tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-886878879255743342024-03-14T18:48:49.880+00:00Tea With Me And FriendsA blog dedicated to the pleasures of afternoon tea - full of scrummy photos, gossip and other tea related posts. Join us on our afternoon tea adventures and read about the adventures of othersRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.comBlogger534125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-53657165400955183822021-11-14T16:09:00.002+00:002021-11-14T16:09:37.031+00:00Tea for Tea....Hamiltons Tea House<p>Hello there, welcome back to Tea With Me and Friends!</p><p>Recently a new tea room has opened in my home town, Farnham, it's called <a href="https://hamiltons-teahouse.com/" target="_blank">Hamiltons Tea House </a>and of course as soon as I saw it was opening I was intrigued. Farnham, like lots of towns, is packed full of coffee shops, both independent and commercial, but we are sadly lacking in proper tea rooms. I discovered that Hamiltons is a family run business, with a passion for great service and making afternoon tea accessible. So accessible that you don't need to book! </p><p>Hamiltons bakes their own scones daily and uses local suppliers (including the lovely Ellie from <a href="https://hellobakehouse.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bakehouse</a>) to offer a menu that includes breakfast, lunches, cream teas and of course afternoon tea. They have an extensive tea menu, a great range of coffee and hot chocolate and a martini menu....so you can enjoy a cocktail with their afternoon tea! Sounds perfect doesn't it! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I've now had the pleasure of visiting Hamiltons on two occasions, once for a cream tea and once for the full afternoon tea experience. The cream tea was my first visit and we were pleasantly surprised by the size of the tea menu, the knowledge of the staff and the general wonderfulness of the scones, which were served warm, with clotted cream and strawberry preserve.....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpi_MyYNYa2vL0R8w56OZ0Jzr6-fX9Fj3DVXfwBwYMAT2pT5kEGze4AKRe48_jn6CCrg-D5vQi872X15EcpEc90ZcKGhCK14Dgnbq6mvkHgqgiXBAai94DTuU2NRVC9Pck89uSEr55qzV/s2048/IMG_20211113_141350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="2048" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpi_MyYNYa2vL0R8w56OZ0Jzr6-fX9Fj3DVXfwBwYMAT2pT5kEGze4AKRe48_jn6CCrg-D5vQi872X15EcpEc90ZcKGhCK14Dgnbq6mvkHgqgiXBAai94DTuU2NRVC9Pck89uSEr55qzV/w400-h261/IMG_20211113_141350.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can pick a plain or sultana scone and a pot of tea from the menu. The tables have tea timers on them and the staff suggest how long your tea should brew for. The crockery, like the tea room, is modern and simple. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This Saturday, my sister Lorna was visiting and we didn't have any plans for lunch. So on impulse we popped into Hamiltons to see if a table was available, as it was a busy Saturday lunchtime we had a 20 minute wait, but it was worth it! We decided to try the afternoon tea, to discover what a non-booked tea experience would be like. It's a set menu with savouries, scones, cakes and unlimited tea all for £17.50 per person. I wondered whether offering the tea as an walk-in option would effect the quality of what was being offered, would everything be pre-made and a bit stale? After ordering our teas we had a short wait, but when the food came out we were very happy....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvczC3lP3wZI_OQGj61Cd1ZUeKCRvrYBalqZwOhajBxB6bl8bqdr40JQ25kqIEADmVvUhyphenhyphen4tcOU9kMw8V5Ii5eRTfaJuy035zZVNSF2EJGlkF9DOZqgpsgPrklzJmfdUwraECI9-QR6onF/s2048/IMG_20211113_141339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvczC3lP3wZI_OQGj61Cd1ZUeKCRvrYBalqZwOhajBxB6bl8bqdr40JQ25kqIEADmVvUhyphenhyphen4tcOU9kMw8V5Ii5eRTfaJuy035zZVNSF2EJGlkF9DOZqgpsgPrklzJmfdUwraECI9-QR6onF/s320/IMG_20211113_141339.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Two fabulous stands full of fresh food were brought to our table! Just look at Lorna looking loving at the scones (she's actually scowling at me because she's hungry and I was taking photos!). The bottom plate housed the savouries and a vol au vent, the middle plate has the sweet treats on and the top has the cream and scones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZaYzet1jHiWUmFXggoihCNz5_Jt20c2Lr3BOVwjawi0VqSUFuE0-HN6IN3rYDSDUVA7W1ZiYsC-lb77U6svOaSP7Kxzk-tqIO4WPLXfEFdjmxKpmKYuzHaNN9QglIuZgBrNInP7WShIA/s2048/IMG_20211113_141354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZaYzet1jHiWUmFXggoihCNz5_Jt20c2Lr3BOVwjawi0VqSUFuE0-HN6IN3rYDSDUVA7W1ZiYsC-lb77U6svOaSP7Kxzk-tqIO4WPLXfEFdjmxKpmKYuzHaNN9QglIuZgBrNInP7WShIA/w320-h240/IMG_20211113_141354.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Vlhw1Oefu7XBzZnD18fCgOlWKjAnRZWjIWsLULioUdMHq1YrUPD19Dphj_-xd_V2ZNsOUVWSODXRpZWXMntVYDKDjl4qQA888L-vCWzbjfAd1jRuQQ-N621XFOLi4QDe5g-hBM0-StSe/s2048/IMG_20211113_142616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Vlhw1Oefu7XBzZnD18fCgOlWKjAnRZWjIWsLULioUdMHq1YrUPD19Dphj_-xd_V2ZNsOUVWSODXRpZWXMntVYDKDjl4qQA888L-vCWzbjfAd1jRuQQ-N621XFOLi4QDe5g-hBM0-StSe/s320/IMG_20211113_142616.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The sandwiches were so fresh and the bread to filling ratio was perfect. We enjoyed Cucumber, dill and cream cheese, egg mayonnaise, Ham and wholegrain mustard and rare roast beef and horseradish cream finger sandwiches on white and brown breads. There wasn't a crust to be seen, which always makes me smile. Then there was a huge vol au vent, packed full of coronation chicken. The pastry was flaky and the chicken creamy and mildly spiced. A real highlight for me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1XdLTw3DHMO3uYZ-udA9vW_x9CixWLMebCzN0L3P6ogJJ5Tg9JWFRzLilPn4BlcMg4pGReEivjKGhUShRRr7di2qLPQDyo6HC3chyphenhyphenIOOEBHGS6d3XByYCeXiZTZgrWQq0FSMxDozp9e0/s2048/IMG_20211113_141403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1XdLTw3DHMO3uYZ-udA9vW_x9CixWLMebCzN0L3P6ogJJ5Tg9JWFRzLilPn4BlcMg4pGReEivjKGhUShRRr7di2qLPQDyo6HC3chyphenhyphenIOOEBHGS6d3XByYCeXiZTZgrWQq0FSMxDozp9e0/s320/IMG_20211113_141403.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoNNWWMLFQrF4tGYkkl88lZgNmrf7qLSXCf-dZLBeYmalH23Q7zatecQqg582pHwJC5g8oLB-qgnn-QX6xsAKz1W-jV5_ZY3TH53sHa7FAcwTQ7WycfVrsgQvSpqdUhp_KI-TXqUtgO8I/s2048/IMG_20211113_143358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoNNWWMLFQrF4tGYkkl88lZgNmrf7qLSXCf-dZLBeYmalH23Q7zatecQqg582pHwJC5g8oLB-qgnn-QX6xsAKz1W-jV5_ZY3TH53sHa7FAcwTQ7WycfVrsgQvSpqdUhp_KI-TXqUtgO8I/s320/IMG_20211113_143358.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The scone plate includes two scones per person, one plain and one sultana - both were generous in size. The scones are served with butter, clotted cream and strawberry preserve. I only ate the fruit scone on this occasion...but it was fresh, baked the whole way though and not at all claggy - perfect for getting cream and jam into my mouth! I can also confirm that the sultanas in the scone were plentiful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0zFcsJfx4zUbUEYleyvskxsjBBQnNFh9GwqHcx2wyPujcrN41kDOGaaCHbKruQgAn-MqOH4h6e5njdxT4fbSaWanUXbuR-kgAVhMFrGL9-TF_iKZ7Aw4L_CfT7e_SAat-SzpwbsqM-er/s2048/IMG_20211113_141358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0zFcsJfx4zUbUEYleyvskxsjBBQnNFh9GwqHcx2wyPujcrN41kDOGaaCHbKruQgAn-MqOH4h6e5njdxT4fbSaWanUXbuR-kgAVhMFrGL9-TF_iKZ7Aw4L_CfT7e_SAat-SzpwbsqM-er/s320/IMG_20211113_141358.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sorry this is an awful photo (I was too excited by the cake)...but each afternoon tea stand included three sweet treats. I think the selection changes, on this occasion we had a mini apple crumble concoction in the shot glass (a crumbly base, topped with apples and cream). We also had a piece of chocolate brownie and a mini lemon slice (which I know is delicious as it comes from Bakehouse). Neither of us could finish the whole stand, but we were given boxes to take the extras home in (which always makes a lovely treat the next day!) </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyI9_JpVHSTx_cK-yeMHKMRk4RdcnZN3t_t-xuRL_FoTslbJZ0EepfGoVh58srymQA5Ev8PTG01Bx9Z-qhfIbKfflYdq55Mad_8PyHA36L86tCYzdcq6pxZZOVYQEdZB630frGBPK8tfe/s2048/IMG_20211113_152725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyI9_JpVHSTx_cK-yeMHKMRk4RdcnZN3t_t-xuRL_FoTslbJZ0EepfGoVh58srymQA5Ev8PTG01Bx9Z-qhfIbKfflYdq55Mad_8PyHA36L86tCYzdcq6pxZZOVYQEdZB630frGBPK8tfe/s320/IMG_20211113_152725.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our tea pots were filled up regularly throughout the afternoon tea and we were encouraged to try more than one tea. Hamiltons had just launched their Christmas tea, which we decided to try. The Christmas tea was fruity and warming, full of cinnamon and clove - really Christmassy! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The service we experienced on both visits was brilliant, everyone is friendly and knowledgeable about the products. Even though it was busy, no one was rushed and everyone got the same warm welcome. This is the perfect tea room in my humble opinion....simple, not fussy, serving great produce and with friendly staff. I'd definitely recommend popping by Hamiltons if you happen to be in Farnham, if you want to guarantee a table you can book ahead. More information about the menus can be found on their <a href="https://hamiltons-teahouse.com/" target="_blank">website. </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you for popping by today, I hope you've enjoyed reading about our latest afternoon tea adventure!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rachel & Lorna</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-51925129079195850822021-02-07T12:22:00.005+00:002021-02-07T12:22:33.926+00:00BRUU tea subscription - discover new tea without leaving the house!<p> Hello,</p><p>Welcome back to Tea With Me and Friends - we hope you are keeping well and safe.</p><p>Recently we were sent a tea subscription box from BRUU tea, a UK company who want to share their love and affinity with tea with everyone! BRUU tea's mission is to get people trying better tasting tea and their focus is tea subscription services. The subscriptions are based on individual's preferences and therefore hopefully you should receive teas that you really enjoy each month. </p><p>So, let's tell you a little about our box....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a02gWLEqzvzqO3XT9z_4AWyr_Bjr7Qx93PSUeOyO0zpH1Z3-n2g2cI7iNgPILoAe-iDuaTCNPaHkVtTOI7axknmEcli9tk1pVBpxA7iavpvD3CW0kujoqvJICiFdT0NFLU7tEbPhXkMz/s2048/IMG_20210207_111137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="2048" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a02gWLEqzvzqO3XT9z_4AWyr_Bjr7Qx93PSUeOyO0zpH1Z3-n2g2cI7iNgPILoAe-iDuaTCNPaHkVtTOI7axknmEcli9tk1pVBpxA7iavpvD3CW0kujoqvJICiFdT0NFLU7tEbPhXkMz/w320-h168/IMG_20210207_111137.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First off, it's letter box sized, so no worries about missing your tea when its delivered at the beginning of each month. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The box contained three named tea pouches, a mystery tea and some chocolate as an extra treat!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEuK25Gj8AyaHgayF2LFAlCsdnl2eiSzfzmLCsbYkKicmdMJ2vt1jY4faTL1n3xYTm6J26gcPmfeOlUjSmjMleBQtPRlXWCBY5pgV9uvLPuYAwb3pSLmtFr9H5Y4fW1YqdycEdI_KDr29/s2048/IMG_20210207_111214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEuK25Gj8AyaHgayF2LFAlCsdnl2eiSzfzmLCsbYkKicmdMJ2vt1jY4faTL1n3xYTm6J26gcPmfeOlUjSmjMleBQtPRlXWCBY5pgV9uvLPuYAwb3pSLmtFr9H5Y4fW1YqdycEdI_KDr29/w300-h400/IMG_20210207_111214.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I liked the packaging, each tea pouch was labelled clearly and came with a little card to give you information about the tea. On the front of the card is the name, type and brewing instructions. On the back of the card you learn what the tea is, where it's from and why BRUU thinks its a great tea to try. Personally I love learning about new teas and blends when I try them, I think its interesting to read where they have come from etc. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In my box I had a black tea, a green tea and a fruit tea. I was pleasantly surprised that I hadn't come across the black tea or the fruit tea blend previously.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I liked the handy little information cards, which can be stored easily for future reference. Although because they are nice and small, the print is also a little small!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On to the teas themselves.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The black tea - Surianalle from Kerala in India</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvasi4b5uHcdQ4W97rA00I1pfYFE3WXVBm-ZDaAZISW5XGN8YvosnHIdCm4o6kWdT90brkI6cTKGAY50th2O12xaMp1sdP0TZszke3HBOR5Rqea_5_uz5xGxh_OJjHbGE4Ok6grm9fTXLS/s2048/IMG_20210207_111616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2044" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvasi4b5uHcdQ4W97rA00I1pfYFE3WXVBm-ZDaAZISW5XGN8YvosnHIdCm4o6kWdT90brkI6cTKGAY50th2O12xaMp1sdP0TZszke3HBOR5Rqea_5_uz5xGxh_OJjHbGE4Ok6grm9fTXLS/s320/IMG_20210207_111616.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First thing I noted....the tea leaves are really fine, some will probably escape your strainer. The tea once brewed is a lovely, punchy morning tea. It's got a nutty brown colour and a really fresh taste, perfect for starting your day. I don't think I have come across this before, but really enjoyed it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The green tea - Mao Jian from Hunan, Xinyang China</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-TXj2q27L_Gdy4MRTHRCemFeRaZ1RGNTU3bhv8J4YGM6aWhLSNPPy0ywTqLyeGGnvYpf_eLood0FnM-fcCE4TnR3g2RggFpT1hdjbXLw3-m1e4t4rjBnV1R2Q3j0FSYxnfeB1ryCSijR/s2048/IMG_20210207_112137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2002" data-original-width="2048" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-TXj2q27L_Gdy4MRTHRCemFeRaZ1RGNTU3bhv8J4YGM6aWhLSNPPy0ywTqLyeGGnvYpf_eLood0FnM-fcCE4TnR3g2RggFpT1hdjbXLw3-m1e4t4rjBnV1R2Q3j0FSYxnfeB1ryCSijR/w400-h391/IMG_20210207_112137.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A light yellow colour once brewed, I have to say this isn't one of my favourite green teas. To me it tastes "green", and I can't really taste that sweet and floral notes described on the tasting card...but that could just be me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The fruit tea - Turkish Apple</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdYrARBdSzPg6q449azkfi30Tb59F5g7fuVUeCVn4QQ4JX1oGHO5XAo66IvLAeQ1RD_zZCtJ5BxVvmJUGz8gOjWE4kSKX_1DkPzPYff-S5VhXmlJG_h2bcTudKYbJ0Gya-8KPBmHYbRia/s2048/IMG_20210207_112813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1894" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdYrARBdSzPg6q449azkfi30Tb59F5g7fuVUeCVn4QQ4JX1oGHO5XAo66IvLAeQ1RD_zZCtJ5BxVvmJUGz8gOjWE4kSKX_1DkPzPYff-S5VhXmlJG_h2bcTudKYbJ0Gya-8KPBmHYbRia/w370-h400/IMG_20210207_112813.jpg" width="370" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This blend surprised me - it includes lemongrass from West India, apple from Turkey and pineapple from America. The leaves have an almost creamy smell to them (this sounds weird, but honestly it smells creamy!). The blend creates a lovely warming cup of tea, perfect for the grey weather we are experiencing in the UK at the moment. The pineapple and apple brings the sweet notes, perfect against the mild spice of the lemongrass. I think you could enjoy this at any point in the day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really enjoyed this blend! </div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>The important bits: </b>The subscription starts from £10 and you receive three pouches of tea, enough for 20-40 cups depending on the tea. Subscription options are either rolling monthly or in blocks of 3, 6 or 12 months and you are free to cancel whenever you want. Postage in the UK is free, but BRUU tea will ship their subscription boxes outside of the UK too.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I'd like to thank the team at BRUU teas for sending us this subscription box. But please note that this gift hasn't effected our taste buds and all opinions expressed in this blog post belong to me!</p><p style="text-align: center;">If you'd like to find out more about BRUU tea please pop by<a href="https://www.bruutea.co.uk/" target="_blank"> their website.</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by today,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Rachel </p>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-129669306767229792021-01-30T13:08:00.003+00:002021-01-30T13:08:41.531+00:00Coffee and Cake worth walking for!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjyT437Slko75ZnBaHnEGQ5INNjXMJ8odSAWrdcJ4Afnol-GZwCBUaqPqR2mQWy-iMkncmOG7j4aFDC_pc3y3HKvRpRWRLgUV5cEeJZy0QnqjO_Ut2qJXKWR8Ofco8qZP7P34vHIP3xGG/s2048/IMG_20210123_091739-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjyT437Slko75ZnBaHnEGQ5INNjXMJ8odSAWrdcJ4Afnol-GZwCBUaqPqR2mQWy-iMkncmOG7j4aFDC_pc3y3HKvRpRWRLgUV5cEeJZy0QnqjO_Ut2qJXKWR8Ofco8qZP7P34vHIP3xGG/w240-h320/IMG_20210123_091739-01.