Neighborly Swedish 'tea log' gift: Delicious treat brings back memories of Scandinavian roots and visit to Santa's hometown

Swedish tea log, a Christmas Eve gift from our neighbor

Swedish tea log for Christmas!  

I'm Swedish.  I love tea.  But, I had never heard of a Swedish tea log - that is until this Christmas Eve. My neighbor, Therese, texted me mid-morning last Thursday to see if I was home and if so, could she drop off a Swedish tea log. Well, I was indeed home and my response, was that of eloquent, reserved gratitude, specifically: "OMG!!! Yes!! Thank you very much!!!"

Before one could  say "God Jul", Therese was at my front court yard with a baguette-shaped treat wrapped in aluminum foil and tied with a white and silver ribbon.  My awesome neighbor knew I was a tea enthusiast, but the link to my heritage was just an extra bonus.

The Swedish tea log is filled with cinnamon, sugar and nuts. 

Therese explained that the recipe came from her grandmother when she lived in Detroit.  Grandma's neighbor was Swedish and shared her recipe. Thanks to that friendly offering, a few generations later, I'm the most fortunate recipient of this Scandinavian pastry.

My Swedish heritage comes via my dad whose parents were born in a Swedish settlement of Vaasa, Finland. Along with my husband, our three kids and my brother, sister-in-law and niece, we visited Vaasa and family twenty years ago.  We spent time in central Finland as well as overnight trips to Helsinki and, on the other end of the country, the arctic circle and the home of St. Nicholas, SantaPark.  (Since our trip was in June, warm coats and hats were not needed!) 

SantaPark, Rovaniemi, Finland, the official hometown of Santa

And, like my grandparents and dad, my cousins' drink of choice was coffee, not tea. But, again, like my grandparents, being treated to "coffee" at one of our relatives' homes meant more than a cup of joe. A table would be decked out with china plates, cups, saucers, napkins and a smorgasbord of food. Presentation was as essential as the cuisine and I was so inspired by my Swedish family's tablescapes, that one month after returning, I created my own smorgasbord party, complete with Scandinavian-inspired desserts and, of course, plenty of coffee.

Swedish "coffee", it's not just a cup of joe

Now, twenty years later, I'm remembering my Swedish connections courtesy my thoughtful neighbor. The Swedish tea log sets me to mind of a a family favorite - not surprisingly, "coffee cake". The tea log is a light dough concoction filled with cinnamon, sugar and nuts and covered generously with a sweet glaze.  

Holidays in the garage, a 2020 tradition that can be replaced

The Swedish tea log is new to me, but I can tell you, based on Therese's rendition, it will no longer be a stranger to our house.  My husband and I enjoyed it for Christmas breakfast and we're all for making this a new tradition. Christmas Eve in the garage with windows open, I'm happy to give up in 2021 - but Swedish tea log, we say,   ya till söta nya traditioner!

Swedish tea log is delicious - pair with tea or coffee!

Although I can't say this is the exact recipe my neighbor used, here's one from Cooks.com Swedish tea log.

 Stora grannar, goda vänner och gott nytt år!

Visions of sugar plums unite generations with holiday traditions: 2012 blog with a 2020 postscript!

Vintage candy ornaments my Dad purchased fifty years ago, moving on to a new home

 It's Christmas eve, 2020 and while we're preparing for an outside event today due to quarantine restrictions (living in southeast Michigan, we're either very creative or crazy), I'd like to share a vintage BTS blog post from 2012 about vintage family ornaments. There's a 2020 postscript at the end of the blog . . . 

Christmas Eve, 2012:  We are busy this morning doing all the last-minute preparations for our big family gathering here tonight including putting out the seasonal guest towels and lighting the scented candles. But, the rest of the house has been in full-on holiday décor since Thanksgiving, when my daughter, Rachel, declared our theme this year would be "Christmas is everywhere".

And, Christmas is everywhere:  on our mantle, shelves, banisters and most importantly, in our hearts and with family and friends - even if they are no longer here. We stay connected with them through memories, traditions, and in our case, sugar plums and candy cane decorations.

