The Porch

Welcome to Betty's favorites! My name is Betty and I am a self proclaimed "Serial Plate Collector!" Please, take out your best tea cup, fix yourself some tea and stay a while.



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Saturday, January 26, 2013

Cheddar Bacon Herb Scones

 
Cheddar Bacon Herb Scones
served with Set  to a Tea - The Earl's Finest Tea
 
 
Ingredients:
 
1 box Set to a Tea - Sweet Creme Gourmet Scone Mix
6 tablespoons melted butter
1  (6 oz.) carton sour cream
3 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup real bacon bits or crumbled bacon
 
Topping:
 
4 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic
1/2 teaspoon chives
 
Garnish:
 
2 tablespoons finely shredded sharp
 cheddar cheese for final garnish
 
Directions:
 
*  Preheat oven to 400 degrees
*  Pour Set to a Tea - Sweet Cream Scone Mix
into large bowl.
*  Add 1/2 cup finely shredded sharp
cheddar cheese and 3/4 cup bacon, and mix.
*  Melt butter in microwave in small bowl,
and add sour cream and milk.
*  Add butter mixture to dry ingredients.
*  Fold mixture until blended.
*  Use hand to form a ball and
move over to wax paper or cutting board.
*  Form dough into a round.
Cut into 8 equal pie shaped wedges.
*  Separate wedges into individual pieces
and place on cookie sheet.
*  Bake at 400 degrees for 12-15  minutes.
*  Remove from oven and brush with butter topping
and sprinkle with cheese while still warm.
 
Topping:
 
Melt butter in microwave and combine
with garlic and chives.
 
Garnish with cheddar cheese  and
serve with Set to a Tea - The Earl's Finest Tea.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Cranberry Corn Scones


                                        Cranberry Corn Scones

Ingredients:

1 box Set to a Tea - Cranberry gourmet Scone Mix
1/2 cup corn meal
1  (6 oz.) vanilla yogurt
6 tablespoons melted butter
3 tablespoons creamed corn or orange juice
1 teaspoon sugar or splenda

Perparations:

*  Preheat oven to 400 degrees

*  Pour Set to a Tea - cranberry scone mix into a large bowl.
    Add corn meal and mix.
*  Melt butter in microwave in small bowl, add yogurt and
    creamed corn (or orange juice).
*  Add butter mixture to dry ingredients.  Fold mixture until
    blended.
*  Use hands to form a ball and move over to wax paper or
    cutting board.
*  Form dough into a round, sprinkle with sugar if desired.
*  Cut into eight equal pie shaped wedges.  Separate wedges
    into individual pieces and place on cookie sheet.
*  Bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

Serve with Set to a Tea - Autumn Bliss Tea.



         




Coconut Truffle Biscotti

 
Coconut Truffle Biscotti
 
1 box Set to a Tea - Coconut Truffle Scone mix
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar, optional - 4 teaspoons Splenda or other
4 egg whites
2 teaspoons vanilla or any flavor of your choosing
1/2 cup any type chocolate chips, bits, nuts or candy
 
 
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  In a small mixing bowl,
beat butter and sugar for about 2 minutes or until crumbly.
Beat in egg whites and extract.
Add scone mix to the butter, sugar and egg white mixture.
Stir in any additional chips, etc.
 
Press into a 9" square baking dish, coated with non stick cooking spray.
Bake 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned.
Remove from pan to a cutting board.
Cut biscotti in half using a serrated knife.
Then cut each half into 1/2 inch slices.
Place the slices cut side down on a baking sheet coated with non stick cooking spray.
Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown, turning once.
Remove fom pan to wire rack.
 
Dust with confectioner's sugar.
 
Enjoy with a cup of hot  Set to a Tea Coconut Truffle tea!
 
NOTE:  Coconut Truffle Tea
A blend of black tea with coconut pieces and chocolate bits!
 
 
 
 
 

Strawberry White Cranberry Cooler

Strawberry White Cranberry Cooler

Ingredients:

2 heaping tablespoons Set to a  Tea Tennie Bean Fruit Blend tea
4 cups boiling water
4-5 cups ice
1   (64 oz.) container of White Cranberry Strawberry Juice
1 packet Splenda or any natural (0  calorie) sweetner
1 heat resistant gallon pitcher


Preparations:

Put tea into Set to a Tea Tea Pockets filter or Mesh Ball Infuser.
Place filter into heat resistant gallon pitcher.  Pour 4 cups boiling
water over tea.  Steep 4-5 minutes.  if using a paper filter, dunk
and then remove.  Quickly add 5 cups ice to steeped tea.  Add
64 oz. container White Cranberry Strawberry Juice.