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div> Hello there,<p></p><p>Welcome back to Tea With Me and Friends - we hope you are keeping well today.</p><p>As you know, we love to support local, independent businesses especially when they help with our coffee and cake cravings! Imagine my delight when I discovered that <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hellobakehouse/" target="_blank">Bakehouse</a>, the fabulous baker from Aldershot who we have featured before on the blog, has teamed up with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeecancompany/">The Coffee Cabin! </a></p><p>May I present Farnham's newest mobile coffee van...Candice!</p><p>The van serves tea from T2, along with coffee from DT Roastery in Winchester, hot chocolate, and freshly baked treats from Bakehouse. Amy, the owner, is super friendly and serves the coffee with a smile, even in the awful wet, cold weather we're experiencing at the moment. </p><p>Being a mobile offering, means that Amy and Candice the van move around the area, so you need to check out the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecoffeecancompany/" target="_blank">Instagram account </a>to find out where they are.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhez1G_bT9xgC3r8OuB6mc0AThIKtYGl2CdWiZ8DyK1KTeyESm-9LAmtPh8Cu0V-j8z7S701m3GdhYhiG5WApEJiPTmFf_uRl5T1FNZU4l91WrwoZsYrj1h3QeEJpEdj4CEDZC7UGVrPPhF/s2048/IMG_20210123_091746-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhez1G_bT9xgC3r8OuB6mc0AThIKtYGl2CdWiZ8DyK1KTeyESm-9LAmtPh8Cu0V-j8z7S701m3GdhYhiG5WApEJiPTmFf_uRl5T1FNZU4l91WrwoZsYrj1h3QeEJpEdj4CEDZC7UGVrPPhF/s320/IMG_20210123_091746-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorxfcCVDLTnkevLXe20r5neXaZxox9_JlbXM_T_10durvMfHy7NTxdO73wwbP044mb_6NOYJq0Pmi5OKoo3iZi05k_h3BkoF7R54FvFh_SkGq-kHfLqRoNbyfX0_5BHqKucruCeTyvg4h/s2048/IMG_20210123_091824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorxfcCVDLTnkevLXe20r5neXaZxox9_JlbXM_T_10durvMfHy7NTxdO73wwbP044mb_6NOYJq0Pmi5OKoo3iZi05k_h3BkoF7R54FvFh_SkGq-kHfLqRoNbyfX0_5BHqKucruCeTyvg4h/s320/IMG_20210123_091824.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have visited the Coffee Can twice now, both times they have been located on the Shepherd and Flock roundabout in Farnham (passed the pub and down the lane a little bit). But they have also spent some time in passed week at The Royal Oak pub in Wreclesham. So far I have enjoyed a black americano and a mocha, both have been delicious. I particularly enjoyed the mocha, which was chocolatey and a little bit bitter - the perfect blend. I also want to head back for a hot chocolate, which looks delicious! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cake-wise I have sampled the peanut butter slice and the salted caramel cupcake. As you already know I love Bakehouse cakes, which are always fresh and so full of flavour. The salted caramel cupcake was really good though, with the perfect ratio of cake to icing....it's possibly my favourite cupcake from Bakehouse so far! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDbwADffEUuA5GwCdZ2SWwf-6iZRY2GjoeP-TWmKiJwogE6x-UkwKNYTAXcDh_quvrRibBXYt7taUY3k5eSst8F9oXEUb5NitRwfJVWBZPEXCD9Ie0Mzcbut86rm4W1dY90dzENznedrZ/s2048/IMG_20210123_115912-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1721" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDbwADffEUuA5GwCdZ2SWwf-6iZRY2GjoeP-TWmKiJwogE6x-UkwKNYTAXcDh_quvrRibBXYt7taUY3k5eSst8F9oXEUb5NitRwfJVWBZPEXCD9Ie0Mzcbut86rm4W1dY90dzENznedrZ/w168-h200/IMG_20210123_115912-01.jpeg" width="168" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs23CecUA1H8MWTBpUF-KaR4dz6Rl-vXtA4LUuI0UlF-jrHMZlkaRe7X-KisbyQ04LmTZFIr3tdXgCAFG0I3Wf24pJWkDTErBUzkFoLsuSnhzDgwAGrvwOd8PkkgAT-g9wt4gEbLsGu4-z/s1080/IMG_20210130_120434_754-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs23CecUA1H8MWTBpUF-KaR4dz6Rl-vXtA4LUuI0UlF-jrHMZlkaRe7X-KisbyQ04LmTZFIr3tdXgCAFG0I3Wf24pJWkDTErBUzkFoLsuSnhzDgwAGrvwOd8PkkgAT-g9wt4gEbLsGu4-z/w200-h200/IMG_20210130_120434_754-01.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I should also mention that Amy uses biodegradable cups for her hot drinks.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you happen to be in the Farnham area of Surrey and fancy a cup of coffee, I'd definitely recommend looking for Amy and Candice the van! I'll be heading back....there are a lot more cakes to sample!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPlmk2WKuYxtzwWJvddziY8VW6AMlgHUr4FAKg7l-5Zn4hr4W1L7NXkqqAMEFs0QltEGkdPw7nCXLK_8q9J0PPvhYryeIEdogKmsr2RW4_YFBS4EBas01iUuPyilnH9DBOGrvh6FhZjIb/s1080/IMG_20210130_120434_728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPlmk2WKuYxtzwWJvddziY8VW6AMlgHUr4FAKg7l-5Zn4hr4W1L7NXkqqAMEFs0QltEGkdPw7nCXLK_8q9J0PPvhYryeIEdogKmsr2RW4_YFBS4EBas01iUuPyilnH9DBOGrvh6FhZjIb/w200-h200/IMG_20210130_120434_728.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for popping by today,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Rachel</div><p></p>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-68614540237542923882021-01-20T21:18:00.008+00:002021-01-20T21:18:58.157+00:00It's Pretzel time!<p> Hello there!</p><p>Happy new year....is it too late to say that now?? Don't know about you, but can't believe we're mid way through January already! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Anyway, here in the UK we are still in lockdown. Staying home is still not that much - missing friends, family and loved ones. There is only so much baking you can do yourself....so I've been looking at the different sweet treats that can be delivered to me at home. We need to provide our own moments of joy and for me these can definitely lie in cake and biscuits! There are so many companies now offering their sweet treats via the post, I thought it was about time I indulged a little.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I found <a href="https://www.postboxpretzels.co.uk/" target="_blank">PostBox Pretzels</a> on Instagram, they came highly recommended and I thought the concept was quite different. Basically they make crunchy pretzel sandwiches, covered in chocolate stuffed with yummy centres. Better still....they post them to you!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSnHRzqifPfIixV2geDNdG3MUeQxqmc-6vgM5Za12gW9nkf8A0VPv_5uBB83X_Jrtzs7Jp2a8pipSfrQnWaYHdFcLxzqNvVcaWQ2zPDqEdkxZrEmN0LwLPdkZl92Ko5snTb69zZ8Fs9hK/s2048/IMG_20210105_202211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSnHRzqifPfIixV2geDNdG3MUeQxqmc-6vgM5Za12gW9nkf8A0VPv_5uBB83X_Jrtzs7Jp2a8pipSfrQnWaYHdFcLxzqNvVcaWQ2zPDqEdkxZrEmN0LwLPdkZl92Ko5snTb69zZ8Fs9hK/w400-h300/IMG_20210105_202211.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They offer a selection of flavours including Honeycomb, caramel crisp, s’more, chocolate orange & The Nutty One. You can either pick specific flavours to make up a box or opt for one of their selection boxes. When picking your own, you can also select your favourite chocolate coating, giving you even more variety.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I opted for the surprise selection to cut out the anxiety of picking from one of the fabulous flavours listed on the website (what if I regret my choice??). The box includes four fresh pretzel sandwiches, with the option to add a personalised message if you are sending as a gift.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Delivery was fast and no need to worry about being home for when your pretzels arrive (although that's not really an issue in the current situation for many of us), as the box fits perfectly through a letterbox. I can confirm that the box makes a very pleasant thud as it hits the floor!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4u1ZLOSGtS_XlJNENKotdX4skpeL8ALCUcfj92Iiathycs5MgRgCoRZ5vnGfLMd91rvSFzRjaWHS7D_sESulahqkkFvhcXSOlHaSP-vjUIZPdpDJXo1yHM9cITeQFv0k0JIqZisprfBWb/s2048/IMG_20210105_122200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4u1ZLOSGtS_XlJNENKotdX4skpeL8ALCUcfj92Iiathycs5MgRgCoRZ5vnGfLMd91rvSFzRjaWHS7D_sESulahqkkFvhcXSOlHaSP-vjUIZPdpDJXo1yHM9cITeQFv0k0JIqZisprfBWb/w400-h300/IMG_20210105_122200.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really liked the packaging, which helped the pretzels arrive safely. If you get the surprise box everything is labelled so you know what to expect when picking your first pretzel to try. As you can see I had the S'mores, Honeycomb Crunch, Chocolate Orange and Caramel Crisp. When I ordered a box for my sister she got a different selection, so you really never know what you'll get when ordering a surprise box! I also love the toppings, don't they look delicious?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I loved the combination of crunchy pretzel and the various softer fillings. I can confirm that the Chocolate Orange was my favourite, which features an orange infused ganache in the middle of the two sourdough pretzels. Mine was coated in a milk chocolate and it was so delicious! Coming in close second place was the S'mores one....in the middle was marshmallow, ganache and salted caramel...such a great combination. Again it was topped in milk chocolate and covered with mini marshmallows. I did also really enjoy the caramel crisp, which was coated in dark chocolate and included a generous serving of gooey caramel in the middle. The honeycomb crisp was a little too sweet for me, but that was personal taste rather than anything else. I'm not a huge fan of white chocolate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7zGa8cAY62XG8ULpHDQAp0H2RvOZee49G-ON-rIuOesUPtq8_77XnTcB7Hguy5ZesDRXYgKQ9RFpgQXmSaOy9chcJLK_Zgvgeuozggw0cjpgp3q15lQkpMyzbTArvBxl7x74xMhYdWPC/s1080/IMG_20210105_203139_334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7zGa8cAY62XG8ULpHDQAp0H2RvOZee49G-ON-rIuOesUPtq8_77XnTcB7Hguy5ZesDRXYgKQ9RFpgQXmSaOy9chcJLK_Zgvgeuozggw0cjpgp3q15lQkpMyzbTArvBxl7x74xMhYdWPC/w400-h300/IMG_20210105_203139_334.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were four pretzel sandwiches in my box...and I somehow managed to make them last four days. They were a lovely afternoon treat with a mug of steaming hot coffee!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As mentioned, I also sent a box to my sister. She also loved them, her favourites were the smores and chocolate orange ones. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you want to find out more about Postbox Pretzels pop by their <a href="https://www.postboxpretzels.co.uk/" target="_blank">website. </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you for popping by today, we hope to see you again soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rachel xxx</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-14887411724128620142020-08-10T07:00:00.001+01:002020-08-10T07:00:04.067+01:00Time for.....lots of Cupcakes from Bakehouse!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2_c-xxVnD5ZIjmRrTIxfzIDpdx-UdCWpDIt2dcI5VN-ax9jFUcT6YgmLHI1ebQZ68ztfIAaCj-KCGL1Na21Vuhm2Z7bWmLs1h_YvHjzdPV3TWGT6NpvgTijkCg4Ccp4gcWuylBK21V-n/s260/1594486328581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2_c-xxVnD5ZIjmRrTIxfzIDpdx-UdCWpDIt2dcI5VN-ax9jFUcT6YgmLHI1ebQZ68ztfIAaCj-KCGL1Na21Vuhm2Z7bWmLs1h_YvHjzdPV3TWGT6NpvgTijkCg4Ccp4gcWuylBK21V-n/s0/1594486328581.jpg" /></a></div>Hello there,<p></p><p>Welcome back to Tea With Me and Friends.....home to all things sweet and delicious! We hope you are keeping safe and well wherever you are in the world. These are difficult times, but I hope these sweet treats will at least make you smile (and maybe even drool a little - you have been warned!). </p><p>During the pandemic lockdown (which is easing slowly in England as I write this) I did a lot of home baking, but there were times when I also wanted a treat....a tasty treat baked by someone else. Sometimes there is nothing better than a delicious piece of cake that you haven't made yourself and living alone made that a bit difficult! I was lucky enough to discover Bakehouse, a local baker from Aldershot in Hampshire, via a Facebook recommendation, who offered all kinds of cakes and treats delivered to your door. A dream come true!</p><p>When lockdown struck, Ellie started a weekly BakeDrop menu of cupcakes, loaf cakes and biscuits which could be delivered or collected either on a Monday or Friday. The team also offer an afternoon tea menu, which can be delivered or collected on other days but needs to be pre-booked. The BakeDrop menu changes each week and includes a variety of bakes. I've ordered from Bakehouse several times now and wanted to share my experience and support this fabulous local business.</p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_f5lHPkPfQEsPKsGVagOPKGO34bIuP9oN8uK4Sgxwu6so5TNSVpux6zCFslb1QJ2uqM65ijDpuGwIwjKVJ4WXUcnne9ibjqdSTuiRu62NBELTVr4oLRkDpHSH4YgK_aXEWfvDb-5chV-/s260/1594462723338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="195" data-original-width="260" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_f5lHPkPfQEsPKsGVagOPKGO34bIuP9oN8uK4Sgxwu6so5TNSVpux6zCFslb1QJ2uqM65ijDpuGwIwjKVJ4WXUcnne9ibjqdSTuiRu62NBELTVr4oLRkDpHSH4YgK_aXEWfvDb-5chV-/w325-h244/1594462723338.jpg" width="325" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Let's start with some of the treats from the BakeDrop menu...each week there will be two varieties of cupcakes, a loaf cake, a tray bake, cookies and some kind of savoury treat. Some weeks you can also buy cake cups too, which are amazing! The choice is really varied each week and you'll be hard pressed not to find something you like! You can order via Facebook or Instagram, its really easy....you just tell the team what you want, pay and then wait! You can opt to collect or they will deliver up to 6 miles from head quarters. </p><p style="text-align: center;">You've already seen some of the wonderful cupcakes that I have tried over the last couple of months at the top of this article. Flavours offered have included chocolate, carrot cake, strawberry and cream (delicious vanilla sponge filled with strawberry jam), red velvet, mint choc chip, Biscoff biscuit (which comes with a chunk of biscuit), chocolate orange, salted caramel, custard cream, lemon, key lime pie, cinnamon caramel, coffee & walnut (which is a personal favourite) and gin and tonic! I bet you're drooling just reading that selection!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJomVlcaEKQwAdevPX4VpEVmY_WXVclkykEX4nIuXaraIR03ElBajo40x-FFp8oxyA64qNimzzRShkh0cFg2A4UcOWx58u_33NNB65rP2yJJci0jeqBdgSwyQgIXAuH-Bku9NJsOcaUzb/s2048/IMG_20200809_140430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJomVlcaEKQwAdevPX4VpEVmY_WXVclkykEX4nIuXaraIR03ElBajo40x-FFp8oxyA64qNimzzRShkh0cFg2A4UcOWx58u_33NNB65rP2yJJci0jeqBdgSwyQgIXAuH-Bku9NJsOcaUzb/w197-h262/IMG_20200809_140430.jpg" width="197" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Each cupcake I have tried has been light and flavoursome, topped with a generous helping of butter icing. I really enjoyed the coffee and walnut that I tried recently (great coffee flavour and chucks of walnut), but to be honest there hasn't been a cupcake that I haven't enjoyed yet! The flavours are always well balanced and taste exactly how you think they should. The cakes last quite well too...although who wants to make your cupcakes last....you want to gobble them all up...or at least I do!</p><p style="text-align: center;">I was also impressed with the cake cup that I tried, which was jaffa cake flavour and included a combination of orange sponge, chocolate orange frosting, chocolate sauce, fresh cream and chunks of jaffa cake! Blooming amazing...all that jammed into one cup to enjoy with a spoon! Cake cups don't appear every week, but when they do they are always great combinations such as jammie dodger, millionaire shortbread, red velvet or chocolate peanut m&ms. The cake cup I tried was well thought through, with flavours and textures blending well - a real treat!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWvMpGOcV-Mx72s8IEg63L37CNzUD04PjGyYDzb2mpzmdxjC-7VzmBNiiDGnrdceWQ-ZksiFlmFxWYzWpCoTr2ENFNlFP-dM2OvaLEx7yljTlrZWF2v9HUE2E2bTbDoWfhBXzUrro1_aG/s624/Screenshot_20200809-201137.png" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="624" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWvMpGOcV-Mx72s8IEg63L37CNzUD04PjGyYDzb2mpzmdxjC-7VzmBNiiDGnrdceWQ-ZksiFlmFxWYzWpCoTr2ENFNlFP-dM2OvaLEx7yljTlrZWF2v9HUE2E2bTbDoWfhBXzUrro1_aG/w255-h241/Screenshot_20200809-201137.png" width="255" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">I haven't ordered any traybakes, cookies or loaf cakes yet, mainly because the cupcakes are always at the top of the menu and I usually get seduced by something amazing straight away! But if you make it further down the menu and are tempted by the bigger treats you could try lemon drizzle loaf cake, bakewell slice, white chocolate coconut cookies, ginger cake, Oreo cheesecake bar, chocolate raspberry brownie or choc chip cookies to name just a few! Next time I order I think I need to try something other than a cupcake!!</p><p style="text-align: center;">The menu also usually includes sausage rolls, some kind of pinwheel or pastry twist or cheese roll. My favourite is the sausage rolls, which are stuffed full of meat and rolled in flaky pastry - they really are lovely and again last well for a nice weekend treat if you order for a Friday delivery.