Tea Time

 

Are you all sitting comfortably?  Then, let's pour the tea ...

I thought you would all enjoy the first picture with all its crafty goodness surrounding these dear old ladies come for tea.  There's the crocheted afghan on the couch, a lovely round pillow on the back of the couch, needlepoint footstool in bottom right, and a couple of crocheted pillows beside each lady. 

The second photo is of my maternal grandmother, Violet, pouring tea for her family.  This was before I was born (1950ish), before my mother was even married.  My grandfather, Russell, had already passed away by this time.  My grandmother passed away when I was five years old, but I remember her well.  She always had some craft for us to do when we went to her house.  She knew how to knit, crochet, quilt, sew and I believe she did tatting as well.  A very talented and gentle lady.

So on that lovely start, let's get on with our own Tea Party Tuesday!!

 

 

I baked a delicious Banana Bread from this very old cookbook.  This particular book belonged to my great Aunt Mary, who was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario (my grandfather's sister).  This book is full of all those good tasting old-fashioned fare that everyone cooked, baked and ate back on the farm ... and it's Canadian!!   Love this cookbook :)

 

 

Still warm from the oven!

 

 

I do love pottery, and nothing says 'comfort' more to me than a good handmade pottery mug for tea.  These particular mugs were made by a potter in Elora, Ontario, by the name of Knudstrupp.  He and his wife had a studio in a great old church in Elora, and my parents would make a pilgrimage to their studio quite often and buy up their wares (that was back in the 1970s).  My mother's grandfather was a potter too, and I imagine that's where her love of pottery stemmed from.

 

 

I picked up these pretty china plates in the thrift shop.  Apple or cherry blossoms (not sure which), but something to signify Spring! on this cold windy dreary day. 

 

 

So, Brown Betty is ready and waiting, tea is steeped, shall I pour you a cup?  One lump or two ...

 

 

 

BANANA BREAD

from The all new Purity Cookbook

 

Blend or sift together:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

 

Cream:

1/3 cup shortening

 

Gradually beat in:

2/3 cup sugar

 

Add:

2 well-beaten eggs

 

Combine well.  Add dry ingredients alternately with:

1 cup well-mashed bananas

 

Beat until combined after each addition.  Pour into greased 9 x 5" loaf pan.  Let stand for 20 minutes.  Bake in preheated 350'F oven for 50 - 55 minutes.

 

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Wendy