Optional Garnish:  Fresh sliced strawberries.

Great to serve at your  summer picnic.

NOTE:  Tennie Bean Fruit Blend Tea
              Strawberry, hibiscus, rose hips,
              orange peels and jelly beans for
              a strawberry cream taste.
           
            
               




Skinny Chai Rooibos Latte

Skinny Chai Rooibos Latte

Ingredients:

1 heaping teaspoon Set to a Tea Chai Rooibos tea
1 Set to a Tea - Tea Pockets filter or Mesh Ball Infuser
1/2 cup water (boiling)
1/2 cup Land O Lakes Fat Free Half & Half (warmed in microwave)
1 packet Splenda or any natural ( 0  calorie) sweetner
4 tablespoons fat free whipped cream topping

Preparation:

Put tea into filter.  Place filter into cup.  Pour 1/2 cup boiling water
over tea.  Steep 4-5 minutes  Dunk filter and then remove.  Add Splenda,
warmed Half & Half and stir.  Top with whipped cream topping.

For a refreshing summer drink, quickly ice or "flash freeze" this recipe
over a tall glass filled with ice.

Optional Garnish:  Top with cinnamon or ginger.

Calories:  About 90 calories per 8 oz. serving.

NOTE:  Chai Rooibos
              African red tea blended with
              cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, and
              cardamon.
             



Blueberry Buckle Smoothie

Blueberry Buckle Smoothie


Ingredients:

1 cup brewed Set to a Tea Blueberry Buckle tea
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1 (6 oz.) blueberry or french vanilla yogurt
6-8 ice cubes

Preparation:

In blender, combine Blueberry Buckle tea with blueberries and yogurt,
blend until smooth.  Add ice cubes and blend until thick and frothy.

NOTE:  Blueberry Buckle
              A very tasty blend of black and green teas
              with blueberry pieces.
             


Passion Pink Green Tea Spritzer

Passion Pink Green Tea Spritzer

Ingredients:

2 heaping tablespoons of Set to a Tea Passion Pink Green Tea
4 cups steaming water
4 - 5 cups ice
2 cups club soda
1/2 cup strawberries
1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cuplueberries

Preparation:
1 heat resistant gallon pitcher

Pour Passion Pink tea into Tea Pockets filter or
Mesh Ball Infuser.  Place filter into heat resistant gallon pitcher.
Pour 4 cups steaming water over tea.  Steep 4-5 minutes.  If using
a paper filter, dunk and then remove.  Quickly add 5 cups ice to the
steeped tea.  Add fruit, club soda and stir.

Delicious treat, ready to sip.

NOTE:  The Perfect Cup supplies...

Passion Pink
Green and Rooibos teas blended with pieces of rhubarb,
strawberries and rose petals for a sweet fruity flavor. 

Tea Pockets filters
These are easy to use pockets; perfect for your loose tea!
Just fill, flip and teep!  30 pockets per pack.

Mesh Ball Infuser
This 2" diameter mesh ball is ideal for brewing your loose tea.
Stainless steel with plastic teapot charm on a clip for easy cleaning.









Creamsicle Rooibos Peach Smoothie


Creamsicle Rooibos Peach Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 cup chilled Creamsicle Rooibos
1 cup fresh ripe peaches
1 (6 oz.) peach yogurt
6 to 8 ice cubes

Preparation:

Combine Creamsicle Rooibos, peaches, and yogurt,
blend until smooth.  Add ice cubes and process until
thick and frothy.

NOTE:  Creamsicle Rooibos
              African red tea blended with vanilla flavoring
              and orange pieces.
          

Friday, January 25, 2013

BJs Tea Cake




BJs Tea Cake

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon Coconut Truffle tea, dry
2 sticks marjorine
4 teaspoons cocoa
1 cup brewed Coconut Truffle tea
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1 cup chopped walnuts

Preparation:

Sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and add
dry Coconut Truffle tea,  Set aside.  In a saucepan, melt
butter.  Add coco and brewed Coconut Truffle tea and bring
to a boil.  Pour over flour mixture.  Quickly add buttermilk,
eggs, vanilla, coconut extract, and walnuts.  Mix well. 
Pour into a greased and floured 9x13 baking pan or dish.
Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until top springs back
when touched.  Leave cake in pan.