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhuX3Dpzff5TpBRY60ZYU3sEeIj6RQjXXXmhW0kSuLnk0O-0Do3ZeK6FDvzgsR5BdEjT2qb1nNmVFOgL6Qx1gNNVn4azd-vASFaMlXcA_mj3QMUjBpMUAxiVJ1mFOdUxopn56GqFUQQBq/s2048/IMG_20200807_201116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhuX3Dpzff5TpBRY60ZYU3sEeIj6RQjXXXmhW0kSuLnk0O-0Do3ZeK6FDvzgsR5BdEjT2qb1nNmVFOgL6Qx1gNNVn4azd-vASFaMlXcA_mj3QMUjBpMUAxiVJ1mFOdUxopn56GqFUQQBq/w246-h328/IMG_20200807_201116.jpg" width="246" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">As well as all of this deliciousness available on a weekly basis you can also order afternoon teas - if you are lucky Ellie sometimes has spares which she makes into boxes that you can add to a Friday delivery. These are always advertised on Facebook or Instagram and are worth looking out for. Otherwise you need to get organised and order in advance. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I got lucky one Friday night and got myself a spare box for one....</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAG_hKZl-kKx4N1Rw0en1oQyejHWWcyw9pfbUn7cdTFs_ndCz4C0iQ2i7LH3QeyWiRmt6AGUaI4RmARBojxHiMgbESqsB3BPga3e3Vs5K96O-sxncjhBaF0Vt5aqBC_xzzEnTYi-HN7s0x/s701/Screenshot_20200809-201432.png" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="701" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAG_hKZl-kKx4N1Rw0en1oQyejHWWcyw9pfbUn7cdTFs_ndCz4C0iQ2i7LH3QeyWiRmt6AGUaI4RmARBojxHiMgbESqsB3BPga3e3Vs5K96O-sxncjhBaF0Vt5aqBC_xzzEnTYi-HN7s0x/w210-h208/Screenshot_20200809-201432.png" width="210" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoMX8GLNtVzxBt8oGawFnAlxwP3dCLIbpS8QToNgt4JKwuSNvAE9xCgOhXwSO8ZVhnUQTQWXyjcczuCe3clffnKXckLMp3zGmsqYztCJCOoY4YTw7AqQxAU1U7oIqqQ3qDdVVKmCrsV2U/s679/Screenshot_20200809-201149.png" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="679" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoMX8GLNtVzxBt8oGawFnAlxwP3dCLIbpS8QToNgt4JKwuSNvAE9xCgOhXwSO8ZVhnUQTQWXyjcczuCe3clffnKXckLMp3zGmsqYztCJCOoY4YTw7AqQxAU1U7oIqqQ3qDdVVKmCrsV2U/w210-h194/Screenshot_20200809-201149.png" width="210" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Afternoon tea boxes include finger sandwiches (with not a controversial crust in sight) with traditional fillings, scones with tubs of clotted cream and jam, fruit kebabs (so we can pretend to be healthy), a cupcake (as this was a spare I didn't have a cupcake this time), usually a chocolate honeycomb ganache pot or a raspberry jelly pot (as you can see I got both of these - the chocolate ganache is outrageous....so rich and creamy!). There are also luxury options, vegan options and gluten free options plus a children's version of each variety. Oh and there is a tea and coffee selection included! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Its the perfect afternoon tea in a little white box! Everything was fresh and well packaged up, so the sandwiches didn't get soggy or stale and nothing leaked during the delivery.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1T8VF34Hsk4y3PmIm3rC0FYTZqdIsC6t1dOfK0XooAqTZBUx1iUyj8IoBF-Rkz3Iq5ILqNkYxi9no1jmxDoJwcpj0OPU-UfGS1w7p4Dbs61Jl2Kklk1gRFV57ZCKS783orjTuh1A8gKis/s694/Screenshot_20200809-201427.png" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="694" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1T8VF34Hsk4y3PmIm3rC0FYTZqdIsC6t1dOfK0XooAqTZBUx1iUyj8IoBF-Rkz3Iq5ILqNkYxi9no1jmxDoJwcpj0OPU-UfGS1w7p4Dbs61Jl2Kklk1gRFV57ZCKS783orjTuh1A8gKis/w262-h239/Screenshot_20200809-201427.png" width="262" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">I can confirm that the scones passed the taste test - not at all claggy, but light in texture. The perfect vessel for enjoying cream and jam! </p><p style="text-align: center;">On top of all this, Ellie is really lovely and its a pleasure to order scrummy cakes from her. Communication is great and payment really easy. If you happen to be in the Aldershot / Farnham area in Surrey and are in need of cake (I'm sure this is a common problem for more people than just me!) then I would recommend taking a look at Bakehouse. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Just to note that this is in no way a paid ad, I have paid for all the treats I have enjoyed from Bakehouse myself and just wanted to share them with you. For more information pop by the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hellobakehouse" target="_blank">Bakehouse Facebook page.</a> </p><p style="text-align: center;">Do you have a favourite local baker who has been keeping you in cake during lockdown...if so we'd love to hear all about them - leave us a comment!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Thank you for popping by today,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Rachel </p>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-14083531763261630692020-07-26T13:43:00.001+01:002020-07-26T13:43:26.528+01:00Time for Tea....at The Ritz London - a post Covid-19 lockdown adventure!Hello there,<div><br /></div><div>We hope you're all keeping safe and well in these challenging times. Covid-19 has certainly changed the world we knew at the beginning of 2020, as we've all had to press pause on life in order to slow the spread. In England we are slowly emerging from a lockdown state - taking our first tentative steps towards a normal existence. There are so many things I've missed and I have wondered what life would be like after lockdown - would we enjoy the things we did before with social distancing and face coverings in place. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqVbWmW976Nrkv4EYEpF4l9r4AfSGlOFxzpfGfgxe_TTzsey_ZHz0hLC8D8N6cvepvujqtjymqwObTq_tqRADNqjpvlbhI55qlJ5JgNjCB1K9CvDKDni2CWT-zCtJgGVFgbdyCG5tZhF2/s320/IMG_20200724_110939.jpg" /></div>As I'm writing this, in England we are now being encouraged to start doing the things we enjoyed before....we just have to make sure we take the appropriate precautions and are sensible about what we do. Shops and restaurants are starting to open up again, we can go and have our hair cut (if you can get an appointment) and non-essential travel on public transport is permitted again. Lorna and I were invited to be guests at The Ritz in London in their reopening week, after three months of being closed to the public. The Ritz are offering afternoon tea initially (their other restaurants will open in the following weeks). There are temperature checks on the way in, social distancing inside (and therefore less seats available) and the staff are all wearing facial coverings - we wondered whether any of these measures would have an impact on the afternoon tea experience.</div><div><br /></div><div>We headed into London wearing our face masks, although we didn't travel on the tube we both felt ok about travelling on the trains. Generally people followed social distancing and kept their masks on while on the train. London itself was much quieter than we had ever experienced before, but I'll admit that people weren't so good at keeping the distance on the main streets - this is when it's good to know your way around the quieter back streets.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">On arrival at The Ritz hand sanitiser was available and we greeted by a member of staff who took our temperatures - on passing this test we were allowed into the main hotel and shown to our seats in the legendary Palm Court. Tables were arranged further apart from each other than normal and all staff had face masks on, the distance meant we felt comfortable in taking our face masks off. From this point the afternoon tea experience felt pretty normal, its amazing how quickly you get used to people wearing masks as they ask for your tea preference and dietary requirements. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The afternoon tea stand is elegant, containing a selection of finger sandwiches and patisserie treats. We are told that scones, cream and jam will be brought out later. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9pjIAEXyROT0E16lIw99h3Hm3VXQCd_7NbbwmNoj3NqO43NeAbYP-ai_VQm_62fmxTh-1pZycB_fYwuDy_DT0-qVz4ISYnfvKnvc-S3Z3NS-TYPq43rGzrAVvsBjAEdg42MWMkMLCl9M/s2048/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9pjIAEXyROT0E16lIw99h3Hm3VXQCd_7NbbwmNoj3NqO43NeAbYP-ai_VQm_62fmxTh-1pZycB_fYwuDy_DT0-qVz4ISYnfvKnvc-S3Z3NS-TYPq43rGzrAVvsBjAEdg42MWMkMLCl9M/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The sandwich selection was very traditional, but varied, it included:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ham and mustard</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cheese and chutney</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cucumber and cream cheese</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chicken and tarragon mayonnaise</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Smoked salmon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Egg salad on a Brioche roll</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The sandwiches were dainty - the perfect nibbling size, with no crust in sight! The bread was fresh, fillings well balanced and choice varied. My favourite was the cheese and chutney, which came on a tomato bread but the egg salad was a strong contender as well, the egg was paired with chopped shallots and watercress and served on a brioche roll.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWa7he8fzCreG6jaoaKty0yftRtykhB7SKdwQfTXJ3xl72qSf_YZZU2BxGSPmhvN7cmrOnKz6nx2CWe1b6o0l4bujttLMqkLpqAmoViB1tgGbLSpOvtRqzd8XiRZovjWXAbFbQdvuNfMV/w205-h154/4.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="205" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="1301" data-original-width="2048" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPt2UMDny5irEVVUxsXkzABrE-8jsd3MZxFGturNSvcen-bclwtsDaNC8Mj7_0CEeW-9iacuUFTDEiztlaAyuvp5iLPER30MWy06O7pvJlCZkpx9Bkgd5oBZr1vophtc3KJjQJyT2Yh-X/w205-h130/3.jpg" width="205" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were offered additional sandwiches and then the warm scones were served, along with clotted cream and strawberry preserve. We had both plain and fruited scones....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03EwRP76CUY6PvqzZqAro0vhKs5XSePu7sIZhFryqOKguTdAIPs7xA-5gEBtDVw7jrhoYfqH-7cSC0pMzQKYVvPUWDP4vRMEfm5OtoqRM-OPAnXnV8IDcVgKV-tToouObO1K4qtWpAk3r/s2048/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1223" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03EwRP76CUY6PvqzZqAro0vhKs5XSePu7sIZhFryqOKguTdAIPs7xA-5gEBtDVw7jrhoYfqH-7cSC0pMzQKYVvPUWDP4vRMEfm5OtoqRM-OPAnXnV8IDcVgKV-tToouObO1K4qtWpAk3r/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you can see the fruited scones were packed full of sultanas....nothing worse than a fruit scone where you have to search for the fruit! The scones were light and fluffy in texture, the perfect base for the clotted cream and strawberry preserve.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We made our way to the top of the cake stand to find three delicacies each ....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7l-oxh-dQuc7OLzBI7LBaVXcep_p0wpHWDmVo6a4k8jRj-ZcCMJN8hPQzcVaD3WXbI5v_ZBhhdHkgPu5JnPqh7cVcwSXmqi_SeLGbqKEhe_X4yHbYixV1wFckWRiHOr6gQnH2BopGOHZN/s2553/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="2553" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7l-oxh-dQuc7OLzBI7LBaVXcep_p0wpHWDmVo6a4k8jRj-ZcCMJN8hPQzcVaD3WXbI5v_ZBhhdHkgPu5JnPqh7cVcwSXmqi_SeLGbqKEhe_X4yHbYixV1wFckWRiHOr6gQnH2BopGOHZN/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each one was a good size and looked beautiful (almost too good to eat!). After so many treats already it was a relief that there were only three sweet items to sample. Possibly a bizarre thing for a cake lover to say, but there is nothing worse than being overwhelmed when you get to the cakes after enjoying sandwiches and scones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pastry items were all well executed, with flavours well balanced.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1223" data-original-width="2048" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzHWNzV6R_vbJSmuSasAvU9ONaRFTjMMj7QXYfVogzyHdJ1MpARLObhJ0DE-YLTfcCPD4_dx_QDWFTTrPwbNkwyQQmZVIYeMHTip4DJtBeCOnIISIqZAICr6SVSpLgkBbUxBb8AOPxohj/w164-h98/6.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="164" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1864" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwP1qKAzkRZ0kZ_E-I4zg8GY8-_GQMB4n29ZIUPLJwRRcNnDBtLgtknjAnmJO2mUUqVh5VWPN3FOCSaFmAH-SWGEgzdhhs_akHIBd0VLr9_oVb9bGIj1Gq7dQowq3Ul-3A2duSw8E1OtrV/w149-h164/8.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="149" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="2048" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXJJUNioXFQOUotC70M2xpoZMbxpNrDvNSEg0gR7WIAE_jLxko0bprR3Sv19ULs379mdDaW7OkEU3I_WuQ-u7Q7BYdPR8nq-Ok0beD39s96UnFPbiC-5yCm0Rwpasww87toFdWFtYNV62/w164-h114/7.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="164" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our selection included a chocolate mousse so light it just disappeared as you ate it, a beautiful cheesecake with blueberries and the caramel puff of wonderment! The flavours worked well in each pastry, but also complimented each other as you enjoyed this course of afternoon tea. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And just when we thought it was all over we were offered cake from the cake trolley, both Lorna and I opted for the Victoria sponge....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zaxx1mx8caJYxFuEges2F8VyyGJuL6GxNuGQk_n7Tkq4EUXSkdmmrcN0jjFeIynD3hlfPZJHKGbJTTHW1zcPNqaDbN_1VmHOluZzwZmZoZ4rbDyFa_igvaVCb2n3VX859VHMWTZPUZyt/s2048/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1457" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zaxx1mx8caJYxFuEges2F8VyyGJuL6GxNuGQk_n7Tkq4EUXSkdmmrcN0jjFeIynD3hlfPZJHKGbJTTHW1zcPNqaDbN_1VmHOluZzwZmZoZ4rbDyFa_igvaVCb2n3VX859VHMWTZPUZyt/s320/9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The sponge was light and lemony, complimented with strawberry preserve and fresh cream. It was probably one of the best Victoria Sponge's that I've had the pleasure of encountering!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Service throughout our whole experience was attentive and friendly, with waiters introducing themselves as they brought us the various courses. We didn't feel uncomfortable at any point, as the appropriate safety measures were adhered too, but didn't negatively impact our experience. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'd like to thank The Ritz for hosting us as their guests for this gifted experience. Please note that our guest status has not effected our thoughts on the afternoon tea and all opinions expressed are our own. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you are thinking about enjoying an afternoon tea, but are worried about safety measures I would encourage you to speak to the establishment where you would like to visit. Hotels, restaurants, cafes and tearooms are really looking forward to serving afternoon tea again and will no doubt be doing everything to try and make visits as comfortable as possible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For more information about <a href="https://www.theritzlondon.com/" target="_blank">The Ritz London</a> please visit their website. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you for popping by today - if you've had an afternoon tea experience we'd love to hear all about it. Please leave us a comment!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rachel & Lorna</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-51886175751116333702020-04-25T08:00:00.000+01:002020-04-25T08:00:16.706+01:00Ruby The Cake Artist Brownie SlabHello there,<br />
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Welcome back to another sweet post from Tea With Me and Friends. I hope you are keeping well and staying safe during these challenging times.<br />
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Today I wanted to share with you one of the sweet treats that was sent to me for my solo Birthday celebrations....imagine my delight when I heard the post arrive on the big day and found this waiting for me on the doormat...(ok, my delight came once I'd actually opened the box, but you know what I mean!!)...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-no7o5g_28yQERX34DPC4qn1VyWbFGx8uDeWzrqsyu1BdpVAZ0oTUgCKNbPt0SaxDhg3hkhbe_SxIUddB_gqp0IIOtgHlniBB6Uw33WqBiRWPA_b8zRzv6OJ2nTbQhDsY1Lzu_gqbRp62/s1600/IMG_20200419_103332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-no7o5g_28yQERX34DPC4qn1VyWbFGx8uDeWzrqsyu1BdpVAZ0oTUgCKNbPt0SaxDhg3hkhbe_SxIUddB_gqp0IIOtgHlniBB6Uw33WqBiRWPA_b8zRzv6OJ2nTbQhDsY1Lzu_gqbRp62/s320/IMG_20200419_103332.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Yup, my lovely friend Sheree sent me a slab of birthday brownie through the post! </div>
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What a lovely surprise!</div>
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The Brownies come from Ruby The Cake Artist, who usually makes wonderful celebration cakes, as well as offering a cake subscription service. At the moment the big cakes are unavailable, but Ruby is still offering the cake subscription, decorate your own biscuits and slabs of brownies with a weekly delivery.</div>
