Tuesday, November 12, 2013

A Pumpkin Treat for Tea Time

Fall is always associated with apples and pumpkins, and today's post is about both.

When Magnolia and Ivy was still in business, one of their wholesale tea sources was Teas from the World based in San Diego, California.  The company's contact information was included in the resource packet given at M & I's tea training seminars.  All of their teas were good, but two of my favorites were French Creme Brulee and Chocolate Raspbery Truffle [black dessert teas]. 

Awhile back I learned Teas from the World had closed, but the tea blending recipes were sold to Amy Lawrence, owner of Afternoon to Remember Fine Tea and Gifts in Bothell, Washington [near Seattle].  I have been receiving Amy's newsletters since 2010, but it wasn't until recently that I placed an order with her for Holiday Berry [a cranberry and raspberry black tea], that will be served at my upcoming church Christmas Tea.

The tea arrived quickly, and included in my order was a free 1 oz. sample of Apple Autumn Chai. It is delicious and so perfect for this time of year.  Thanks, Amy!  I highly recommend visiting her website.  There's a large selection of teas to choose from, and I'm especially happy that Teas from the World blends no longer have to be purchased in wholesale volume.



For today's tea time treat I made Pumpkin Pie Squares with a praline topping.  


Pumpkin Pie Squares
Crust
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter

Filling
2 cans [15 oz. each] pumpkin puree 
2 cans [12 oz. each] evaporated milk
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon salt

Praline Topping
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons butter, softened


Combine first four ingredients until crumbly.  Press into a greased 9 x 13 pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown.  Meanwhile beat filling ingredients in a mixing bowl until well blended.  Pour over crust.  Bake for 45 minutes.  Combine topping and sprinkle over top.  Return to oven and bake an additional 15-20 minutes longer or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool before serving.  Optional: Add a dollop of whipped cream to the top of each serving.  Enjoy!

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Today I'm joining the following blog tea parties:
Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea Time Tuesday
Antiques and Teacups for Tuesday Cuppa Tea
Bernideen's Tea Time Blog for Friends Sharing Tea
Artful Affirmations for Teacup Tuesday
Martha's Favorites for Teacup Tuesday


11 comments:

  1. Both the tea and the pumpkin recipe sound delicious. I saw some raspberry chocolate tea in a local restaurant recently, I may have to go back and try it! And the tea you ordered for your church event sounds wonderful, too. By the way, I found some darling tea-themed pjs at WalMart over the weekend. Long sleeved black top and pink pants with teapots and teacups all over them.

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  2. Thanks for this information about Amy Lawrence's shop. I have several of her books.

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  3. The teas you speak of sound delicious! It is wonderful that you found a new source. The pumpkins squares too, look very good to me. I would love one! I love anything pumpkin : )
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  4. What a interesting post. It is sad when businesses close. These are touch times for small business. I enjoyed this post and your recipe looks delicious!

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  5. Yum! I love the idea of making a pumpkin treat in squares like this with a praline topping. And now you've made me want to go check out those teas you wrote about! (Sigh ...)

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  6. OMG ..Such an informative post… I relishes the thought of Creme brûlée tea..infact they all sound aromatically irresistible..One of each please( Ha Ha) Thanks for all this fabulous information including the pumpkin Squares recipe ..YUMMY !!!!..Hugs

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  7. Hi Phyllis,
    Your pumpkin teapot is adorable and the teas sound delicious! Apple Autumn Chai sounds perfect for this time of year. I love chai tea. Those pumpkin treats look and sound yummy. I love pumpkin anything and I should try and make those. Who knows, perhaps they will be a new treat for the holidays! Thanks so much for sharing and joining me for Tea Time.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  8. Your setting is perfect! And the tea sounds delicious. I LOVE pumpkin bars and will be trying your recipe! Thanks for sharing and linking with Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
    Ruth

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  9. I love your teapot and the chai tea sounds perfect to go with those yummy pumpkin squares. Thanks for the recipe! It sounds like a keeper.

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  10. I like all the pumpkin china you have and the squares look delicious. (I've pinned your recipe) Apple autumn chai sounds like the perfect tea to have with one of your squares.

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  11. That looks delicious, Phyllis! It reminds me of my pumpkin torte. Love, love, love pumpkin!

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