The Charms of Tea: Reminiscences and Recipes

by Victoria Magazine

The tradition of teatime has long been a cherished one, bringing tranquil settings to the mind, delicate refreshments to the palate, and warm conversation with good friends to the heart. The Charms of Tea plays tribute to the elegant ritual with inspirational writings, recipes and special menus, and exquisite art and photography that set the mood for this very special time of day. Share teatime with Lewis Caroll's Alice, Anne of Green Gables, Mr. Chips, and even Peter pan. Losr yourself in the writings of Henry James, Daphne du Maurier, Saki, Marcel Proust, and M.F.L. Fisher as they share their thoughts on the delights and comforts of tea. There are nearly 65 recipes for making sweets and savories, including such classic teatime treats as Cucumber Snadwiches with Mint Butter, Currant and Pecan Scones, Sage Bread, Spiced Blackberry Jam, Raspberry and Lemon Curd Hearts, and Chocolate Torte. You'll learn the secrets of preparing and serving the perect pot of tea, the wonderful variet of tea leaves to choose from, suggestions for beautiful table settings, and unique menu ideas for picnic teas, breakfast teas, garden teas, and nursery teas. The Charms of Tea, with its delightful reminicemces amd delicious recipes, is to be shared, savored, and treasured as the tradition of tea itself has been for more than two centuries.

Genres: Tea, Cookbooks, Nonfiction, History, Food, How To, Cooking

96 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1991

About the author

The Editors of Victoria Magazine

Reviews

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice enough book, beautiful pictures as usual from Victoria magazine. This was sort of an aspirational book for me, as I've always wanted to have a ritual of afternoon tea but have not managed to do so. Perhaps when Himself really retires, since he's the real tea drinker in the family. You will find information about teas and the food that goes with them, including recipes.

[Betsy Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brings back fond memories for me with Nancy Lindenmeyer was the editor and chief of this magazine. I never saw so many woman form clubs and make dates for tea until this magazine was published. I met Lindenmeyer at Marshall Fields in Chicago on State Street. She signed my copy and I still have it on the bookshelf.

[Bobbiann Markle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a very exciting book (😁), but well-written and interesting enough considering the topic. Lots of literary quotations about tea-time from many different books, traditions and methods, and the second half of the book contains recipes for many things that would be eaten or drunk at tea.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I was a big fan of Victoria magazine, I ordered it. Took me back in time to the 1990’s. My friends would amused if I had a tea party. We drink coffee.

[raccoon reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, it's not bad as far as recipe books go, but it's not one I'd necessarily buy. I still haven't found what I'm looking for in regards to tea. But it's a nice little read and it will make your mouth water, though for a tea time tradition that I don't know anyone who holds. I only copied out two recipes though I must have marked a dozen.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, this book was just perfect! It has it all. Interesting narrative, evocative photographs, wonderful quotations, and exciting recipes. The wealth of information that it contains will certainly help me plan and host a girls only Victorian style afternoon tea for my BFF and other friends:)

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great info and menus. From the book:

A Nursery Tea Menu

Vanilla Milk Tea
Double Lemon Punch
Milk and Honey Bread with Honey Butter
Pumpkin Biscuits
Cinnamon Raisin Roll-Ups
Jam Cookies
Dream Cookies
Gingerbread Boys and Girls

Who wouldn't want to attend this tea? Yum!

[Relaynie]

tea,victorian,Victoria,cookbook

[Library Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of nice quotes, good information, and lots of tasty looking recipes.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photos and good ideas for tea parties.