When I was twelve my mom unceremoniously moved Christmas downstairs. I have three older brothers - who at this time were all in their teens - and our small living room just couldn't accommodate six people, their guests and a Christmas tree. My parents had remodeled our basement five years prior and it was really nice - and spacious. So, we moved the tree and all the trimmings to our lower level family room and plugged in the fake fireplace (it was the 70's, mind you) and we were ready to go.

It was almost ideal except my dad felt that our  living room - where we spent most of our evenings after dinner - was void of the Christmas spirit. So, without any consult, he went to Sears one day after work and bought a small artificial tree and a couple dozen ornaments. The decorations were made to look like sugar-frosted candies -  mostly sugar plums and candy canes - all in pastel colors. They looked delicious.

Frosted sugar plums and candy canes still decorate the tree

My dad set the tree up on the television - which was a piece of furniture in those days - and had it all trimmed by the time my mom came home from work. I was so excited. Christmas, at least in a small way, had made its way back upstairs where we could see it every time we walked through the front door.

My mom's reaction was, well, a little more delayed in acceptance, but my dad's strategy,  at least this time - of better to ask for forgiveness than permission - paid off. The four foot tree filled with bubble-gum pink and lime-green candy canes slowly won her over and the tree was allowed to stay.

My dad passed away ten years later and although we no longer put the tree upstairs, we kept the ornaments and eventually, I got custody of them when I moved out and married. I have put those same ornaments on my tree for the past 25 years and, lost in my thoughts, I apparently tell this same story to Rachel every year she's been assisting me.

This year, however, I got another surprise - and a great one at that. As we were waiting for our chai tea to steep and hauling out the decorations from the basement,   Rachel asked me to tell the story about the tree and the ornaments the grandfather she never met brought home one December afternoon. She declared that those frosted ornaments would belong to her when she gets her own home.

And, so they will.

“Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. . .

The house was filled with “Christmas Everywhere”,
while visions of sugar plums were deemed soon to be theirs

And we'd like to  exclaim, before we turn out the lights,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”

*******************************************

Post Script:  Christmas 2020  

As noted eight years ago, Rachel stated when she had her a house of her own,  she would get claim to these vintage Christmas decorations. This year, she and husband, Sean, did buy their first home and, along with the newlyweds, the sugar plum and candy cane ornaments have a new address. 

To keeping memories alive and making new ones, an extra hug to all and Merry Christmas!

Vintage ornaments on the Brown's tree

Rachel and Sean get "custody" of the vintage  ornaments, while Rachel's Dad looks on.

BTS' Twelve last minute gifts for the tea enthusiast on your holiday list!

With Christmas less than a week away, there's still time to shop for your tea enthusiast!

With less than a week away until Christmas, there's little shopping time left - but that doesn't mean one is without options! BTS is here for some last minute suggestions for gifts sure to delight the tea enthusiast in your life. And, in keeping with our signature "steeper by the dozen" theme, here are our top twelve recommendations.

Bring Townsend's afternoon tea home (Edwardian dresses optional)

1.  Townsend Hotel's tea-to-go!  We're all missing those sumptuous afternoon teas in the beautiful tea lobby of Birmingham's Townsend Hotel. But, the next best thing until we can once again cozy up near the fireplace under the dazzling crystal chandelier and receive the best service around town, is to bring the tea treats home to enjoy. The carry-out afternoon tea menu includes tea packets, scones, tea sandwiches and Townsend's amazing pastries.  Edwardian tea dress attire optional!  (Note, advance notice is required, click the link for more information).

Tea bag holders from Leon and Lulu.  Send a message with this practical item!

2.  Tea bag holders with a message from  Leon and Lulu's in Clawson.  Proper afternoon tea etiquette directs one to have a proper resting place for the used tea bag - pithy commentary not required, but we are thoroughly amused.  Shown above, two of our favorites. 

If tea IS your daytime wine, try Adagio's elderberry wine tea

3.  Wine tea from Adagio tea.  If tea is truly one's daytime wine, why not make it official with elderberry wine tea from Adagio? This full body tisane is not only free of alcohol, but caffeine as well. A great choice for your daytime beverage.

