Tea has been consumed in China for 3-4,000 years both as medicine and as a stimulating drink. The religious leaders deemed tea an “elixir of life” and encouraged everyone to drink it daily. The Tang Dynasty (618-907AD) brought sophistication to tea drinking. They enjoyed formal social gatherings hosted by tea masters, who had studied the proper way to make tea.
Chutney is one of those wonderful accompaniments that really make the meal. Originating in India, it has made its way to mainstream American cuisine. I always serve it with my Thanksgiving meal. Taking the principles of the Indian sauce, adding in the British influence and adapting it to American Thanksgiving staples like cranberries and apples.
Every year, about a week or so before Halloween, I drop a book, “I Want Chocolate” by Trish Deseine, on my husband’s desk. You see, his birthday is on Halloween and every year I am compelled to make him a cake of his choice out of this special book. It has become a tradition. This year he chose a flourless cake. Turns out this is one of the easiest cakes to make.
Out here in the west, while it is still in the low 80′s most of the week, we are still graced by the somewhat turning of trees and the winter flowers that are starting to bloom. The Jacaranda trees, that line the city streets, are being wrapped in Christmas lights by the city for the special day that Santa arrives. So, with fall underway and the holiday decorations up reminding us of the season,
Spanish tapas is a favorite of mine. I love the strong flavors in small bites. I am constantly struggling with my weight and have decided that small servings of highly flavored foods is the way to go. That doesn’t always happen, obviously, but….it’s a plan! These will certainly fit the bill, and pastry is always good. Pie, pie, pie…all the time!!! (I often think a soup and pie restaurant would be what I ‘d do…if that ever happens.)