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The brownie was the perfect size to fit through the post box, came well packed and was delivered via Royal Mail. Even though it had quite a drop from my letterbox to the floor, it was still intact when I opened it. </div>
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The brownie itself is deliciously gooey, smothered in chocolate and decorated with a birthday message and lots of sparkle that will make the birthday girl or boy smile...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgn1mUmrpYWcOfzWrnMGmqHQtMH7B1TdWk8DuPA5ak1D0v2nHG4rvRAUozA-hOQ65rNdv9DulgupF1MlGhIUCdljv7xdHfAi9rRZshaAOICnyI798qrUeDcJWCydLq00JiGH5A1YmyyHCH/s1600/IMG_20200419_103250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1180" data-original-width="1600" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgn1mUmrpYWcOfzWrnMGmqHQtMH7B1TdWk8DuPA5ak1D0v2nHG4rvRAUozA-hOQ65rNdv9DulgupF1MlGhIUCdljv7xdHfAi9rRZshaAOICnyI798qrUeDcJWCydLq00JiGH5A1YmyyHCH/s400/IMG_20200419_103250.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The brownie might appear quite slim....it has to fit through your letter box remember....but its full of chocolatey flavour and I loved the extra layer of chocolate on the top. You can enjoy it on its own or with a dollop of ice cream.</div>
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It's also perfect with a cup of tea....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2d2iXYhFYI-8Ylnvo-JKUQxW3IMz2_2LiR6fXgyoczyvjfXZ1yyUKY1kzQ-u1EVpqzIHgiLYsEyOevolBjBZ1H72jiFXv7l0m9f5DFb9FRIXqKSUUXjAJWS4JTfglXNxBlC76Lo1AKg2/s1600/IMG_20200419_104009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1220" data-original-width="1600" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2d2iXYhFYI-8Ylnvo-JKUQxW3IMz2_2LiR6fXgyoczyvjfXZ1yyUKY1kzQ-u1EVpqzIHgiLYsEyOevolBjBZ1H72jiFXv7l0m9f5DFb9FRIXqKSUUXjAJWS4JTfglXNxBlC76Lo1AKg2/s320/IMG_20200419_104009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As well as this Birthday box, you can also send a brownie selection box which includes favours such as Jaffa cake (which sounds amazing) and raspberry and white chocolate. You can also opt to go vegan if you want to.</div>
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To find out more about Ruby The Cake Artist and the different sweet treat boxes available, pop by the <a href="https://www.rubythecakeartist.com/">Ruby The Cake Artist</a> <a href="https://www.rubythecakeartist.com/">website</a></div>
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Thank you Sheree for this delicious treat, it certainly brightened my day!</div>
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Thank you for popping by today, I look forward to seeing you again soon,</div>
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Rachel</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-54927491243755198412020-04-20T09:30:00.000+01:002020-04-20T09:30:22.433+01:00Lockdown BakingHey There,<br />
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How are you today? Looking for a guilt free cake fix? If so, you've found the right place - grab a cup of tea and read on....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana and peanut butter cookies</td></tr>
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For me baking is more than the act of making a cake or batch of biscuits. Of course I love the finished product as much as the next person....there is something wonderful about a cup of tea and freshly baked goods....but I also love the process of baking.<br />
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The combining of different ingredients, the stirring and mixing, folding and beating. Following a recipe or making it up as you go along (shock horror...I do that sometimes!). The smells as your bakes rise in the oven and the sight of the finished cake or biscuit. I love it all - it soothes my soul and makes me happy. Sharing the bakes with others is also pretty good, the widening smile when someone sees your cakes and sigh as they bite into a piece....alright, I'm a bit of a cake feeder!<br />
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The Covid-19 pandemic has meant we're all staying at home to slow the spread and I know we've all been coping with the social distancing in different ways. Some people are learning new skills via the internet, some cleaning their cupboards and garages from top to bottom. Some are making their way through their "to read" book pile and others are watching the whole of Netfix! For me I'm part of the baking tribe that is sharing their bakes on social media, although I have to say I haven't made a single banana loaf (I manage to eat all my bananas before they go brown). </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter Sunday pancakes!</td></tr>
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I've tried lots of new recipes, enjoying taking the time to read my recipe books to pick bakes that I have the ingredients for (no longer having the luxury of nipping to the shops for missing items). I've also enjoyed a virtual baking session with a friend via video call - she baked banana brownies and I made a coffee crumb cake, it was great fun and we both had cake to enjoy at the end.</div>
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Since I've been so busy baking I thought I would share what I've made and why I've upped my exercise levels!</div>
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The coffee crumb cake I mentioned above was really good, a lovey light vanilla sponge topped with a coffee and mixed spice flavoured crumb. The crumb has a streusel-like quality to it, giving the bake a pleasing combination of textures. I also enjoyed how well the mixed spice paired with the coffee flavour. The cake was nice served with a dollop of clotted cream and a hot drink! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYN9rN1LRVG-udm98eRsWcjZaMwl2QeaM10xp0qlMBfAFpI2Cz4hOfHyqCOt8cKJ2Wl4DNINuWkCAleKQLYRhj3Oo1YqiW4Apya-XKTVYn6vmD3hXKTjw3O4iY8LYIfTSCvXIFSqg8WMj/s1600/IMG_20200414_122721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYN9rN1LRVG-udm98eRsWcjZaMwl2QeaM10xp0qlMBfAFpI2Cz4hOfHyqCOt8cKJ2Wl4DNINuWkCAleKQLYRhj3Oo1YqiW4Apya-XKTVYn6vmD3hXKTjw3O4iY8LYIfTSCvXIFSqg8WMj/s320/IMG_20200414_122721.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've tried my hand at several different biscuit recipes recently and found that I really enjoy biscuit making. Most of my bakes previously would be in cake form or using very basic biscuit recipes, so I enjoyed learning new techniques. </div>
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I've made some delicious Viennese butter biscuits, dipped in chocolate and slightly fiery ginger custard creams. The butter biscuits are a pipped biscuit and incredibly light and buttery. The custard creams were a completely new bake for me and I struggled a little with the biscuit dough. I'm glad I finished them though because they were delicious.</div>
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I also made a batch of crunchy ginger biscuits which I enjoyed with a cup of super sweet Dalgona coffee (I felt like I was in a coffee shop with this luxurious homemade coffee!).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NkXFBKWINJ0EKup_Ge0g7xyp6h5DHQjqKyYzFpIAVli9-lZ_Vm2zh4V72Ef5wfkKUqhKN-F8Sd8fL1cZrlb8nfj-6_zRj88oF4istisbJHFmA-2wIzEY_zwmjdn0V-oaKKHKrnLAi_R1/s1600/IMG_20200324_205749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMKAXs0bUb73tFOe-t_SGXoCqjnX_XGnmzrN8cg7m0bAz28i7eiiyegapBBKb2_SkLo_egC9XAIf9OIg-2h0gde4ivIbFCURH4-fDjb1P6K6HnEszI58n7TFrmXDCmYMLNjLy1UZ7G6fH/s1600/IMG_20200323_125514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMKAXs0bUb73tFOe-t_SGXoCqjnX_XGnmzrN8cg7m0bAz28i7eiiyegapBBKb2_SkLo_egC9XAIf9OIg-2h0gde4ivIbFCURH4-fDjb1P6K6HnEszI58n7TFrmXDCmYMLNjLy1UZ7G6fH/s200/IMG_20200323_125514.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NkXFBKWINJ0EKup_Ge0g7xyp6h5DHQjqKyYzFpIAVli9-lZ_Vm2zh4V72Ef5wfkKUqhKN-F8Sd8fL1cZrlb8nfj-6_zRj88oF4istisbJHFmA-2wIzEY_zwmjdn0V-oaKKHKrnLAi_R1/s1600/IMG_20200324_205749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NkXFBKWINJ0EKup_Ge0g7xyp6h5DHQjqKyYzFpIAVli9-lZ_Vm2zh4V72Ef5wfkKUqhKN-F8Sd8fL1cZrlb8nfj-6_zRj88oF4istisbJHFmA-2wIzEY_zwmjdn0V-oaKKHKrnLAi_R1/s200/IMG_20200324_205749.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtKJRksE6TWuDHJeCL6ZTIcbBHJfR99pPTVW8YSFqJBF0kikMArlD2pI8JxXhKm9Xl6k1EYeMvJbRZIS5tChfqXsJTY44jmi4dPr27Z8aJlyjmVj0cs9z2BANM2n2h0Me4f6g0LtXQoUd/s1600/IMG_20200405_121656_051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtKJRksE6TWuDHJeCL6ZTIcbBHJfR99pPTVW8YSFqJBF0kikMArlD2pI8JxXhKm9Xl6k1EYeMvJbRZIS5tChfqXsJTY44jmi4dPr27Z8aJlyjmVj0cs9z2BANM2n2h0Me4f6g0LtXQoUd/s320/IMG_20200405_121656_051.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also made slightly bizarre millionaire shortbread....the reason they were a bit bizarre in the flavour department was because I had run out of normal milk chocolate for the topping and only had Cadburys limited edition Christmas gingerbread chocolate to melt! Slightly odd flavour to mix with the dreamy caramel, but I enjoyed them anyway! Millionaire shortbread always hits the spot with its combination of shortbread, caramel and chocolate.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztg0D36ZZMK17hPNp7ctF2mc2sGpASgpDkIPe4LcL6cW6ac44_guOvJNp5MvcN2dsVpm707U3ULKduihHyKgv1YP8eIxMUBvyu0jODnZ8McDQjRtvIzEzS2AUrSL6M0WGAfE1l9aS5xkB/s1600/IMG_20200328_165213_615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztg0D36ZZMK17hPNp7ctF2mc2sGpASgpDkIPe4LcL6cW6ac44_guOvJNp5MvcN2dsVpm707U3ULKduihHyKgv1YP8eIxMUBvyu0jODnZ8McDQjRtvIzEzS2AUrSL6M0WGAfE1l9aS5xkB/s320/IMG_20200328_165213_615.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hope you've enjoyed taking a peek at my latest baking creations. As our government has announced that the lock down will last at least another three weeks I'm sure there will be lots more bakes to follow so watch this space! If you have any recipes you think I should try, leave me a message in the comments below!</div>
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Thank you for popping by today,</div>
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Rachel</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-1768221880845813622020-04-17T12:32:00.000+01:002020-04-17T12:32:37.760+01:00Birthday Cake in Lock Down!Hello there cake lovers!<br />
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I hope you are all keeping well.<br />
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It's been a while hasn't it....all my blog posts seem to start like that at the moment! Well, it's now April 2020 and the UK has been social distancing and staying at home for three weeks now as part of the emergency response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Wow, it's like I'm writing a novel or horror movie, who would have thought that 2020 would start like this!<br />
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Personally I've worked from home for five weeks now and because I live alone, I've not seen any of my friends or family in five weeks too....its been an odd time, full of ups and downs. But I haven't started talking to my plants yet, which is always a bonus! But that's not what you're here for....you're here for the cake!</div>
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So, in the middle of all this I turned 41...</div>
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….those of you that know me, know that I love my Birthday. Its time to celebrate with friends and family, and have a good time. I had been dreading the day if I am honest, but on reflection it wasn't that bad at all and I managed to enjoy the day. I took the day off wort time crafting and talking to friends, I received lots of Birthday love.....plus there was cake!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Isn't that the most beautiful cake!</span></td></tr>
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It comes from the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bakehouse_surrey/?hl=en">BakeHouse Surrey</a> a local baker called Rachel who is based in the Guildford area. I contacted Rachel via Instagram on a whim because I decided last minute that I wanted to enjoy some fresh cake on my birthday to cheer myself up and I'm so glad that I did.</div>
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Rachel talked to me about my cake requirements....size of cake, favourite flavours etc. I opted for vanilla cake with fresh berries and then sat back and waited for the big day. Rachel's cakes on Instagram all looked really pretty and so I was excited for the delivery.</div>
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When the cake arrived I was slightly overwhelmed, it was taller than I expected and so pretty. It was topped with fresh strawberries, pieces of fresh chocolate brownie and homemade passionfruit macarons. It also featured a drip finish and had tiny hearts around the bottom</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7yznXOittGoIpRqFBdDvBbCfwDP7FSM_7B99VCJjvhGAZMCZdHlQi_7pCEI2HkT8EzoCITgHQ4MEJKGNUrPvQHoTHOaqmbgRNCCBWNWNRBBkp77voUKsbuVPLjuV2rKJK60BVUUtoa9n/s1600/IMG_20200416_121159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7yznXOittGoIpRqFBdDvBbCfwDP7FSM_7B99VCJjvhGAZMCZdHlQi_7pCEI2HkT8EzoCITgHQ4MEJKGNUrPvQHoTHOaqmbgRNCCBWNWNRBBkp77voUKsbuVPLjuV2rKJK60BVUUtoa9n/s400/IMG_20200416_121159.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The sponge itself was fresh and light, with a good vanilla flavour and the cake was filled with buttercream and jam. The perfect combination!</div>
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The Brownie pieces on the top are super delicious - they have the right gooey, dense texture and a great chocolatey taste.... I wish I had more! Rachel also makes traybakes and cupcakes as well as big celebration cakes. Information on getting in touch are all on the Instagram page (link above).</div>
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I had already decided to make myself an afternoon tea for lunch on the day and the cake took pride of place.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTya40X7JQoAdQlwSU9lToze2Cey3WfQzCsRwZdDKtYCpl-2hBoUDTM32SuQEUnDKEz09C39S5ZQ_M5FwHffCm3708oyhEbk8OhMzaMOshqtpHSZEGdDKeGjvNiVCAKN390EDqWqg-MM8_/s1600/IMG_20200416_131916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTya40X7JQoAdQlwSU9lToze2Cey3WfQzCsRwZdDKtYCpl-2hBoUDTM32SuQEUnDKEz09C39S5ZQ_M5FwHffCm3708oyhEbk8OhMzaMOshqtpHSZEGdDKeGjvNiVCAKN390EDqWqg-MM8_/s320/IMG_20200416_131916.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I am so pleased that I reached out to Bakehouse Surrey, everything about the transaction and delivery was easy and efficient and the cake really made my day. </div>
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I'm probably going to be living off cake for breakfast, lunch and dinner for a while now! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFQPKiJirqdFT-0a6hNFBZX0qhNyMaygrupeJ_5nh_kq5QTLXrMVMPZ0qeqFNwOeMrSOWTOv2KACcq7BFOdaqiFNN_zgUl9zELrCKx1p5IY4s5f09-axNmCVwU-_kMna-ep-U7cwdkY7l/s1600/IMG_20200417_101501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1490" data-original-width="1600" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFQPKiJirqdFT-0a6hNFBZX0qhNyMaygrupeJ_5nh_kq5QTLXrMVMPZ0qeqFNwOeMrSOWTOv2KACcq7BFOdaqiFNN_zgUl9zELrCKx1p5IY4s5f09-axNmCVwU-_kMna-ep-U7cwdkY7l/s320/IMG_20200417_101501.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hope anyone else who is celebrating their Birthday at the moment has a lovely day....don't forget to eat cake!</div>
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Thanks for popping by today,</div>
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Rachel </div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-67309433576040208802019-10-27T12:24:00.000+00:002019-10-27T12:24:32.586+00:00Cat Food Cakes - Halloween subscription boxHello there,<br />
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Welcome back to Tea With Me and Friends - I hope you're ready for some spooky treats today!<br />
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I've been an admirer of the <a href="https://www.catfoodcakes.com/">Cat Food Cakes</a> creations for a long time now - the cakes always look so scrummy on Instagram and the flavours sound amazing. It's a bit of a mission for me to get over to her bakery, which is open on a Saturday morning....but I've discovered that she also offers mail order boxes of scrummy treats! Available as a subscription (a cake subscription is possibly the best subscription ever - just imagine.....cakes arriving through the post every month!) or as one-off boxes, it's a great way to enjoy some scrummy treats yourself or to treat a friend.</div>
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I decided to try out the Halloween themed box from Cat Food Cakes (you know I love a good themed cake!).....and I wasn't disappointed! The treats were all freshly baked and well packed, so they arrived in perfect condition. Each box has a cake pot, cake pops, brownies, a marshmallow and bar of chocolate - something for everyone...</div>