Icing:

1 stick butter, melted
4 tablespoons cocoa
6 tablespoons buttermilk
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 teaspoon dry Coconut Truffle tea
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1 box (3 & 3/4 cups) powdered sugar
1 cup chopped walnuts

In a large saucepan, combine butter, cocoa, and buttermilk.
Bring to a boil.  Stir in vanilla,  dry Coconut Truffle tea, and
coconut extract. Reduce heat.  Add powdered sugar and walnuts.
Mix well.  Pour over cake.  Served when cooled.


Delicious Chocolate Walnut Tea Society Cake!

NOTE:  Coconut Truffle Tea
A blend of black tea with coconut pieces and chocolate bits.
Item #1025  Loose Only
in stay fresh foil refill bags (R)  $9.00

Betty  xo










  


Cucumber Tea Sandwiches Recipe

Sweet Remembrances Cucumber Sandwiches

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Ingredients:

8 ounces cream cheese
2/3 packet ranch salad-dressing mix
2 tablespoons mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 cucumber, English when available, washed, peeled, and sliced
butter for bread
1 loaf bread, your choice

Preparation:

Blend ranch salad-dressing mix, cream cheese and mayonaise or salad dressing.
Spread trimmed bread with butter on both slices.  Then spread cheese mixture on
bread.  Top with thin cucumber slice.  Ready to serve!

IMPORTANT:

30 minutes to an hour before assembling, spread cucumber slices on a folded paper towel.
Sprinkle with salt.  This allows the water to drain from the slices.

Sounds so good!




Strawberry Tea Sandwiches Recipe


Sweet Remembrances Recipe...

Strawberry Tea Sandwiches

Ingredients:

8 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup strawberry jam
butter for bread
fresh strawberries, sliced verttically through the top in halves, will look like hearts
sliced white bread or other

Preparation:

Mix cream cheese and jam with mixer.  Spread butter on both sides of
heart shaped bread (made with heart cookie cutter).  Then spread cheese
and jam mixture on bread, top with a slice of fresh strawberry.  Ready to
devour!

Great for a Valentine Tea Party!






January National Hot Tea Month





You still have time to have tea with your friend or hubby!

January Tea :  Resolutions Green Tea

January Scone of the month:  Sweet Cream

 

Sachet Favors

Sachet Favors

     Make this vintage handcrafted party favor for your celebrations.

Use a 6" doily white or vintage ecru filled with your favorite popouri
encased in tulle, tied with a satin ribbon and finished with a satin
ribbon rose.  For the ribon and rose, use the color(s) of your celebration.

Have fun!

Betty  xo

Champagne Popsicle Spoons

Champagne Popsicle Spoons

     This is a good way to use up that littlebit of champagne left over from your last
celebration or wouldn't this be a great idea for a wedding, bridal shower or other formal celebration.

Chanpagne Popsicle Spoons Recipe:

Prep time 10 minutes
Total time 10 minutes
Yield 6 servings
Freeze

Ingredients:

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
2/3 cup champagne

Preparation:

Place the sugar and water in
a small saucepan over medium heat.

Stir the water until the sugar has completely
dissolved.  Turn off the heat.  Dissolving the
sugar has created a syrup, which will ensure
the popsicles have a smooth texture.

There are lots of ways to personalize a good
recipe with your favorite Fruit(s).

Pour mixture into small freezer safe containers,
incert vintage spoons (or other) into mixture
and freeze, or incert spoons when half frozen.

Enjoy!

Betty Ayers
mytastyteablog@hotmail.com
(859) 846-9087


National Scone Day - May 30

National Scone Day - May 30

Betty's Walnut Creme Scones

Use Sweet Creme gourmet scone mix
from Set to a Tea, 11.2 oz. box
Yields 8 scones

You will need:
3/4 to 1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon Roasted Walnut Oil La Tourangelle (got mine at Kroger)
   Optional...use more walnut oil to taste or use walnut extract instead

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
(convection oven to 325 degrees).

Mix well, walnut oil or walnut extract
into heavy whipping cream.

Place all dry ingredients into a mixing bowl
and pour in 3/4 cup of cream, mixing as you pour.

Stir until cream is absorbed in the mix.

Work the dough around the bowl until all the dry ingredients are
incorporated and the dough is slightly sticky to the touch,
adding the remaining cream as needed.

Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and press to 3/4 inch thick,
(rolling is not necessary).  Cut out 8 round or wedge shaped pieces.

