Birthday Tea

I wanted to take my mom to tea for her birthday present. Unfortunately, the reservations coincided with the restaurant's Christmas Tea Only for $20 More time, so that went out the window. Instead, I decided to host a tea party, thus allowing three times as many people to join for the same price.

The tea was attended by the guest of honor, her daughters and two nieces, and one adorable baby boy.

The menu turned out to be very French. Macarons in two flavors (orange cream and rum cherry almond), quiche, mi-cuits and pain d'epice (gingerbread). I served black tea and apple cider (recipe below). The decorations had a very pink flair, as that is my wonderful momma's favorite color.

Her Christmas gift served as our hanging centerpiece, a wreath chandelier similar to the one I made for my classroom, but with a different color scheme. Enjoy the photos! Taken by BSpano

Apple-Cranberry Cider

1 qt apple juice

1 qt cranberry (or cran-grape) juice

1 cinnamon stick

1 tbsp whole cloves

1 tbsp whole allspice

1 tsp fennel seeds

1. Put apple and cran juices in a large pot over medium heat.

2. In a spice ball, put cloves, allspice and fennel seeds.

Put cinnamon stick in to the pot

Hook to the edge of the pot and allow to boil, 10 mins.

3. Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and allow to simmer as long as you like.

(Mine simmered about an hour)

Serve in a teapot to go with your tea! Or ladle into individual glasses.