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It was so exciting to receive the pink box through the post - what a wonderful treat! Unboxing the treats was also fun as it was all themed, including the napkin and bar of chocolate! Now you'll have to forgive me because I got a little excited and although I have sampled everything, there aren't photos of everything - whoops! </div>
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The cake pot was divine - a pot of spiced pumpkin cake with vanilla cream cheese buttercream. It reminded me a little of carrot cake, but better! The cake was moist and well balanced with the buttercream. I ate mine in several sittings as the pot is quite big, it was really easy to decant the cake and buttercream from the pot.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvJrfD-edKnKVup3nesLfkvTdgQHldzSjrHgXun5INZA4y68t4NVcoUR2av-RYe1DxWjfoWgM7mqFhU9fugqEE6gf2F-Ou70b2WB24klL7BocOnatZm2nNpgCcgEqd3Ff_8iTPDKm07V_/s1600/DSC_0654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvoKr3rLDQ3KLnYvoeOSCmbLs1TkxtrBt6pwI8zUieQSUZ7SAy4fCCKVZrhQHBSHtviG3dUPEWlblt2EkaJFI6R2LZHUm8DXCJGMSINkbjD6JFIxq_gK956d2JD5QScQmZq9ZTvhZZUVQ/s1600/DSC_0656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1495" data-original-width="1600" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvoKr3rLDQ3KLnYvoeOSCmbLs1TkxtrBt6pwI8zUieQSUZ7SAy4fCCKVZrhQHBSHtviG3dUPEWlblt2EkaJFI6R2LZHUm8DXCJGMSINkbjD6JFIxq_gK956d2JD5QScQmZq9ZTvhZZUVQ/s200/DSC_0656.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvJrfD-edKnKVup3nesLfkvTdgQHldzSjrHgXun5INZA4y68t4NVcoUR2av-RYe1DxWjfoWgM7mqFhU9fugqEE6gf2F-Ou70b2WB24klL7BocOnatZm2nNpgCcgEqd3Ff_8iTPDKm07V_/s1600/DSC_0654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="986" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvJrfD-edKnKVup3nesLfkvTdgQHldzSjrHgXun5INZA4y68t4NVcoUR2av-RYe1DxWjfoWgM7mqFhU9fugqEE6gf2F-Ou70b2WB24klL7BocOnatZm2nNpgCcgEqd3Ff_8iTPDKm07V_/s200/DSC_0654.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="123" /></a></div>
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The two spooky cake pops on sticks were huge! Made with vanilla cookie dough and dark chocolate chips, dipped in white chocolate. They were super sweet, but balanced with the dark chocolate chips. </div>
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Now I'm afraid the brownie was where I managed to not take photos! In my box I had one slice which was stuffed with marshmallow and Oreo cookies and a slice of blondie decorated with sprinkles. Both were soft and scrummy, brilliant washed down with a cup of tea! The chocolate one was probably my favourite. Again the portion size is very generous, as you get a big bar of each brownie in the box. </div>
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Finally you have the bar of chocolate (which I haven't tucked into yet) and the coconut marshmallow which will be going into my next mug of hot chocolate!</div>
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All in all you get a great variety in the box and the portion sizes are great throughout. You can cut the various bits into smaller pieces and enjoy a taster plate! The one-off box is £29.99 including delivery (you get a 15% discount if you subscribe), and the cakes are all fresh, well made and oh so enjoyable! There are different subscription / gift options - take a peek at the website for more information. </div>
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Have you tried any other mail order cakes that I should know about (this is a brand new world to me!!), if so leave me a comment - I think I need to investigate more!</div>
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Thank you for popping by today,</div>
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Rachel </div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-13872900636417934402019-03-09T08:00:00.000+00:002019-03-09T08:00:08.540+00:00Time for Tea....CUTcakes and Tea....45 Park LaneHello there,<br />
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Welcome back to Tea With Me and Friends......we hope you're feeling tea-riffic today!<br />
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Last weekend we had the absolute pleasure of visiting 45 Park Lane to try their American inspired afternoon tea at CUT. The afternoon tea launched in Autumn of last year and I've seen lots of scrummy photos of the American inspired savouries and sweets....so we decided it was high time we tried out this indulgent afternoon tea adventure for ourselves.</div>
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CUTcakes and Tea is served in the hotel's lounge, which is modern and stylish. We were greeted by name on arrival and all the waiting staff very friendly and knowledgeable about the afternoon tea and also the hotel and it's large art collection.</div>
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After we picked our drinks (you can pick from a good selection of teas, coffees or hot chocolate), the savoury plate was brought out....</div>
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Now as you may have guessed, this isn't a traditional afternoon tea....and there isn't a single finger sandwich to be seen on the savoury plate. But I have to say it was a wonderful plate! The current savoury selection includes:</div>
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<br />‘Guest Dog’ by restaurant Bubbledogs chef Sandia Chang Golden Corndog, Southern BBQ Sauce<br />Wagyu Beef Slider, Shallot Marmalade, Cheddar<br />Fried Chicken & Buttermilk Bisquets Coleslaw, Jalapeño Aioli<br />Tuna Tartare ‘Sandwich’, Avocado, Ginger<br />Crab Cake, Basil Aioli, Tomato Relish</div>
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Such a good selection of freshly prepared bites!</div>
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The aroma from the plate was mouth watering and it was hard to decide where to start first. Both fish dishes were fresh and the flavours within the mini dishes balanced well. I was pleased to discover that the crab cake was not stuffed full of potato like so many others.</div>
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The corndog was light and very tasty, I loved the Southern BBQ sauce which was sweet and spicy - my first ever corndog was a success! It's also very pretty to look at, with a golden tint to the batter!</div>
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The chicken in biscuit was also light....I've only had American biscuits once before and they were quite stodgy. These were fluffy in the middle and worked really well with the chicken. The piece of chicken was succulent and hot!</div>
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The mini slider was so cute....built exactly how a normal slider would be put together, complete with mini pickle! It took about three bites to eat and I loved every mouthful. We were asked how we wanted the slider cooking, which I thought was a nice touch.</div>
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I don't think I've ever taken so many photos of the savoury dishes!!</div>
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Next came a mini banana and toffee milkshake.....again extremely cute in appearance and big on flavour. I really enjoyed the milkshake, which was rich and creamy and had a wonderful banana flavour (which wasn't at all artificial).</div>
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Now came the nod to the traditional afternoon tea..... a scone, which clotted cream and strawberry preserve. The scones were served warm and we were given a mixed berry jam as well as the strawberry preserve, due to a strawberry allergy in the group.</div>
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Now this might look like all the other scones on our blog....but this is different....this was described as one of the best scones in London....and claim is actually true! Having eaten rather a lot of scones across London, we are often told that the scone we are about to enjoy is the best....but unfortunately it's often not! So often the scones are either under baked or over baked, with a claggy texture. </div>
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This scone was light as air, didn't fall apart when cut and made the perfect base for the cream and jam! It was well baked, not at all claggy and had a wonderful glaze.</div>
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Finally we made it to the sweet selection.... sorry for the awful photo....</div>
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As you can see there is a good selection, again all inspired by American favourites:</div>
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Peanut Butter Pie<br />Crème Brûlée Doughnut<br />Red Velvet Cupcake<br />Graham Cracker S’more<br /></div>
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There is also a Pink Lemonade Cake Pop, which I missed from the photos!</div>
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It was hard to decide which order to eat these in and by this point I was a little worried that I would get too full (I wanted to enjoy everything in the lounge rather than take it home on the train!).</div>
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As simple as it sounds - the crème brulee doughnut was so good, a fresh doughnut full of a crème brulee custard. I could have eaten several of them! I enjoyed the fresh raspberry with the red velvet cake. The peanut butter pie had a lovely berry jam in the middle, giving a sweetness to the peanut flavour. The S'more was messy, but very scrummy - with a layer of chocolate sauce. </div>
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This is a more expensive afternoon tea, perfect for a celebration. But it's worth every penny....the food is fresh and tasty, the service unpretentious but attentive and the setting relaxed yet refined. It's what I look for in an afternoon tea - the whole experience. </div>
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To find out more about this afternoon tea pop by the <a href="https://www.dorchestercollection.com/en/london/45-park-lane/restaurants-bars/afternoon-tea/">45 Park Lane website.</a> We'll definitely we back again when they refresh the menu.</div>
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Thank you for popping by today,</div>
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Rachel & Lorna</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-73563650536587163302019-03-06T08:00:00.000+00:002019-03-06T08:00:10.278+00:00The Wednesday Tea Review - T2 Morning Sunshine Hello there!<br />
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Happy Wednesday - welcome back to another tea review from Tea With Me and Friends. We're still working our way through the T2 teas that we bought at Christmas time - there are plenty for us to try!<br />
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Today we thought we'd share a breakfast tea with you - Morning Sunshine! Doesn't it sound wonderful?? It's also described by T2 as the ultimate breakfast blend, which is quite a claim to make. </div>
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This tea is a blend of Assam, Darjeeling and Rwandan estate black teas. </div>
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This tea should be brewed between 2-4 minutes, depending on how robust you like your cuppa in the morning. You can enjoy it with or without milk.....but you know me....I drank mine without!</div>
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This tea is designed to brighten your morning every day...</div>
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I thoroughly enjoyed this cuppa - it's got a bright bold flavour, which is a little malty. It's something that can be enjoyed every day and I found it complemented my morning cereal well. </div>
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I often start my day with a cup of black coffee (yes, shock horror I know!), but I would happily replace that with a cup of Morning Sunshine.</div>
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If you'd like to find out more about this tea, or other teas in the T2 range pop by <a href="https://www.t2tea.com/en/uk/tea/black-tea/morning-sunshine-loose-leaf-gift-cube-T120AE079.html">their website</a></div>
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Thank you for popping by today,</div>
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Rachel</div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-12042508138284364912019-03-02T08:00:00.000+00:002019-03-02T08:00:05.021+00:00Time for Tea.....Vivi, Centre PointHello there,<br /><br />Welcome back to Tea With Me and Friends, we hope you've had a tea-riffic week!<br /><br />Recently Sheree and I visited a brand new restaurant and bar to try their afternoon tea. As it was still a soft launch period when we visited I thought I would share the photos of our visit, but this won't be a full review article. Soft launches allow new restaurants and bars to try out their menus and make tweaks before they formally open.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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Vivi is a 60s inspired restaurant, located in Centre Point near Tottenham Court Road. They offer all-day dining in a beautiful setting, with four different dining / drinking areas. The styling is absolutely gorgeous, with lots of pinks, blues and gold.....I'd love to go back and enjoy a cocktail or two at the bar...…</div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNr6hjKtuYwFop1Eli82NLYR6T7GJfj7y1bF6a0LIW8dkBaAFNnP9o87FMZYlrbGqI-01hK-4SPX_AGL06WzFwzJpPKFyZuIAxE1r_Zk_YhUF3AQ2ZGG9TMiKeU3DN0Oxbv_AIgURI6yzU/s1600/DSC_0283.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNr6hjKtuYwFop1Eli82NLYR6T7GJfj7y1bF6a0LIW8dkBaAFNnP9o87FMZYlrbGqI-01hK-4SPX_AGL06WzFwzJpPKFyZuIAxE1r_Zk_YhUF3AQ2ZGG9TMiKeU3DN0Oxbv_AIgURI6yzU/s320/DSC_0283.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Afternoon tea is served from 3pm each day and the menu, much like the main dining menu, features retro classics with a twist. Each guest is given their own afternoon tea serving in a funky box (so no fighting over the last cake!) which contains the sweet selection and savouries, scones are served in their own box and there is also a serving of candy floss each....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoKmJvrWmpilE7rGEieaI742oHnLmy6Lr3dLCEDFJy7tu87aQ2SNnfBzfjUgTxBQYFPk2Lu9eJNOUsuiavC0jrlAoRxGqbZKOrYTb7NAiYlh6G_OFWY7fQktekFJUZjQ3FBIZDbvJpO1y/s1600/DSC_0270.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoKmJvrWmpilE7rGEieaI742oHnLmy6Lr3dLCEDFJy7tu87aQ2SNnfBzfjUgTxBQYFPk2Lu9eJNOUsuiavC0jrlAoRxGqbZKOrYTb7NAiYlh6G_OFWY7fQktekFJUZjQ3FBIZDbvJpO1y/s400/DSC_0270.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The savouries are a mix of traditional flavours from salmon to cucumber, from egg to my favourite....coronation chicken! The sandwiches include traditional finger sandwiches, a delicate pinwheel, an open sandwich and a Vivi club sandwich, the selection of shapes and breads is very appealing....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZTOLkkI2p9kLxY7VAcbvAf_vyenkGiHK9cUoHkrkQS0_A0mirmaLsyp0KvWZEl3MancoHZQaOGMiLbGpQKNbe7GBpLlpvXF4UhC5icp0GyyXUWGvZPk1CiBfWqX7utnVqSAd74JqdD1Y/s1600/DSC_0273.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZTOLkkI2p9kLxY7VAcbvAf_vyenkGiHK9cUoHkrkQS0_A0mirmaLsyp0KvWZEl3MancoHZQaOGMiLbGpQKNbe7GBpLlpvXF4UhC5icp0GyyXUWGvZPk1CiBfWqX7utnVqSAd74JqdD1Y/s320/DSC_0273.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The sweets are served in the top part of the box and includes a mix of retro classics....from Battenberg cake to filled eclairs from Victoria sponge to carrot cake.... there is something for everyone!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81sHYZ7Wd3HVCugGiev4Mci9RbMD0cjq8eixfF14iQTW_LdGG4FVXBaKkD1Kgt1siXfrLreXM-AsGoE7_Va0Xf9i7-0-M5lSaIz4mWZRQ-BcWvRJ6RBPKJc2EhUA4OyfkQJfzBCu_qDtz/s1600/DSC_0278.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81sHYZ7Wd3HVCugGiev4Mci9RbMD0cjq8eixfF14iQTW_LdGG4FVXBaKkD1Kgt1siXfrLreXM-AsGoE7_Va0Xf9i7-0-M5lSaIz4mWZRQ-BcWvRJ6RBPKJc2EhUA4OyfkQJfzBCu_qDtz/s400/DSC_0278.JPG" /></a><br /><br />You can opt to have a traditional afternoon tea, accompanied by tea from the tea menu. Alternatively you can also enjoy your afternoon tea with a glass of champagne.<br /><br />Vivi officially opened on Monday 25th February following their soft launch. If you visit for an afternoon tea we'd love to hear your thoughts....leave us a comment!<br /><br />Thank you for popping by today,</div>
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Rachel </div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-41157247437339094112019-02-27T08:00:00.000+00:002019-02-27T08:00:06.181+00:00The Wednesday Tea Review - T2 Geisha GetawayHello there,<br />
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Happy Hump Day! Time for another T2 tea review from the box I treated myself to at Christmas and this time I want to share a tea with you that really makes me smile.....the Geisha Getaway....<br />
