soldiers who give their lives in a nation’s defense, for the world can never forget what they did and suffered in a supreme crisis, and will be made wiser and better for their inspiring sacrifice.” This is a direct quote from the book and sums up what many did for one another. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15: 13

As we approach Easter, this verse is such a comfort to those who will celebrate the resurrection. We were able to visit Israel a few weeks ago and experience so much of the culture, history and food. When we arrived back in the states, we were blessed by our friend, Linda, who made us these delightful coconut macaroons, a treat we enjoyed in Jerusalem. Since they are a traditional dessert served at Passover, as they don’t have any flour in the recipe, we wanted to share them with you for your Easter celebration.

Coconut Macaroons

14 oz sweetened shredded coconut
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 extra-large egg whites, at room temperature
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat over to 300ºF

Combine the coconut, condensed milk and vanilla in a large bowl. Whip the egg whites and salt on high speed with an electric mixer until the egg whites make medium-firm peaks. Carefully fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture.

Drop the batter onto parchment lined cookie sheets using an ice cream scoop or two teaspoons. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. (Do not bake on the bottom rack.) Cool and serve.

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Tea on The Titanic ~ 100 years later

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Penelope


Art by Alana Lively

Saturday, April 14th
2 o’clock to 4 o’clock in the afternoon
Four Seasons Hotel ~ Denver
1111 14th St – Denver 80202

Don’t miss the boat! A limited number of tickets, so purchase yours soon.

Join Penelope for an afternoon of elegance and charm as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the RMS Titanic. Guests will enjoy Afternoon Tea with refreshing hot tea, savory tea sandwiches, scones, and a delicious assortment of delicacies, catered by the award-winning Four Seasons Hotel. Titanic-inspired clothing and hats are encouraged with prizes for the best dressed. Door prizes, too!
$45.00 per person, no refunds/transferable

Tickets available on line at: www.TeaOnTheTitanic.com
Or send a check to:
Penelope’s Tea Time
PO Box 1593
Longmont, CO 80502

Questions? Email Penelope:
PenelopesTeaTime

100 years ago…

When the Titanic set sail on April 10th, 1912, many merchants had delivered enormous amounts of food and provisions for the ship of hungry passengers. Records of bills of laden from various companies listed the net worth at $420,000, or about $ 9 million in today’s values. The cargo included such items as these:
75,000 pounds of fresh meat
40,000 eggs
6,000 pounds of butter
1,200 quarts of cream
800 pounds of tea
Eight hundred pounds of tea will make 160,000 cups of tea! That’s a lot of tea!

Many venues are being offered to those who have an interest in commemorating the demise of the Titanic, including the re-release of the epic film, “Titanic.” in 3D. It was the first film to gross almost $2 billion dollars at the box office, and also the most expensive film ever produced -costing $200 million. The movie was a blockbuster at the Academy Awards with 14 nominations and 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Music and Costume Design. The film was released on the 85th anniversary of the Titanic; imagine the box-office receipts for the 100th anniversary!

Over 5,000 artifacts recovered from the Titanic since the wreckage was discovered in 1985, will be auctioned off in April, but only to one bidder. Premier Exhibitions Inc., the current steward of items found in and around the Titanic, is selling the collection. They are finding the cost to keep up such a collection too challenging, and hope to find a new owner. There are several stipulations surrounding the sale; the court must approve the buyer, the new owner must have the means to preserve the collection, and portions of the artifacts must still be available for public display. The value is estimated at 189 million. I guess I won’t be getting an original teacup and saucer or teapot from the Titanic!

Thank you to those who shared your Titanic stories about family members. Our family thought we might have a connection with one of the crew, Frederick Barrett, a stoker or head-fireman in the boiler room. My mother was a Barrett, so might have a family bond somewhere. Mr. Barrett survived and later went to work on the Titanic’s sister ship, The Olympic.

I find it amazing so many are intrigued by an event that happened a 100 years ago. I know I am always fascinated by new information and stories of the souls on-board. I think there is a fine line between interest and obsession. I hope I haven’t crossed over!

Please come and share a cup of tea to commemorate the anniversary of the most famous ocean liner, Titanic, and the release of my new book, “Tea on The Titanic.”

Prince William’s Chocolate Biscuit Cake

½ teaspoon butter to grease the pan
8 oz. of Rich tea biscuits (McVitie’s Rich Tea Biscuits)
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
½ cup sugar
4 oz. dark chocolate
1 egg
8 oz. dark chocolate for icing

Lightly grease a round 7” springform cake pan

Break the biscuits into small pieces and set aside

Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy with an electric mixer
Melt the 4 oz of dark chocolate and add to the butter mixture while constantly stirring
Beat the egg and gradually add to the chocolate mixture
Fold the biscuit pieces into the mixture until they are all coated with chocolate
Spoon the biscuit and chocolate mixture into the prepared cake pan. Don’t leave any spaces in the pan.
Chill in the refrigerator for three hours, then remove the cake from the refrigerator and let it sit until you have melted the 8 oz. of dark chocolate.
Turn the cake upside down and place on parchment lined rack
Carefully remove the cake from the pan
Pour the melted chocolate over the cake and smooth top and sides with a spatula.
Let the chocolate set at room temperature for at least one hour.
Place the cake onto a serving plate and refrigerate until ready to serve. (Toronto Star)

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Tea on the Titanic

Posted on March 6, 2012 by Penelope

3/6/2012

Titanic teapot

While many venues will commemorate countless ways the 100th anniversary of the Titanic, sharing an English Afternoon Tea might best help preserve the legacy of those who sailed on the extraordinary and grand Titanic. We have planned an Afternoon Tea on the anniversary of that day. Not just to indulge in frivolity, but to pay tribute to the many men, women and children who lost their lives.

It was common knowledge that the White Star Line was the “cream of the crop” when it came to passenger accommodations and dining. The Titanic and her sister ship, The Olympic were the five-star floating hotels of the Edwardian era.

To enjoy some of that opulence, join us for an Elegant Catered Afternoon Tea at the Four Seasons Hotel in Denver. We encourage you to dress in Titanic inspired clothing and hats, (for ideas, watch past episodes of “Downton Abbey” on PBS) as there will be prizes for the best dressed. Facts, food and fashion of the grand era of the Titanic will be shared as we sip tea served with all the accoutrements! Space is limited ~ don’t be left on the dock!

Tickets and information are available on the web site: www.TeaonTheTitanic.com

“Tea on the Titanic”

Saturday, April 14th
“Two o’clock to Four o’clock”
Four Seasons Hotel
1111 14th Street
Denver

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