Greetings! ...from Kimberly Shaw

Humongous Tea Bell

I went to the Woman's Club semi-annual sale and found this humongous tea bell sitting on the table for a couple of bucks.  I imagined it being used in a commercial kitchen in a gigantic pot for large ladies functions, no that doesn't sound right, I mean functions with a large number of ladies. 

Well the jokes on me, because when I got it home and opened it I found the directions for making, can you guess...

... a rice ball.  Yep, this is a rice ball cooker.  I haven't used it for rice because it's so fun displaying it with my other tea bells. 

Pink Rosebud Teacup with Blackberry Leaf Tea

This is one of my favorite teacups with the sweet pink rosebuds. I found it at an estate sale waiting to be adopted.  I'm serving Blackberry leaf tea in it for Georgia. I went to the Farmer's Market and came home with a Blackberry Vine.  Reading about how to care for it, I discovered you can make Blackberry tea from the leaves. I was so excited, like the time I discovered how to make tea from Fig leaves. Most of the information I found suggested using dried leaves, but when I read that the leaves are high in vitamin C and can be chewed for mouth and gum ailments, I chopped up the leaves fresh to made a small pot.

 

I steeped them for 10  minutes as directed.  If you enjoy a light green tea with a sweet fruity aftertaste then I think you would like this tea. I also discover Blackberry leaves are an ingredient in Celestial Seasonings popular Sleepytime tea.

 

Thanks to the very gracious hostess at Miss Spencer's Blog for organizing this Teacup Thursday. Please visit for links to other pretty teacups and blogs. 

Worlds Largest Tea Tin Collection

Steve and I were privileged to visit our good friend Gary Holloway in San Francisco and view in awe his "worlds largest" chocolate and tea tin collection. He said his extensive collection started with one tea tin that was too nice looking to throw away and found a place on the kitchen window sill. A second followed, then a third. Now Gary has over 1600 beautiful tea tins in his lovely Victorian kitchen with 12' high ceilings.  It was the best room I have ever been privileged to be in. I was speechless for quite a while as I gazed up in admiration.

 

 

 

Here's a sneak peek into Gary's dining room, which is equally impressive, displaying his collection of blue and white plates. I'll share his plates and other collections next time.

I first met Gary Holloway as a customer of mine.  He called one day to ask if "Kimberly Shaw" was a real person. We talked for a long time, discovering we had a ton in common. We grew up in the same area, went to the same school, both love tea, and so on.  He is very charming and we became friends instantly.  Learning he gave historical walks around San Francisco I signed Steve and I up for his walk that ended in Katia's Russian Tea Room. While in San Diego he came to visit us where we served him a high tea and gave him a tour of my studio.  While in San Francisco he offered to let us stay at his home. What a treasure it was, like being in a museum where everything has a delightful story.

Stay tuned for our adventure on Gary's historical walk in the historic Richmond District development which began in the early 1870's with scattered homes built in the sand dunes that covered the entire area, and our visits to a couple of tea rooms in San Francisco.

Roses for Mother's Day

I served my mom and dad a high tea for Mother's Day on my new rose china and vintage rose tablecloth. After Potato Leek soup, Strawberry Almond salad and Quiche, we enjoyed mom's homemade Carrot Cake and strawberries capped with whipped cream. 

The tea was Blue Lady, an organic black tea flavored with a blend of grapefruit and citrus, served with Lemon Sugar.

LEMON SUGAR is very easy to make.

3     lemons

2     cups sugar

Using a citrus zester, remove the zest of all 3 lemons.  Roughly chop zest and transfer into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment.  Add 1 cup sugar to the zest in the food processor and pulse until the zest is finely ground, about 3 minutes.  Transfer the ground mixture into a medium bowl.  Add the remaining 1 cup sugar and toss until evenly mixed.  Spread the lemon sugar on a baking pan and let sit at room temp until dry, about 1 hour.  Store the sugar in an air tight container in a cool dry place for up to one month.  I doubled the recipe and sent some home with mom.  

I’m sorry I can’t credit the origin of this recipe. I cut it out of a magazine a couple of years ago and recently found it in a pile when I organized my recipe book. It may be from Better Homes and Garden or Martha Stewart, hard to say. 

This is the first time I am participating in TEACUP TUESDAY with Martha & Terri. Thanks you two, I'm having fun visiting all the beautiful blogs who have posted their pretty teacups, while enjoying a cup of Chamomile tea as I'm feeling a little under the weather today.

