Tag Archives: tea

Afternoon Tea in the Colonial Quarter, St. Augustine

“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea,” said American writer Henry James. While Americans usually think of the British taking time for a spot of tea, our country’s early settlers arrived with a fondness for the beverage and also enjoyed the respite it provided. Most of us have given up this lovely afternoon tradition.

Abigail and Rose host teas in the Colonial Quarter
Abigail and Rose host teas in the Colonial Quarter

Now, residents and visitors can indulge again at Abigail and Rose’s Tea, a recent addition to the activities of the Colonial Quarter in St. Augustine. Dressed in colonial attire, Rose and Abigail explain afternoon tea through a living history lesson, a delicious one at that. This tea time does not require you to dress up, nor dine on fancy, high tea cucumber sandwiches and decadent desserts. Rather, Abigail and Rose serve more modest fare with scones, real clotted cream, jam and chocolates in a friendly environment.  The specially blended  tea comes from the St. Augustine Spice and Tea Exchange and is brewed as in colonial days, right in your cup.

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A Summer Sensation– Lemongrass Mint Gin and Tonics

Tea Forte Cocktail Infusions

Summer’s here. “Time for a G and T,” I say.

My husband, Jay, makes a great Tanqueray and tonic. Like every mixologist, he starts with gin over ice and tops it off with tonic water. But then– he squeezes a section of fresh lime into the cool liquid, letting the tart and tangy juice add some zip. After that, he runs the oozing fruit piece around the glass lip before plunking it into the cocktail. Swizzle a little and you’ve got an outstanding mixed drink.

Just recently I came across a new product which offered a twist on tradition and some experimental fun—Tea Forte cocktail infusers; a method to combine an extraordinary blend of tea with alcohol.

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Boston Creme Pie: The Official State Dessert of Massachusetts

I’ve visited Boston a few times, but can’t recall ever tasting the official state dessert- Boston Crème Pie. The dish looks like it would be perfect for a pie-throwing contest; firm enough to throw and not fall apart, but gushy enough to make a sloppy mess.

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