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This is a flavoured green tea that reminds me of sunnier times. The sencha green tea is blended beautifully with pieces of pineapple and coconut to produce a sweet, summery cuppa!</div>
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This tea only needs to brew for 2-3 minutes and should be drank without any milk. The tea is a light green / yellow colour once brewed and has a tropical aroma that will have you dreaming of beach holidays. </div>
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It might not be the tea for you if you're not a fan of sweeter teas, but if you are looking for something that will make you feel summery you should give this one a try!</div>
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I drank my tea hot (which was really enjoyable), but I imagine it would taste just as good served cold with ice cubes in the hotter months. The flavour is bold, tropical and refreshing.....I wonder if we could make a summer cocktail using it??</div>
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Do you have a tea that makes you smile? If so I'd love to hear all about it...leave me a comment below!</div>
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Thank you for popping by today,</div>
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Rachel </div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-54854434393240553942019-02-24T20:38:00.002+00:002019-02-24T20:38:59.339+00:00Cream Tea Sunday - Rosemoor Kitchen FarnhamHello there,<br />
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Welcome back to Tea With Me and Friends - sorry we've been missing for a while....we've had the worst Internet access over the last month (to be honest it's been hideous since last September, but the last month has been even worse than usual)….but we're back and we've got an awesome looking scone to share with today!<br />
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Rosemoor Kitchen has recently opened on Downing Street in Farnham (Surrey), its a relaxed café offering a good range of breakfasts and lunches. To be honest I'm a bit of an addict....I love their poached eggs for breakfast and have managed to drag loads of people to sample the menu since they opened!</div>
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The café is small, but has a wonderful atmosphere and great service. The furniture is comfy and practical...watch out for the beautiful covering on the seats at the back (my favourite place to watch the world go by!). If you arrive before 12pm you can order off the well put together breakfast menu....today I added a sausage to my usual poached eggs and Lorna enjoyed French toast with crispy bacon and lots of syrup!</div>
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But enough about those wonderful eggs...you're not here for eggs....you're here for scones! </div>
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I was pleasantly surprised when I realised there was another menu available, apart from breakfast and lunch.....yes, there is a cake menu! And on the cake menu we found their cream tea for two....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiR3X-HYIqT3cZ0TyT9gLQtbUiy5RrCKMVEqntZK9FmuYkVfRs6OXT_cFz2v4eJHd41-FfBNVl_QUqw52S2wOy-kq8SLvuwPwsd01a5VovYMVVNQ9m3UbVdrxpf9sJsVp4QMH7JApL2TCM/s1600/DSC_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiR3X-HYIqT3cZ0TyT9gLQtbUiy5RrCKMVEqntZK9FmuYkVfRs6OXT_cFz2v4eJHd41-FfBNVl_QUqw52S2wOy-kq8SLvuwPwsd01a5VovYMVVNQ9m3UbVdrxpf9sJsVp4QMH7JApL2TCM/s400/DSC_0306.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The cream tea includes two large scones, a pot of mixed berry jam, a pot of cream and a large pot of tea. You can pick your favourite tea from the tea menu, on this occasion we opted for the green tea.</div>
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The scones are served warm and the servings are all so generous, you will not run out of cream! The mixed berry jam is a little tart, but its still enjoyable. The scone was well baked and perfect for piling on the cream and jam!</div>
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The cream tea for two costs just £8.50, which I think is excellent value. We both got over two cups of tea from that giant pot and were full from the scones. The service at Rosemoor Kitchen is friendly and warm, even when its really busy the team are smiling and attentive to all tables. </div>
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If you happen to be in the Farnham area, I would highly recommend popping by. As well as breakfast and scones I can also vouch for their wonderful burger on the lunch menu, which our mum enjoyed recently! I'll definitely be going back again to work my way through the menu.</div>
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To find out more about the Rosemoor Kitchen pop by their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Rosemoor-Kitchen-531047660703688/?ref=page_internal">Facebook Page</a></div>
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Thank you for popping by today,</div>
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Rachel & Lorna</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-41982155823953370312019-02-05T08:00:00.000+00:002019-02-05T08:00:02.148+00:00The Wednesday Tea Review - T2 Southern SunriseHello there!<br />
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Happy Wednesday! We hope you're having a good week!<br />
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Welcome back to another tea review from the T2 tea party box! This week we're sampling a flavoured fruit tisane from the range called Southern Sunrise....<br />
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This blend includes hibiscus, lemongrass and grapefruit and is inspired by the Australian summertime. It's a tisane designed to invigorate, with a wonderful aroma and sunny colour to the liquor. </div>
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First disclosure ….I have no idea why I have included a fake pineapple in the photo...there is no pineapple in this drink! Maybe I just wanted to make the photo more summery?? The teacup I have used is another one from the T2 collection - I love this cup and use it all the time!</div>
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As you can see the tisane has a gorgeous yellow colour once brewed and the aroma as its brewing is so summery....that alone should lift your spirits!</div>
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The flavour is really interesting as the lemongrass really comes through, making it not an overly sweet brew. Once again I tasted the tea both hot and cold and I think I preferred it as a cold drink - it was very refreshing, perfect on a hot day.</div>
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I think you could drink this tea at any time in the day - first thing it's a bright and zingy hot drink, but drinking it cold in the afternoon would be very refreshing.</div>
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Have you tried this T2 blend - if so we'd love you hear your thoughts! </div>
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Thank you for popping by today and don't forget to pop back next Wednesday to see which drink we'll be trying next!</div>
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Rachel</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-41335806718128328242019-02-03T08:00:00.000+00:002019-02-03T08:00:01.850+00:00The Sunday Chocolate Review - Montezuma's Black Forest GateauHello there!<br />
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Another Sunday.....another chocolate review!<br />
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Last week we took you to New York, this week we're heading to Germany for Montezuma's Black Forest Gateau pudding bar! Black Forest Gateau originated in Germany (and the real deal is so so good), but became popular in Britain in the 1970s when families would enjoy a pudding of chocolate sponge, cherries and lashings of whipped cream. Montezuma celebrates this pudding within their Great British pudding bars (which also includes Eton Mess and Treacle Tart).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAmE2MsS0YGLsRg2ZLA8DBZcANRVwdDUvj58qM8-g2nF6xlYrqWKb-sbBAzMulCyj3Tav8S71V4pNj87SV-RQlDd_csOZ4YdJYz4XXQqxoKaH7tFx1He3bIRk8hHGOtHFpEAfQBjsatY1/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1475" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAmE2MsS0YGLsRg2ZLA8DBZcANRVwdDUvj58qM8-g2nF6xlYrqWKb-sbBAzMulCyj3Tav8S71V4pNj87SV-RQlDd_csOZ4YdJYz4XXQqxoKaH7tFx1He3bIRk8hHGOtHFpEAfQBjsatY1/s320/DSC_0067.JPG" width="294" /></a></div>
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Unlike Godiva who we featured last week, Montezuma is a relatively new chocolate brand, starting its production in 2000. This is a small British family business of self-taught chocolatiers, who wanted to reinvigorate the British chocolate making industry. </div>
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This chocolate bar is nice and simple and features only two things......dark chocolate and cherries! Two of my favourite things - I love making cakes inspired by black forest gateau so I was really looking forward to trying to this bar!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZlpQcR3mDr2FbAkUOsCz_f5WYvCSA_kSzzoxI4YuHfan5cppCsvlgrhGLZ7wPShoTgkQEr_Oth9NXZde0KDAVKxDRMdIi5LYUG5OzTtxMIUtlcM7IJVfofGQyrSCqPpLOPgSIqJKGYiy/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1600" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZlpQcR3mDr2FbAkUOsCz_f5WYvCSA_kSzzoxI4YuHfan5cppCsvlgrhGLZ7wPShoTgkQEr_Oth9NXZde0KDAVKxDRMdIi5LYUG5OzTtxMIUtlcM7IJVfofGQyrSCqPpLOPgSIqJKGYiy/s400/DSC_0071.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Slightly more robust than the Godiva chocolate from last week, this chocolate had a really good snap when you tried to break it. I was pleased to see the cherries throughout the bar - this was both aesthetically pleasing (the pink against the dark chocolate) and also meant that the bar had a good chance of tasting of cherries!</div>
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The dark chocolate is rich and bold, something I really like in a dark chocolate and its really well balanced with the cherry flavour. Its quite reminiscent of black forest gateau….the only thing missing is the cream! The cherry flavour is authentic and doesn't taste artificial. </div>
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All in all I really enjoyed this bar of chocolate and would probably by it again. I found this bar in the sweet aisle of my local supermarket, it was on offer at about £2.00 for the bar. Because its a rich chocolate you can't gobble lots in one sitting (I tried) and therefore it will last you a little while (unless you are sharing....but I wouldn't recommend that!).</div>
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Have you tried this chocolate bar or any of the others in the pudding range? We'd love to hear your thoughts!</div>
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Thanks for popping by today and don't forget to pop back next Sunday for another chocolate review!</div>
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Rachel </div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-84965372135112626312019-01-30T08:00:00.000+00:002019-01-30T08:00:06.096+00:00The Wednesday Tea Review - T2 Creme BruleeHello there,<br />
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Welcome back to Tea With Me and Friends - we hope you're well today!<br />
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Before Christmas I treated myself to "A Tea Party for Twenty" from T2 teas....but then I completely forgot to review the teas! Whoops! The box is a festive collection which includes twenty teas and tisanes from the T2 range. T2 is an Australian tea company who create innovative blends using real tea leaves (blends include banana bake and raspberry rush as well as a range of breakfast blends from around the world and more traditional teas) they have a real passion for tea and their shops are a pure delight to visit....which is where I found this pretty little box....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFh-_QdyJ3DwLFTe4hRmgJP-2HenYjDyvBYzHjAtXBw3A4nSb8Li78Nz1H5Kp4-d_U8gxay5-jn05auTDLqmb2Ig35-5bunVob8383aVnbVmNj61LcBVMoxkCRaSmKZZcZiay9KZo36Of/s1600/DSC_0111.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFh-_QdyJ3DwLFTe4hRmgJP-2HenYjDyvBYzHjAtXBw3A4nSb8Li78Nz1H5Kp4-d_U8gxay5-jn05auTDLqmb2Ig35-5bunVob8383aVnbVmNj61LcBVMoxkCRaSmKZZcZiay9KZo36Of/s320/DSC_0111.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Inside the box...…just look at all those teas....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNVXF6rZRIyLLXVd13CegrwjLqP5mMucfaM2V8h0MjkdAj82Km1Rk_qUVULEKXheeZgV6tONA8PY3YsJmmJEwIe22wcA9wxatW0Zv2rAxOZVVoieT2LLI0elXEAFmniT4KO7KCzacNMWx/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1355" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNVXF6rZRIyLLXVd13CegrwjLqP5mMucfaM2V8h0MjkdAj82Km1Rk_qUVULEKXheeZgV6tONA8PY3YsJmmJEwIe22wcA9wxatW0Zv2rAxOZVVoieT2LLI0elXEAFmniT4KO7KCzacNMWx/s320/DSC_0115.JPG" width="270" /></a></div>
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As there is only one Christmas tea in the collection I've decided to still feature these teas on the blog as you'll still be able to buy them in a T2 shop or on their website if you fancied trying them yourself.</div>
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I decided to start with one of the flavoured black teas - Crème Brulee. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6CEOi5OqSQaKWYwzeKS6x-FFqeXaNb5XdebZIgJj1MNx6Ni7XSCAl_19lNhyphenhyphenLq7lUUWJN7SQUVnhB9kZ01XQKCArUrFZ45WwOQKCTolHYJLlQ2t5XPX_8LuxouFJ3xGx1-0phJ1wFVal/s1600/DSC_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="1328" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6CEOi5OqSQaKWYwzeKS6x-FFqeXaNb5XdebZIgJj1MNx6Ni7XSCAl_19lNhyphenhyphenLq7lUUWJN7SQUVnhB9kZ01XQKCArUrFZ45WwOQKCTolHYJLlQ2t5XPX_8LuxouFJ3xGx1-0phJ1wFVal/s320/DSC_0116.JPG" width="310" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #000120;">This is a black tea flavoured with a hazelnut praline flavour. It's supposed to be a decadent sweet treat - vanilla, hazelnuts and caramel flavours blended with a black tea. Enjoyed either with a dash of milk or black.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000120;">I decided to drink my tea black (as I usually enjoy tea without milk), and I followed the brewing instructions using boiling water and leaving the tea to brew for approx. three minutes.</span></div>
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Did I mention that T2 also have an amazing range of tea cups? This one was a gift from a friend, but I love all their china - worth popping into store just to marvel at the different colours and patterns!</div>
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Back to the tea....this is definitely a sweet treat...if you have a sweet crazing but want to avoid the calories this tea could provide the answer! You can taste the vanilla and the hazelnuts, which blend well with the black tea. </div>
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I wouldn't drink this as a morning cuppa as it's too sweet, but it work perfectly as a guilt free afternoon treat. It also tastes good once its gone cold (I've got an awful habit of leaving cups of tea and coffee all around the house and finding them hours later!) - it was actually more refreshing once it had gone cold and I could imagine drinking it cold on a hot summer afternoon!</div>
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Have you tried this tea? If so we'd love to hear your thoughts....did you enjoy it black or did you try it with milk as well?</div>
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Thank you for popping by today....pop back next Wednesday to see which T2 tea we'll be trying next!</div>
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Rachel</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-42470970419596855672019-01-27T18:43:00.000+00:002019-01-27T18:43:23.439+00:00The Sunday Chocolate Review - Godiva New YorkHello there,<br />
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Hope you've had a tea-riffic day!<br />
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We've decided to start a new feature on the blog.....one that is very dear to my heart! If you didn't already know I'm a bit of a chocolate fiend....I love the stuff, but I can be a bit picky (for example I hate the chocolate that Easter eggs are made from). There are so many different varieties and flavours of chocolate available now that it can be hard to know what to try next.....so we're taking the hard work out of it for you....any excuse to try new chocolates!<br />
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Our first feature is the limited edition chocolate from Godiva - their New York Apple and Salted Caramel chocolate. This is a blend of milk chocolate, apple and salted caramel and is supposed to take you on a flavour journey to America's Big Apple!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcyDQg47rMWTLKno71aKMiSaCBdY47cDdiVMLi4Yi2dZL_1X9I3BaBbFyRuycNuvjXJ-xd32JuIslKm7za-SlVfq8ggvw5Vcx9QKaGKYdzQEKXKqfHFnRYxm9LIo3mj_NPsUcnxWpLqcF/s1600/DSC_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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If you haven't heard of them before, Godiva are a luxury Belgian chocolate brand that has been making chocolate since 1926 (so they must be pretty good by now!). They now have stores in more than 80 countries worldwide and are quite famous for their fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate (which I am yet to try).</div>