The vintage tablecloth was my mother’s day gift from my family. I saw it posted on The T Cozy announcing it was going to be available in her Etsy shop T Party.  Without hesitation, I retrieved it for myself and told the family the pressure was off trying to find the perfect gift.  It was a very enjoyable day!!!

Coming up next: The worlds largest TEA TIN collection, you won't want to miss it.

Breakfast Tea

In my cup this  morning is the most satisfying Irish Breakfast tea, delicious with milk and honey. It comes from my favorite local tea and coffee hangout, Pannikin Coffee & Tea.  The coffee cakes, pies and blueberry muffins are irresistible.  When I'm there in the morning I always order their Greek breakfast of scrambled eggs, feta cheese and basil with a mug of fresh brewed coffee, Ethiopian being my favorite.

When the origonal supplier for the tea I was planning to provide with my HospitaliTea Club packages wasn't available, I looked to my local shop and have been pleasently surprised at the variety and quality of teas. My March HostitaliTea Club packages came with this wonderful Irish Breakfast tea which I will never tire of.  The May Club packs I just sent out on Saturday have Queen's blend tea, and the next Club packages for July will come with Blue Lady tea.

The Pannican is family owned, cozy and welcoming with a line out the door that's worth waiting in. It's located in the charming historic Santa Fe Railroad Station built in 1888. Pannikin means a small pan or cup usually of tin. If you are unable to visit personally, you can order their fresh roasted coffees & teas online.

Japanese Sencha Green Tea

Harney & Sons Japanese Sencha green tea is hand-picked in the Spring, is Kosher, and a participating product of the 1% Back to the Planet program. I love it with a twist of fresh mint or lemon. I thinks it's a perfect choice for my Health & Happiness Teacup greeting card.  The message of "Health & Happiness" continues inside with "...For today and always."

Happy Earth Day Everyone!

Tea, a drink with jam & bread

Traditional Irish Soda Bread with pomegranate jelly and a cup of Irish Breakfast tea with milk and honey.  I'm trying Irish recipes to serving at my tea later this month with my March HospitaliTea Club goodies. I was pleasantly surprised how easy this bread was to make, which was especially delicious with soup on a cold night. 

White Irish Soda Bread

4 cups (16 oz) of all purpose flour.
1 Teaspoon baking soda
1 Teaspoon salt
14 oz of buttermilk

Preheat the oven to 425 F. degrees.  Lightly crease and flour a cake pan. (I used a glass baking sheet with a lid and it turned out fine)

In a large bowl sift and combine all the dry ingredients.

Add the buttermilk to form a sticky dough. 

Place on floured surface and lightly knead (too much allows the gas to escape)

Shape into a round flat shape in a round cake pan and cut a cross in the top of the dough. Cover the pan with another pan and bake for 30 minutes (this simulates the bastible pot).  Remove cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

The bottom of the bread will have a hollow sound when tapped so show it is done.

To keep the bread moist cover the bread in a tea towel and lightly sprinkle water on the cloth, but trust me, you can keep your tea towel dry as you watch this bread disappear.

Recipe from the Society for the Preservation of Irish Soda Bread.

Chocolate Valentine's Tea

Harney & Son's Valentine's Blend is a romantic brew joining chocolate tea and rosebuds, YUM!  This tea makes a perfect gift for someone special for under $10, but trust me, after you're first sip you're going to want some for yourself.  Don't hesitate, though, because this special blend is seasonal and if you don't get your hands on some soon you'll have to wait until next year.  My pantry already has a tin stashed out of sight.

This 4 ounce tin of loose tea brews 30 to 40 cups, and I've made some available in my store  if you want to pair this delicious gift with one of my a Teacup Greeting cards this Valentine's Day. 

Tea Room

Original 10"x14"  Watercolor                             copyright Kimberly Shaw 2009

I decided my Tea Room, actually my pantry that holds all the tea I use for my Stationery, needed a little something to state it's purpose since all that's in it is tea.  The color I used is Winsor & Newton's "Rose Madder" painted on Arches 140 pound Hot Press watercolor paper.
 
I re-purposed an old frame and spent the day playing with my paints. I then cut out the teacup from my Pansy Thank You card, made it look like it's hanging from the "a", and added painted a bit of shadow.

My pantry has Harney & Son's Teas on the left and Harrisons & Crosfield Teas on the right.  I love this pantry. It's one of the reasons why I fell in love with this home.