The Office Downton Abbey Christmas Cookbook available now at Barnes and Noble

4.  The Official Downton Abbey Christmas Cookbook at Barnes and Noble.  Our last Tuesday Tea and Tomes touted The Official Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea Cookbook. Can there ever be too many Downton Abbey reference books? #rhetoricalquestion #ifyouinsistNO  No need to wait for deliveries - we found this at our local Barnes and Noble. Mask up and you can purchase today!

Also available at Barnes and Noble:  teacup note cards

5. Teacup note cards at Barnes and Noble, while you are there!  One can never have enough impressive stationary and this teacup note card set is just what your corresponding tea enthusiast would love. 

Lemon curd and other preserves from Harry & David

6.  Harry and David's lemon curd (and more!).  A perfect accompaniment to the afternoon tea scone is lemon curd and we found a delicious jar of it from Harry and David. Lemon curd makes every scone taste like a citrus-y dessert. Currently the Harry and David's website shows lemon curd as part of a "Premium Preserves and Butter Box" which also includes strawberry preserves, marmalade and cherry butter . It won't be ready for delivery until the end of January, but your gift recipient won't mind the wait. 

Subscription to TeaTime Magazine

7.  TeaTime Magazine subscription. BTS' favorite publication and several times gifted  (we follow our own advice!) This is a MUST for tea fans and/or those who love travel, tablescapes and tasty treat recipes. Beautiful photographs and well written articles provide inspiration throughout the year.

BTS's Steeper by the Dozen book series

8.  BTS Books.  Michigan Tea Rooms  Twelve Etiquette Essentials  These books are both available on Amazon and are part of Barb's Tea Service's "Steeper by the Dozen" series. These may arrive a bit after Christmas, but if you're local, we can deliver! 

The Child green tea

9.  Star Wars-inspired tea The Child from The Republic of Tea:  What kind of tea is this? Green of course. Like Kermit, The Child knows it's not easy being green, but adorable nonetheless. For those who like to pair their tea with The Mandalorian, this is sure to please!

Home baked tea-infused goodies are always welcomed. Match doughnuts or Earl grey cookies

10.  Homemade tea-infused cookies and doughnuts.  Who doesn't love a tin of home-baked goodies for some holiday indulgence?  My daughter, Rachel, has been working the KitchenAid every day this month and we've been one of the beneficiaries of her craft. She whipped up more of her matcha doughnuts and (pictured above) earl grey infused cookies. 

Barb's Tea Service now offers Zoom tea events. Guest can be together no matter where they reside!

11.   Zoom Tea Event from BTS!! This year has been a challenge, but we're all getting creative in how to work around quarantine conditions. With the aid of technology, we at BTS have not only participated in Zoom tea events, but just this month, started our own Zoom Afternoon Tea presentations. Many of our programs can be adapted for on-line access and, extra bonus, your party doesn't have to be all in one local.  If interested in exploring more, contact us a barb@barbsteashop.com. 

Schedule a Zoom game night where everyone's a winner!

12.  Zoom event/game night/tea and snacks  Speaking of Zoom, there's another great gift idea -  one of little cost, but for time  (except on-line game subscription) - my all-time favorite,  Zoom game night!! Bring your favorite drink (ours is herbal tea!) and treats.   Thanks to daughter and son-in-law, Sean, who host our weekly game night, they kick it off  every Sunday by sending a  link to all of the  family. We log on from wherever we are - northern Michigan, NYC, D.C. or Detroit suburbs - to catch up on the latest news and then, through our smartphones, engage in a  variety of games courtesy JackBox.   The most popular game in our circle is Quiplash where players must come up with snappy answers to silly questions in ninety seconds.  Easy? - no. Hilarious - yes!  We've scheduled our next "game night" for Christmas day where we'll all compete for the most points, but when the family gets together for face-time with lots of laughs, everyone's a winner!

Zoom game nights pair nicely with tea and snacks!

BTS wishes you all a happy holiday season!!