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First off....the packaging is so pretty, both inside and out! If you're a sucker for packing like I am, then you will find this very pleasing! The illustrations are very sweet. They also have a London version, which is inspired by Eton Mess.....I've opted not to try that one as it has white chocolate as a base which I'm not really a fan of. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTE3wj2c7Nu_ivX8SfvX3WB8BZL7dJj1tN7eia-ufn1GPH7n7naplGrWvw75DuBjWv2BQL4Z8yp7m3U5lL4MoUD-aXnU1w0vtZaoEYTAjb2IttVsYpONsG4sPgHoVQf18sRTB9wx6QDNF/s1600/DSC_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1246" data-original-width="1600" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTE3wj2c7Nu_ivX8SfvX3WB8BZL7dJj1tN7eia-ufn1GPH7n7naplGrWvw75DuBjWv2BQL4Z8yp7m3U5lL4MoUD-aXnU1w0vtZaoEYTAjb2IttVsYpONsG4sPgHoVQf18sRTB9wx6QDNF/s400/DSC_0103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The gold foil makes this feel like a luxurious bar of chocolate. However, I didn't have to go into a Godiva store to buy it.....I found it in the sweet aisle of my local supermarket, it cost me just over £2.00.</div>
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This chocolate bar includes Godiva's milk chocolate, apple pieces, caramel pieces and additional apple flavourings. The milk chocolate is so smooth and creamy, a really lovely chocolate....it's blended with pieces of salted caramel which are quite chunky in size and what can only be described as a bizarre apple flavour.</div>
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Its definitely an apple flavour, reminiscent of sharp green apples, but possibly slightly artificial. Its not unpleasant and it blends well with the chocolate and caramel flavours, but its just a bit bizarre!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgT5baLN62zFvzX6Azaz9vP58mFu3TBOFIqhA5febY6yo9iKPnaFfm1LhPRudyy2PyyqXWK8Ry_hjNOJlunpDFk4WQnH6OC5B5GLms58_He-lmJwTMv_0bpFqr6gS3bYWZwMLi8EYPKE6/s1600/DSC_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1138" data-original-width="1508" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgT5baLN62zFvzX6Azaz9vP58mFu3TBOFIqhA5febY6yo9iKPnaFfm1LhPRudyy2PyyqXWK8Ry_hjNOJlunpDFk4WQnH6OC5B5GLms58_He-lmJwTMv_0bpFqr6gS3bYWZwMLi8EYPKE6/s400/DSC_0129.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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As you can see from the photo the chocolate bar itself is slim and delicate and the fillings a good size - its nice to see good pieces of caramel throughout the bar!</div>
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Another slightly bizarre point is as you eat the chocolate, the apple pieces rehydrate themselves and you find yourself with real apple in your mouth after the chocolate has vanished.....do you think this counts as one of my five a day??</div>
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All in all a pleasant bar of chocolate, but it didn't leave me jumping for joy nor did it really remind me of my trip to New York. I'd eat it again if someone gave it to me, but probably wouldn't rush out to buy it!</div>
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Have you tried this chocolate bar - what did you think of it, we'd love to hear your thoughts!</div>
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Thanks for popping by today, pop back next Sunday for another chocolate review!</div>
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Rachel </div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-12405415664226545242019-01-20T08:00:00.000+00:002019-01-20T08:00:05.153+00:00Time for....some Danish Baked Goods!Hello there!<br />
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Happy Sunday! Hope you're feeling tea-riffic today!<br />
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So....I walk passed <a href="https://oleandsteen.co.uk/">Ole & Steen</a> on Haymarket rather frequently, but I'm always on my way somewhere else and have never popped in despite the scrummy looking window displays! If you've not discovered Ole & Steen before, its a Danish bakery who has been handmaking their breads and cakes for 20 years, with eight sites across London.<br />
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They open from early to late and no matter what time of day, they always have something tempting in their windows. When walking passed at about 9:30pm one Saturday night we spotted the following in the windows...</div>
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So many pastries and cakes....I had to go in! </div>
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I was surprised at how busy it was at night time, but discovered that they offer an all day menu as well as the sweet treats you can see above. You can enjoy a range of Focaccias, sandwiches and stews during the day and into the evening.</div>
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As it's bakery, Ole & Steen offer a take away service a well as the eat in option....so you know what happened next....yes treats were purchased!</div>
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I decided a cinnamon swirl would be perfect for my Sunday morning treat the next day and I'm so pleased that I finally bought something from Ole & Steen! </div>
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This Danish pastry swirl is crafted with cinnamon, marzipan and a vanilla custard. Considering I ate mine the day after I bought it, I was very impressed. The delicious pastry was still crisp and fresh and the inside was velvety and scrumptious! You couldn't taste the marzipan, but it added a wonderful texture to the swirl. The swirl was flavoured with the perfect amount of cinnamon and it went really well with my morning coffee.</div>
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The inside of the swirl....</div>
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At £3 per swirl it is a treat, but the quality of the bake was brilliant (even the next day) and the size was generous….</div>
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I'll definitely be heading back to try more treats out as this swirl was delicious! </div>
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Do you have a favourite bakery or a favourite baked treat? We'd love to hear about them!</div>
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Thanks for popping by today,</div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-19603111086535264982019-01-19T08:00:00.000+00:002019-01-19T08:00:00.569+00:00Time for something cute from Peggy Porschen!Hello there,<br />
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Welcome back to Tea With Me and Friends!<br />
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I've finally made it to the Peggy Porschen Parlour in Belgravia and I wanted to share my experience with you. I've wanted to visit the Parlour for ages, it looks so pretty and the cakes so scrummy, I wanted to see whether it lives up to the hype and Instagram love!</div>
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Located on a corner, its pink exterior can be spotted from the end of the road....</div>
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<br />I visited when they still had their Winter Parlour decorations up from the festive season, designed to compliment their Cosy Collection sweets and treats.</div>
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The interior of this tiny parlour has shelves full of pretty bakes that you can buy to enjoy at home - its really gorgeous!</div>
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The Parlour is a small space and because of this they do not take reservations (they also ask that you return tables after an hour), you just have to turn up and keep your fingers crossed! There is seating both inside and outside, but be warned.....it's cosy! If you arrive and there are no tables free and you don't want to wait, you can have any of the cakes available as a take away option.</div>
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As well as the standard menu of cupcakes, layer cakes and tray bakes, the Parlour also offers seasonal specials. Among others, the standard flavours include chocolate heaven and salted caramel cupcakes, lemon, raspberry and rose layer cakes and chocolate brownies. The menu is extensive, but all the cakes are on display and the staff are knowledgeable if you need some help picking your treat.</div>
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The Cosy Collection, which was available when we visited, included the Cosy Cashmere layer cake - an almond sponge layered with a smooth coconut buttercream. There were also starry snowmen cupcakes, either in a chocolate flavour or gingerbread and lemon flavour and a variety of cute iced biscuits.</div>
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We opted to try a slab of chocolate biscuit cake (and slab is the right word....it's a very generous serving!) and a gingerbread and lemon starry snowman cupcake. The chocolate biscuit cake was like a rocky road bake, it was indulgent and scrummy - packed full of pistachios and marshmallow. You could probably share it between two people though as it was very rich.</div>
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The cupcake was super cute to look at....just look at that tiny snowman!</div>
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The cappuccinos we enjoyed were also rather pretty looking....</div>
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But I bet you're wondering what the cupcake tasted like....was it all style and no substance? I'm please to report back that it was absolutely delicious! </div>
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The sponge was moist but light, and full of spicy gingerbread flavour. The topping was a lemon cream cheese frosting, which again was light in texture but well flavoured. Together the flavours blended really well and made for a very enjoyable cupcake. </div>
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Although it looked like a big blob of frosting, the ratio between cake and sponge was just right. Nothing was too sweet and I really enjoyed this cupcake. Plus it was really cute....just look at that tiny snowman....</div>
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I really enjoyed my visit to The Parlour, the prices are a little expensive but the quality of the food was great. I would also probably only visit with one other person as there isn't much space (we watched a group of five squeeze around a table the same size that we had for two).</div>
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If you'd like to see more about Peggy Porschen's Parlour pop by their <a href="https://www.peggyporschen.com/">website</a></div>
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Thank you for popping by today,</div>
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Rachel</div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-43460389696260250092019-01-13T14:02:00.000+00:002019-01-13T14:02:14.505+00:00Time for....some tea and ice-cream!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uP5Vn03o1To1Hy8zEc6DNU47n-ibUNm57q-wTCeauebd2UQpJBx6rb7vUatCs90jvo3yuVJlXog-QyILPcazqzvbJ6D6-bzzdA-Te5E2b3hff9LJJZ2hVDWJz22cPcTib7aSgvle_HBj/s1600/DSC_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uP5Vn03o1To1Hy8zEc6DNU47n-ibUNm57q-wTCeauebd2UQpJBx6rb7vUatCs90jvo3yuVJlXog-QyILPcazqzvbJ6D6-bzzdA-Te5E2b3hff9LJJZ2hVDWJz22cPcTib7aSgvle_HBj/s400/DSC_0089.JPG" width="225" /></a><br />
Hello there!<br />
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Welcome back to Tea With Me and Friends.....it may be winter time in the UK and a bit chilly (read I've been wearing my big woolly hat!), but that doesn't stop me enjoying the odd ice cream!<br />
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Recently we paid a visit to Fortnum and Mason (I love a wander around the tea and china) and was tempted into The Parlour for a cup of tea and an ice cream! Based in the corner of the second floor of Fortnums, the ice cream display is on view to shoppers as they peruse the beautiful teacups on sale. It's a very tempting display!<br />
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The Parlour is home to award winning ice-cream creations, Fortnums tea and coffee and both sweet and savoury delights - the perfect place to spend an hour or two!<br />
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It's usually really busy, so imagine my delight when I realised we could get a table (probably something to do with the temperature outside!). Once seated we were left with the menu to decide on whether we wanted a piece of cake (perhaps a piece of carrot cake or a pear and orange marmalade tart), something savoury (amongst other items they have a spiced sausage roll and crab and prawn cocktails), one of the pre-designed sundaes (I'll tell you more about those later) or perhaps we wanted to create our own ice cream sundae - picking our favourite flavours and adding toppings such as whipped cream, fresh strawberries or chocolate sauce.<br />
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There are plenty of ice cream flavours to pick from, and if you fancy something lighter there are also sorbets as well. From salted caramel to banana split, from rum and raisin to mint chocolate chip - you'll be spoilt for choice! There are also three different vegan ice creams on offer, including a chocolate and cashew blend.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboGOYTCZQqCt_dL1U1_3YpizuFEokPfWDNeUCVIuEDiJTiOSP79horw66HuOfi5p7qsHPKfcSAmU6y4C3LfJrUM8ZmqTBCCA8XimwhVA-aH_KvejNelULZTVm4Lj3q824GcoNwRM74KYP/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboGOYTCZQqCt_dL1U1_3YpizuFEokPfWDNeUCVIuEDiJTiOSP79horw66HuOfi5p7qsHPKfcSAmU6y4C3LfJrUM8ZmqTBCCA8XimwhVA-aH_KvejNelULZTVm4Lj3q824GcoNwRM74KYP/s400/DSC_0088.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I opted to enjoy a two scoop ice cream with whipped cream, enjoying chocolate and cherrilossus flavours together. The chocolate flavour is smooth and probably one of the best chocolate ice creams I've had the pleasure of enjoying. The cherrilossus had a bitter dark chocolate base and featured cherry compote and nuts - although this was nice, the plain chocolate was better. I can also vouch for the honeycomb flavour which I had a sample of previously. </div>
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The ice cream was served in a fun sundae dish and looked quite wonderful when it was served....it was also rather large.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZwPsi3R0D2M1wfjxq9x2GwT4WwSPx-q7vbP2nghmt9Ss83DKFF0ZJt-DHcZvy4402sK5mS4JUtZidjXE030XTKDFcEGSsrWZ0ESYMALd4V0N8JcZGo5cv5tR4YQvEGEttD4K9LhbTHfS/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1279" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZwPsi3R0D2M1wfjxq9x2GwT4WwSPx-q7vbP2nghmt9Ss83DKFF0ZJt-DHcZvy4402sK5mS4JUtZidjXE030XTKDFcEGSsrWZ0ESYMALd4V0N8JcZGo5cv5tR4YQvEGEttD4K9LhbTHfS/s320/DSC_0084.JPG" width="255" /></a></div>
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Just look at all that cream - they didn't skimp there! </div>
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They also gave me the cutest heart shaped spoon to eat the ice cream with. </div>
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The tea was served in a tea for one pot, with a really pretty bunting pattern. Each pot gave us about 2-3 cups, which was a really good serving.</div>
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Now I promised to tell you about the sundaes, although I didn't try one on this occasion I did drool over the descriptions in the menu for quite some time!</div>
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You can pick from five different sundaes, or alternatively there are two vegan sundaes on offer. The menu includes the traditional Knickerbocker Glory featuring strawberry and vanilla ice cream, with chunks of pineapple, raspberry coulis, Italian meringue and popping candy - designed to make you smile! The other one that caught my eye was "The Original Dusty Road" which included coffee and chocolate ice cream, butterscotch and chocolate Sauce, Chantilly cream, chocolate flakes and scrummy coffee beans! I think I'll need to revisit and try this one!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzAx2k_ErOTSqt0Qu0TBiXZOE57ur05n0ZMqG_nJR1s63bovulZ27MHdWiIuhkMWyA9bIej1s7gHw6xupzPFTDy-JpjqKoITCzl3Fxea0-X7EBHHFNdBcZA8Xag_IQonMAYSEQSFySwWt/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzAx2k_ErOTSqt0Qu0TBiXZOE57ur05n0ZMqG_nJR1s63bovulZ27MHdWiIuhkMWyA9bIej1s7gHw6xupzPFTDy-JpjqKoITCzl3Fxea0-X7EBHHFNdBcZA8Xag_IQonMAYSEQSFySwWt/s400/DSC_0082.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to The Parlour, the service was quick and friendly and the staff were knowledgeable about the different ice creams. The menu includes a good variety of food and drink....if you don't fancy ice cream there will be something else to enjoy!</div>