Place the shapes on a baking sheet (grease the sheet or use parchment paper)
and sprinkle with granulated sugar or brush with remaining cream.

Bake for 20-24 minutes or until lightly browned ( or test by inserting toothpick
in center of scone - it's done if it comes out clean).
Remove from the oven and cool before serving.

Enjoy with a friend or have a party!

Betty Ayers
mytastyteablog@hotmail.com
(859) 846-9087






                         

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Happy Friday Housekeepers...

Happy Friday Housekeepers,

     You make a cup of mint chocolate chip tea.  For once the house is warm and you feel content after days of 10 degree weather (like ours).  Today you will make lavender white chocolate scones.
Fill a vintage tin with all the ritual you need to meditate and work your way through all the extra laundry a weekend full of housework has created.  You have plans, mission lists and domestic ambitions, so that even the kind of days that cannot be predicted have a framework to fall back on and for this, you are eternally grateful.  Boredom is never an option, when there is so much to do.

Now there is curd or jam on scones to be made and cut into tiny pieces for your little ones.  The kitchen floor needs mopping.  There is a pile of bills, correspondence, and paper clutter to be filed, same as in my house.  Table runner and napkins to be washed.  A litter tray to empty.  A heavenly new magazine to read.  Boredom is never an option.

Hugs, Betty

 

My Door Is Always Open!

My door is always open!  Do come in and
stay a while!  I would love for you to leave
a comment so I will know you were here.
I enjoy making friends so please stay around
for a while and lets get to know one another.

You are welcome to post items and your thoughts
on the subject.  Help keep these subjects updated,
please.  Choose one or more and share.

*  Teacup Tuesday
*  Duchess Tea Club Guild Wednesday
*  Pink Saturday
*  Cozy Book Club Sunday
*  Sweet Remembrances Recipes

Is there another subject you would like to see here?

Peace & Blessings,
Betty
belleayers@gmail.com



Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Feather your nest on this cold winters day...

 
 
Feather your nest on this cold winters day...
 
With snowflakes swirling and cold winter
winds whipping around to a low of 10 degrees
and our water frozen (will be fixed tomorrow),
we're taking time to snuggle up at home.
 
How are you spending this fresh-start month
of the year?

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Valentine's Day

 
On Valentines Day, I think about
the people who are dear, how much they add
to life's delight whenever they are near.
You've always been a total joy,
such pleasant company,
I very much appreciate
our compatibility!

WELCOME Tea lovers and serial collectors, too!!!

 
WELCOME tea lovers, bird lovers, and serial collectors, too!!!
 
Valentine Treasures
 
Valentine treasures are people who have often
crossed your mind,
family, friends and others, too
who in your life have shined
the warmth of love or a spark of light
that makes you remember them;
no matter how long since you've actually met,
each one is a luminous gem,
who gleems and glows in your memory,
bringing special pleasures, and that's why
this Valentine comes to you...
you're one of those sparkling treasures!
 
Hugs, Betty

Valentine Smile

 
Valentine Smile
 
On Valentines day we think of those
who make our lives worthwhile,
those gracious, friendly people
who we think of with a smile.
 
I'm fortunate to know you,
that's why i want to say,
to a rare and special person...
Happy Valentines Day!

My Parakeets and Rosy Bourke Grasskeets

My Rosy Bourke Grasskeets are not quite as pink as this one pictured.
 
They are so gentle and attentive whe I hold and talk to them.
Mine are one year olds, Rosa and Arthur, with a nest box.
However, no eggs yet!
 
My 4 regular Parakeets are like one you see in a pet store.
Mine are probably around 8 weeks old, white and blue.
They will pair off and get nest boxes in January 2014.
Mindy, Rissa, Chad and Rhett (not in that order).
 
I will probably sell all babies or stop breeding them.
Time will tell!


 
Valentine Treasures
 
Valentine treasures are people wjo have crossed your mind,
family, friends, and others, too
who is in your life that has shined the warmth of love
or a spark of light that makes you remember them;
no matter how long since you've actually met,
each one is a luminous gem, who gleems and glows
in your memory, bringing special pleasures,
and that's why this Valentine comes to you:
you're one of those sparkling treasures!
 
Betty  xo

I've been away...

Hi everyone!

I've been away quite a bit.  I look forward to visiting
with my fellow blogger friends and to meet many new
ones!  I get sidetracked with health issues but, "I'm back!"