Tuesday Tea and Tomes: The Official Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea Cookbook

The Official Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea Cookbook:  recipes for scones, clotted cream and more!

If you love Downton Abbey and if you love Afternoon Tea, then it's official - you need "The Official Downton Abbey Cookbook"!

Sanctioned by the creators of Downton Abbey, with a foreword by the series' Executive Producer, Gareth Neame and peppered with beautiful photographs of both Crawley's and staff, this book is the perfect guide and inspiration for an Edwardian afternoon tea.

Enjoying a "cream tea" with scones, clotted cream and earl grey!

The Official Downton Abbey Cookbook begins with a brief history of tea in England, basic components of a British tea and tea's role in the period drama of its namesake. Interesting facts and reflections serve as a perfect prelude to all the wonderful afternoon tea recipes that comprise the rest of the book.

Divided into four categories which focus on pastries, cakes, savories and condiments, there are numerous recipes to assist in creating your Downton Abbey-inspired afternoon tea.  The essentials are all included:  scones, sweets, savories and "clotted cream", the latter we here at BTS prepared this week. (Oh, and it was delicious!)

Mock clotted cream, quick and easy!

Preparation of tea fare range from a-few-hours-of-commitment to quick-and-easy. Tea etiquette tips are sprinkled throughout the chapters to steer us all in, not only delicious tea-time-treats, but proper protocol as well.

Scones  with clotted cream and lemon curd (allin the book!)

I'm looking forward to tackling more delicious recipes and sharing more Downton Abbey tea with family and friends. In the meantime, I'm getting a lot of inspiration from The Official Downton Abby Afternoon Tea Cookbook and channeling my inner-Violet.  As the cookbook quotes our dear dowager:

"Then there's nothing more to be said. Are we going to have tea? Or not?"

The answer is most assuredly, "yes, and officially, we need the Downton Abbey afternoon tea cookbook!"

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Product review disclaimer:  I received one or more of the product or services mentioned above for free or a discounted price. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Afternoon Tea Etiquette: Barb's Tea Service's first Zoom event and for a great cause, too!

This week, BTS presented our first tea Zoom event -  a new chapter for us and it was wonderful! 

This program was made even more special as we were presenting to the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Rochester - a non-profit organization that provides scholarships and training programs for women with a focus on narrowing the gender gap. It was a combination fundraiser and holiday celebration and we were honored to be a part of it!

Scheduling for this event started over a year ago and, due to current quarantine conditions, it was planned and re-planned more than a few times in 2020.  As uncertainty continued, a Zoom event was proposed and we were happy to be on board.

We met 35 members of the Rochester, MI chapter on Zoom and it was such an enjoyable group of women to talk with.  BTS discussed the history of tea, types of tea and proper Afternoon Tea etiquette. 

We were able to "dialogue" throughout the presentation via the chat feature.  My slides were uploaded when I shared my screen, and I was visible throughout the talk, which allowed me to display some tea items as well as demonstrate the proper way to hold a tea cup!

The guests were absolutely amazing and kept up the conversation after the presentation. Many shared personal stories of a special tea cup or favorite tea venue memory. 

An additional benefit to a Zoom meeting is that members did not have to be local to be present. Several ladies were in Florida or other areas in Michigan a half day's trip away. 

A shout-out to all the dedicated members of this non-profit organization and it was a pleasure to be part of this holiday fundraiser.  A special thanks to Beverly P. who extended the invitation and Josetta W. for set-up assistance!

For anyone or any group interested in a Zoom event, please contact us at barb@barbsteashop.com or 248-840-4356! Zoom events are great not only for current conditions, but have advantages of reaching a large group of folks across the country (and beyond!).  Many of the BTS programs can be presented via Zoom!

TeaTime Christmas! Another great on-line event from TeaTime Magazine

All ready for another amazing TeaTime online event!

It's beginning to look a lot like a TeaTime Christmas!

This week, I signed up for another TeaTime Magazine online event and, especially in these times of quarantine and restricted visits with family and friends, it's wonderful to connect with Lorna Reeves, editor of the specialty magazine, as well as other tea enthusiasts around the country. 