If you'd like to see my Tea Pantry in person, Saturday November 28th from 10am- 4pm I open my doors for our annual Open House & Tea Taisting.  Last years event was at my old warehouse so I am looking forward to a cozier setting with the fireplace on if it's chilly and friends filling the rooms with their stories and laughter as they sip warm tea.  Oh, yea, there will also be fresh baked scones with my homemade pomagranate jelly and lemon curd.  Keep posted, more details coming next time...

Indian Spice Tea

Harney & Sons Indian Spice Tea is a delightful tasting black tea spiced with cardamon, cinnamon and ginger with a robust aroma similar to India's Chai tea. I think it's perfect for these cool Autumn nights after dinner with a slice of pumpkin bread.

Fig Leaf Tea

I made my first Pot of Fig Leaf Tea just last night after delivering Figs to my neighbor. When you have a Fig tree, the next best thing is a neighbor who love figs.  Anyway, Janet also asked if she could have some leaves to make tea. TEA?  Really? I had no idea. She said tea is usually made from dried leaves, but fresh tastes better.  Once back home I Googled it. It's true, the leaves can be used to make tea. Let me show you...

First wash and finely chop one large Fig Leaf. For a single cup use one heaping teaspoon.

 

I put the chopped leaf directly in the post and added the boiling water.

Then I waited, letting it steep about 8 minutes.

The aroma smelled like Fig blossoms, if Fig trees had blossoms. The taste of the tea is fresh and clean with a slight nutty background, and a little like green tea without any bitterness or earthy flavor. I left the leaves in the bottom of the Pot and now 30 minutes later I poured a second cup and it hasn't become bitter, still fresh and clean tasting only a bit cooler. In my first cup I added honey which was delicious, but wanting to try it unsweetened I like it better plain.

Curious about the health benefits? According the world's healthiest foods the leaves of the Fig Tree  have anti-diabetic properties reducing the amount of insulin needed by diabetics who require insulin injections. I've discovered that drinking 3-4 cups a day helps against bronchitis and asthma. Bathing in it stimulates circulation and takes away discoloration of bruises, but be careful not to go out into the sun after applying to the skin because the psoralens in the fig leaf will cause serious sun burn. Psoralen is used to treat psoriasis and eczema.

I've had 5 cups of Fig Leaf Tea so far with no ill effects. It's delicious with a very pretty golden color! I would serve it at a Tea Party.

I made my first Pot of Fig Leaf Tea just last night after delivering Figs to my neighbor. When you have a Fig tree, the next best thing is a neighbor who love figs.  Anyway, Janet also asked if she could have some leaves to make tea. TEA?  Really? I had no idea. She said tea is usually made from dried leaves, but fresh tastes better.  Once back home I Googled it. It's true, the leaves can be used to make tea. Let me show you...

First wash and finely chop one large Fig Leaf. For a single cup use one heaping teaspoon.

 

I put the chopped leaf directly in the post and added the boiling water.

Then I waited, letting it steep about 8 minutes.

The aroma smelled like Fig blossoms, if Fig trees had blossoms. The taste of the tea is fresh and clean with a slight nutty background, and a little like green tea without any bitterness or earthy flavor. I left the leaves in the bottom of the Pot and now 30 minutes later I poured a second cup and it hasn't become bitter, still fresh and clean tasting only a bit cooler. In my first cup I added honey which was delicious, but wanting to try it unsweetened I like it better plain.

Curious about the health benefits? According the world's healthiest foods the leaves of the Fig Tree  have anti-diabetic properties reducing the amount of insulin needed by diabetics who require insulin injections. I've discovered that drinking 3-4 cups a day helps against bronchitis and asthma. Bathing in it stimulates circulation and takes away discoloration of bruises, but be careful not to go out into the sun after applying to the skin because the psoralens in the fig leaf will cause serious sun burn. Psoralen is used to treat psoriasis and eczema.

I've had 5 cups of Fig Leaf Tea so far with no ill effects. It's delicious with a very pretty golden color! I would serve it at a Tea Party.

Celestial Seasonings Tea

Look at all this yummy Celestial Seasonings Teas!!! And don't you just LOVE all the pretty artwork and cleaver quotes on their teabags?  If you are ever in Boulder, Colorado visit Celestial Seasonings on Sleepytime Drive (adorable street name, right?). 

I am so honored Celestial Seasonings uses my cards to put their beautiful and delicious teas in.  We receive a shipment of their teas with a list of the cards they want. We assemble them together for their Gift Shop.  Cool, huh? They informed us they are designing new packaging for these teas and offered to let us keep what we had.  Since we have plenty,  it seemed a good idea to share our blessing with a NEW Give-Away. This Give-Away is ENDED!

