Tea Time Entertaining: A Collection
of Tea Themes & Recipes
By Dolores Snyder
Dolores Snyder has led a most interesting life as she accompanied her geologist husband on trips to many foreign countries and even lived in some. Dolores grew up in Texas drinking iced tea, but she became so enchanted with English afternoon tea on a trip to England that she began teaching classes on tea when she returned to the States. Dolores has taken cooking classes in London, France, Italy, Hong Kong, and Bangkok; is a founding member of The James Beard Foundation; and holds the designation of Certified Culinary Professional. She is now sharing her experience and knowledge in her new book.
The book includes a short history of tea, tea in today’s world, etiquette, tea customs around the world, pairing teas and foods, types of tea, and brewing the perfect cuppa. Dolores also recounts memorable teas including tea with actress Greer Garson (Mrs. Minivier), married to a business associate of Dolores’ husband, and a tea in Texas for Queen Elizabeth where she was asked to create the menu.
Easy-to-read-and-follow recipes are grouped by topic—Traditional Teas, New Ways with Tea, Holiday Teas, Special Occasion Teas, and Pantry Recipes (mostly tea punches but a few holiday desserts also). Within these topics you will find theme teas with suggested menus and their recipes. Most recipes are afternoon tea items, many whose names you have seen in British novels (Maids of Honour Tarts, English Trifle, Victoria Sponge Cake). Others have mouth-watering names (Cinnamon Basil Scones, Lavender Ice Cream, Rum Plum Cake, Queen of Sheba Chocolate Cake), but there are occasional surprises (Massaman Curry, Roasted and Smoked Orange Chicken; and Chinese Dim Sum Tea with recipes from a class Dolores attended in Hong Kong).
This beautifully crafted book features colorful photos showcasing Dolores’ china and serving pieces set up for tea with some of the recipes featured. Photo captions and sidebars share the accouterment’s history, the recipe’s origin, or tidbits about ingredients. You will feel just like you are sipping tea with “Dodie” and having her share these with you. A helpful index lists recipes alphabetically and also categorized by food groups (such as desserts—which is then sub-categorized into cakes, tarts, etc.) and also by the main ingredients (such as ham, pears, walnuts, etc.).
The book is available from DWS Publishing at (972) 717-4189 for $35.00 plus $5.00 s/h. Five percent of the net proceeds go to Teach for America. 
Reprinted from The TeaTime Gazette, www.teatimegazette.com.
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