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To find out more about The Parlour, pop by their <a href="https://www.fortnumandmason.com/restaurants/the-parlour">website</a></div>
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Whilst we were in Fortnums on this occasion, I also found a rather beautiful tea set that I thought I would share....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZlTytlIVQbZpGU11e_oFZwYFQsbM04_vpLUuF9AJfUu64jiOe8GmEwvpc4_GnYpK6FmsTMJBRZgVwWQT0mlWol10NmXKrNt3kP8lzatkeR6iJZIIuL_5vWapp-uS0bJ90sEEdu_GKJVs/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZlTytlIVQbZpGU11e_oFZwYFQsbM04_vpLUuF9AJfUu64jiOe8GmEwvpc4_GnYpK6FmsTMJBRZgVwWQT0mlWol10NmXKrNt3kP8lzatkeR6iJZIIuL_5vWapp-uS0bJ90sEEdu_GKJVs/s400/DSC_0091.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The set is by Richard Brendon and was designed especially for Fortnum and Masons. I just love the colours and pretty chevron pattern.</div>
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Thank you for popping by today,</div>
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Rachel</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-49124691401163279262019-01-12T08:00:00.000+00:002019-01-12T08:00:01.080+00:00Time for....something sweet, but disappointingHello there!<br />
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Happy Saturday! I hope you've had a tea-riffic week!<br />
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My week included a rather disappointing sweet treat.....a doughnut that visually was very appealing, but upon taking a bite I discovered that, in my humble opinion, was a real waste of calories!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8_Aq_zMSfeRluHq17PojorVeXNsKB3WSAT4VrxGO5G4jgIs5J9rE49wZg9panPdEiDNcdrAZoHEV2iNTxWTN4ykJN45keLYabQ9yu10WaU8FQEW4ZcHhDhcAUonpQU6g6tErj2VUuo2Y/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1600" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8_Aq_zMSfeRluHq17PojorVeXNsKB3WSAT4VrxGO5G4jgIs5J9rE49wZg9panPdEiDNcdrAZoHEV2iNTxWTN4ykJN45keLYabQ9yu10WaU8FQEW4ZcHhDhcAUonpQU6g6tErj2VUuo2Y/s400/DSC_0031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Told you it was pretty doughnut! </div>
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This, ladies and gentlemen, is a chocolate doughnut purchased from a Sainsburys supermarket. I wouldn't normally buy mass produced cakes like this (yes I'm a cake snob), but there was something very appealing about those stripes and so I decided to take a chance!</div>
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The doughnuts come in packs of four from the bakery section.</div>
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To make them chocolate doughnuts, the rings have been filled with a chocolate filling....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zoAmhKYORMwFk7_FCSVrIfrOKWCosYcivxAHBSAEdx1DmP82kdCDbAboAeurETs7VbfLFzc9EvqLJrZ9DQe7RobTojlQhEmwGbW5D0CJPvs-wJijaovv1B_QZaf0VY_Zi_7Qv-NZAFzx/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1600" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zoAmhKYORMwFk7_FCSVrIfrOKWCosYcivxAHBSAEdx1DmP82kdCDbAboAeurETs7VbfLFzc9EvqLJrZ9DQe7RobTojlQhEmwGbW5D0CJPvs-wJijaovv1B_QZaf0VY_Zi_7Qv-NZAFzx/s400/DSC_0051.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love chocolate...as you know I have a real sweet tooth, but I really love chocolate. There is something very comforting and indulgent about good chocolate.</div>
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Unfortunately, this wasn't good chocolate.....nor was it good doughnut </div>
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generally. The actual doughnut had an ok texture, it tasted fresh, but it had no real flavour. If I had tried this as part of a blind taste test I think I would have struggled to tell you it was a chocolate doughnut. The chocolate filling also held no flavour, it just added another texture to the doughnut.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2u9wXOx42d2O5Uk86rfFGMYJieDQiGqUxslpXb3_cZZC0OVH6_Cuahpav0JqSCHuyPkuuG5xtJcKYAmEUIHC8pPuM92Di49wDmY0W8-9ck9u167t8Z1znMtfrpW9JzQ94sB6iV1z8ttN/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2u9wXOx42d2O5Uk86rfFGMYJieDQiGqUxslpXb3_cZZC0OVH6_Cuahpav0JqSCHuyPkuuG5xtJcKYAmEUIHC8pPuM92Di49wDmY0W8-9ck9u167t8Z1znMtfrpW9JzQ94sB6iV1z8ttN/s320/DSC_0053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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To make sure I wasn't being unfair to the doughnut I also asked Joe to try one. When asked to describe his doughnut experience, Joe said "it was like a very disappointing bagel or piece of bread with some chocolate in it"....clearly I wasn't being unfair to the doughnut! </div>
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I suppose at least Joe could taste the chocolate</div>
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All in all not the best doughnut experience and I wish I hadn't been lured in by those mesmerising stripes. But if you want a good prop for Instagram I can confirm that the doughnuts photograph really well!</div>
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What's the best doughnut experience you've had? Do you like plain jam filled doughnuts or something more fancy? Drop us a line and let us know!</div>
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Thank you for popping by today!</div>
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Rachel</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-68317232485953147612019-01-06T08:00:00.000+00:002019-01-06T08:00:06.264+00:00Afternoon Tea Baking - Pret a Portea high fashion bakesHello there,<br />
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Welcome back to Tea With Me and Friends.<br />
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I hope you're well today. Have you made any baking related New Year's Resolutions this year? Maybe you'd like to try baking the sweet treats that you try at afternoon tea? Already love baking, but want to try something new? I might just have the book for you!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJcYcqY3zzvvp6LSMxhFpHJjS3FwniZlng4nn590WLZub-nVuVRK5F93haCjzvdi-3caJlNI0O8XoNXWaxy_BXmVC4P39tMBGDM7AaBik6pxVhwzl4yU5teExJKCutsLfpA02HV1PgHLn/s1600/DSC_5224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1248" data-original-width="1600" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJcYcqY3zzvvp6LSMxhFpHJjS3FwniZlng4nn590WLZub-nVuVRK5F93haCjzvdi-3caJlNI0O8XoNXWaxy_BXmVC4P39tMBGDM7AaBik6pxVhwzl4yU5teExJKCutsLfpA02HV1PgHLn/s400/DSC_5224.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pret a Portea - High Fashion bakes and biscuits</td></tr>
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Before we go any further I want to assure you that this isn't an ad, I'm not being paid or rewarded for this blog post in anyway. I bought the book when I enjoyed afternoon tea at The Berkeley last year and was so impressed with the recipes that I wanted to share it with you.</div>
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'Prêt-à-Portea: High-Fashion Bakes and Biscuits' was published to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the iconic fashion inspired afternoon tea served at The Berkeley and includes 20 recipes and baking techniques from the hotel’s Head Pastry Chef Mourad Khiat. </div>
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I'm a home baker, I follow simple recipes and enjoy what I make but I have wanted to stretch myself a little and this book was perfect. The recipes are really easy to follow and the book contains lots of photos of the process as well as the finished items so you can see what you are supposed to be doing. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Pret a Portea - High Fashion bakes and biscuits</span></td></tr>
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Inside the book you'll find 20 iconic sweet treats that have been served as part of the Pret a Portea afternoon tea experience at some point in the last ten years. You'll also see what fashion item inspired the sweet treat. </div>
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From the Blueberry sponge handbag inspired by Anya Hindmarch to the rainbow meringue summer mousse inspired by Mulberry, or the red sole and sparkle biscuit inspired by Christian Louboutin....you'll find all of these and more in the book!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My baking from Pret a Portea </td></tr>
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One of the items I decided to try was the pearl pump Sachertorte inspired by Nicholas Kirkwood, which featured a Chocolate Miroir finish. Having not attempted Sachertorte previously I was a little apprehensive when I started.</div>
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The recipe was broken down into easy to follow sections, making the chocolate sponge and jam filling first, followed by the chocolate Miroir. The recipe also includes styling details to help you finish your bake in the same way as The Berkeley. As you can see from the images I didn't quite follow the styling details, but I was still very impressed with my wonky finished cakes!</div>
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They were so shiny that even Niffler was impressed....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit wonky, but very shiny! </td></tr>
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This book also contains the best chocolate Brownie recipe I have ever come across. The recipe is very simple, but results in rich and gooey brownies that you will love!</div>
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I might have made these once or twice since buying the book....</div>
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The book is jam packed with scrummy photos, so even if you don't want to bake the cakes you'll probably spend several blissful hours drooling over the cakes!</div>
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As I said, this isn't an ad....but if you are looking for an easy to follow book which will up your baking game then you might enjoy this one!</div>
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Do you have a favourite baking book? I'd love to hear all about it - leave me a comment!</div>
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Thanks for popping by today,</div>
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Rachel</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88687887925574334.post-54440564963681572612019-01-05T08:00:00.000+00:002019-01-05T08:00:07.604+00:00Time for Tea.....St Martins LaneHello there,<br />
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Happy New Year!<br />
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We hope that you've had a tea-riffic Christmas and wish you a sweet new year full of tea and cake!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afternoon tea at St Martins Lane, London</td></tr>
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At the end of last year Becca, Lorna and I enjoyed a Narnia themed afternoon tea at St Martins Lane in London. You may remember that we've visited St Martin's Lane previously and we're always keen to revisit when they have a new theme.</div>
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Although the Narnia themed tea is no longer available, I still wanted to share the photos with you.</div>
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Afternoon tea at St Martin's Lane is served in the Den, which is a beautifully snug space....perfect for a winter themed tea. When we visited The Den was dressed with lots of cosy throws and we even had our own pretend wood burner!</div>
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Tea at St Martins Lane is served on pretty Ted Baker china.....which I just love.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLxUuY9-pi6JLzjQAMzc8NS_njLp_FKLUJ3d7p1VZ3MGw4hi_1lp2Qcjv9UmX0rtgEYXUDeMAE6G568Sggn6rz8aD0wCajeyNgiWnwDmSRvgUd8wxBSKYr2r9ysA3peTJKUlPedawUJQN/s1600/DSC_5503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLxUuY9-pi6JLzjQAMzc8NS_njLp_FKLUJ3d7p1VZ3MGw4hi_1lp2Qcjv9UmX0rtgEYXUDeMAE6G568Sggn6rz8aD0wCajeyNgiWnwDmSRvgUd8wxBSKYr2r9ysA3peTJKUlPedawUJQN/s400/DSC_5503.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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as well as the patterns, I love the art deco shapes of the handles. </div>
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The afternoon tea sweets are served on a contemporary stand, with the savoury items presented on a separate plate. There is one item per person....so no need to share or fight over the best looking sweet treats!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afternoon Tea Stand, St Martins Lane London</td></tr>
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This was a serving for three people, the stand does look a bit full!</div>
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There were three savoury items on this afternoon tea menu.....however as you can see from the photo below there was not a sandwich (finger or otherwise) in sight:</div>
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Ham, mushroom and cheese turnover<br />Tuna, avocado, tomato and sweetcorn wrap<br />Spinach and parmesan swirl</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afternoon tea - St Martins Lane, London</td></tr>
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I'm going to be honest here....this was not my favourite selection of savoury items.....I'm not really a fan of mushrooms, avocado or spinach....however I ploughed on anyway.</div>
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The turnover would have been lovely without the mushrooms, it was hot and the pastry was crisp. Becca, who loves mushrooms, assured me that the mushrooms were good. The wrap was nice (despite the avocado), but I would have preferred a sandwich (call me old fashioned!). The swirl was altogether too spinachy (spell check says that's not a word, but I don't care) for me, but the pastry was lovely. </div>
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Moving onto the scones....there was one each....but they were massive....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Massive scones at St Martins Lane</td></tr>
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The flavour of the scones was good, along with the cream and raspberry jam, but the texture was a little claggy for me. I think this was due to the size of them rather than anything else - you really needed a lot of cream on them!</div>
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The sweets looked good and included a pretty Aslan head which I couldn't wait to try:</div>
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Snowball chestnut, blueberry <br />Aslan chocolate & caramel bonbon<br />The wardrobe almond biscuit, pear & pecan cream<br />The Ice Queen's Crown coffee tart<br />Turkish Delights<br />Mini mince pies</div>
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There was a good choice of sweet treats, meaning there was something for everyone. However, they didn't all hit the spot.....</div>
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I loved the coffee tart (coffee is always a win for me), the Turkish Delights were refreshing to enjoy at the end of the meal and the mini mince pies were packed with flavour (again I love a mince pie). I also enjoyed Aslan's head (sounds a bit weird I know), but it was super sweet and a little too big to enjoy the whole head - I think we probably ate one head between all three of us. </div>
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We couldn't really taste the flavours in the snowballs and the wardrobes were a little bit confusing with the biscuit textures and the pears.</div>
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The service as usual was friendly and professional and the waiters all knew the menu well. We could change our tea choice throughout our time in The Den, or decide to enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate instead.</div>
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As well as scrummy afternoon teas, St Martin's Lane has a beautiful lobby with lots of photo opportunities.....</div>
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All in all we enjoyed our latest visit to St Martins Lane and will no doubt visit again in 2019. To find out more about the latest afternoon tea adventures at St Martins Lane pop by their <a href="https://www.morganshotelgroup.com/originals/originals-st-martins-lane-london/eat-drink/afternoon-tea">website</a></div>
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Thank you for popping by today - we look forward to seeing you again soon!</div>
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Rachel & Lorna</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321082088903424500noreply@blogger.com1