Celestial Seasonings offers FREE tours every day (except major holidays), Monday–Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; and Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. of their tea production plant,  the extensive display of original artwork in their gallery, and you'll enjoy free samples of all their tea flavors.  Sounds like a road trip!!!  After your tour, you are invite to visit their Gift Shop and Cafe', where you’ll find every flavor of Celestial Seasonings products as well some of my Teacup Greeting Cards with their delicious teas in them.

Tropical White Tea

Today is a prefect pre-Summer Coastal California day. The windows are all open with a light breeze filling the house with the fragrance of the rose garden.  My choice for a mid afternoon cup of refreshment is Harrisons & Crosfield's Tropical White tea.  It's just as described, "Fresh and clean with an alluring fruity flavour." 

I selected Harrisons & Crosfield's Tropical White tea to go in my "Birthday Greetings" Teacup Greeting card.  Whoever receives this card for their birthday will definitely enjoy the added treat of this fine tea. 

Steepster.com for Tea Lovers

I just got word from Jennifer at Tea=Bliss of a new site called Steepster.com. Just like Twitter except for tea lovers! Wow, just up my alley!  It's filled with info about teas people have tried and what they like about them!!! I'm planning on discovering more great teas from this site! If you have yummy teas you'd love to tell us about, please join and let us know.  Your hospitalitea would be appreciated!!  Just go to http://www.steepster.com

One of my ultimate favorite teas is this rich Royal Imperial Gold from Harrisons & Crosfield.  For me it's perfectly scrumptious with milk and honey, and  a shortbread cookie or two.  After a third cookie and a second cup of this robust tea, well, I'm ready for just about anything. Now I know loose tea reigns supreme, (and H&C offers this tea loose) but because I use a lot of teabags in my Teacup Greeting cards, I sample each one first to make sure it's delicious, and this Imperial is king of on my list. Of course only it's ahead of a very very close race with all the other wonderful teas I offer in my cards, depending on what I'm craving. 

Anyway, check out Steepster.com to see what others are brewing in their cup!!!

Set To A Tea

Delicate pink rose Teacups, petite Tea Spoons, a sweet Heart tea infuser, luscious Raspberry tea all on a vintage lace table clothe... Well, I can't think of a better way to relax this Mother's Day!  But I cant forget the kids, the husband, and the dog (which my hubby got on Mother's Day).  Without them I wouldn't have a reason to celebrate.  Hurray!!! Mother's Day will be here soon!

Wouldn't this demitasse trio be a perfect grouping on a Mother's Day breakfast tray?  These small spoons and service pieces are hard to find.  If you've been looking for these too, your search is over, I've made them available in my Store.

Tea House

Isn't this Tea Hous Tea Infuser adorable? I've always loved this little infuser which reminds me of having tea with friends around my kitchen table.  This petite Jam Spoon is also perfect for stirring milk and honey in delicate teacups, not to chunky, with a charming antique teapot on the end.  For a special treat I love serving Harrisons & Crosfields delectable Forest Berries tea with it's fragrant aroma and gorgeous deep pink color. The flavor comes alive when slightly sweetened.  If these are 'Your cup of tea' or you'd like to give them as gifts I've made them available in my Store.

The original watercolor painting in the background is reproduced on my Mom Teacup Greeting card and matching Things To Do After I Have Tea Notepad, both come with a yummy teabag attached.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

I don't have a pot of gold at the end of my rainbow,

but I'm always happy to serve you a pot of tea at my table. Today it's Harrisons & Crosfield's Irish Breakfast tea delicious sweetened with milk.

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY TO YA'!

Tempting Mango Tea

I love black tea with a hint of fruity flavor. Harrisons & Crosfield's Mango tea is wonderfully tempting anytime of the year, delicious hot or iced.  Available in my store packed in an attractive acrylic box appropriate for gift giving, party favors, or setting on a tea table.

Edmund Loves Tea

Like most Brits, Edmund loves his tea. This morning he woke up with a cup of Harrisons & Crosfield's hearty Scottish Breakfast, a full bodied black tea with a rich "malty" flavor, delicious with milk and honey. This afternoon he had a cup of fruity Mango, black tea naturally flavoured, delicious plain.

Tea. We have a Ton

The Kimberly Shaw Graphics has the best smelling warehouse on the block, filled with the fragrances of Apricot, Black Current, Cinnamon Spice, Earl Grey, Jasmine, Mango, Passion Fruit, Peppermint, Green, Breakfast and Afternoon teas. An added benefit is being able to enjoy all these yummy teas while we work.