A Surprise Package from the Postman

Don't you love surprises?  I had a nice surprise yesterday - a postal box arrived with a return address from Elmwood Inn Fine Teas & Benjamin Press.  I could hardly wait to open it!

Inside was a note from Lois [Director of Education at Elmwood Inn Fine Teas], a beautiful book, Afternoon Tea by Jane Pettigrew, and a canister of Cup of Serenity caffeine-free herbal sachets.

I hurriedly put the electric kettle on to sample the herbal tisane, which is a blend of Camomile, Rooibos, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Linden Flowers, Anise, Cinnamon, Oat Straw, Hops, Passion Flower, and Orange Peel.  Each sachet is good for two infusions.

 

I baked a batch of scones earlier in the morning, so I was all set to sit down with my new book, cup of serenity herbal infusion, and white chocolate, cranberry scone.   The infused herbs have a wonderful aroma and delicious taste, and are perfectly balanced so no single herb overpowers another.  There's a very light citrus taste that lingers on the palate between sips. It is good hot and iced, and is perfect for late afternoon or evening when caffeine indulgence isn't desired.  I highly recommend it!

  

The book is a wonderful addition to any tea lover's library.  With Jane Pettigrew as the author, it's sure to be good. It's worth having for the pictures alone, but it has informative text and recipes too.

~ Catharine of Braganza ~

~ Anna Maria, 7th Duchess of Bedford ~ 

An English family at tea, painted in the early 18th century by Richard Collins.

 ~ A family taking tea in the mid 18th century ~ 

There are many other wonderful color photographs.   The 80-page hardcover book has four chapters:  Setting the Scene; Everything Stops for Tea; Tea Parties; and Tea Trivia.  Plus a section on the best tea rooms in Britain.  Thank you Lois and Shelley!

Elmwood Inn Fine Teas is a family owned business since 1990.  They are located in Danville, Kentucky.  I had the privilege of visiting their lovely retail showroom during my Kentucky Tea Tour in March, and I blogged about it here.  Visit their website to see all the wonderful merchandise and fine teas they offer.