TeaTime Christmas, hosted by Lorna Reeves,  took place on Tuesday evening. This was a third in the series:  "Afternoon Tea" , "Tea Things of Jane Austen" and, this month Tea Time's talk on Christmas teas. It was fabulous, with inspiration on festive tablescapes and seasonal sweets and savories. 

TeaTime Christmas, hosted by editor, Lorna Reeves, provided inspiration and tips for holiday teas

I've really come to look forward to these TeaTime on-line events. It's the next-best-thing to attending a tea in person. I make sure I've "set the stage" (if only for myself), by having a cup of hot tea ready in a fancy tea cup, with, as seasonably appropriate, a fire going in the fireplace and/or turning on the Christmas tree lights. 

For "Afternoon Tea" in late September, good fortune brought us a very warm weekend, and, together with my daughter and BTS partner,  Rachel, we enjoyed the interactive presentation on the front deck of my condo. (This event included delightful and delicious tea fare from The Secret Garden in New York). Rachel and I dressed for the occasion (fascinator at the ready!) and were thrilled to participate in a tea event together, despite quarantine.

September's Afternoon tea event

November's Jane Austen tea

               

I prepared for "TeaTime Christmas" as I had for the Jane Austen tea - complete with blazing fire in the fireplace and a pot of herbal tea - but with the addition of a lighted Christmas tree. 

So, I was all ready for the holiday tea event and it was excellent! Lorna Reeves shared recipes and presentation tricks (how to get those chives to bend and serve as "ribbons" on tea sandwiches) as well as serving tips for scones and helpful hints for make-ahead preparation. 

Taking notes on holiday tablescapes!

Many of the ideas are in TeaTimes' Christmas book, now on sale. Those who attended the presentation got a discount, but still a great value at current retail price.  I ordered mine this week and can't wait until it's delivered. Perhaps a Tuesday Tea and Tomes topic?

Many of the recipes, tips and tablescapes are in Christmas TeaTime. It's ordered and on its way!

TeaTime Christmas was motivating and inspiring, filled with lots of tea time ideas for the upcoming holidays. Certainly, we can all use a little more Christmas cheer and boost these days  -  keeping up the spirit of the holidays,  gathering with those we love and sharing the gift of being together  be it  a hurried, cold and snowy outdoor tea chat or a Zoom-in reunion.

I do hope TeaTime will continue with these on-line events.  They bring a little something special to look forward to - sharing tea, some entertaining education, and group chats,. We can all use more of that, especially this time of year! 

Tuesday Tea and Tomes: Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas, a Mackinac Island fun mystery courtesy TeaTime, Nancy Coco and Kensington Publishing

Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas, a Candy Coated Mystery. takes place on Mackinac Island

"Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas", the latest book in The Candy Coated Mystery Series by Nancy Coco and a tasty collaboration between TeaTime Magazine and Kensington Publishing, will inspire you to sit fireside with a cup of freshly brewed hot tea and a plate of that sweet confection that is Mackinaw Island's trademark product. It may also inspire you to travel to Michigan's famous island or reminisce about past visits. 

We here at BTS did all of the above. 

Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas is a murder mystery that takes place on Mackinaw Island, a place where time continues to stand still in vintage charm, supported by large Victorian shoreline homes, the elegant Grand Hotel with its welcoming porch that spans the length of two football fields and the prohibition of any automobiles (other than emergency vehicles). In this idyllic environment, Allie McMurphy, the candy-coated protagonist, solves murder mysteries while overseeing restorations of, and making batch after batch of fudge in, the McMurphy Hotel and Fudge shop. Talk about multi-tasking!

A horse-drawn carriage makes its way from the Grand Hotel, part of the island's vintage charm.

This is a fun read, filled with lovable town folk and a fine assortment of not only smooth and tempting fudge, but equally smooth and tempting eligible men.  Allie manages all with an easy-going, but disciplined, manner. 

Views from the Grand Hotel include the straits of Mackinac

Nancy Coco, aka Nancy Parra, paints an inviting and cozy picture of island life at Christmas-time;  fireplaces blaze indoors, hot cocoa is plentiful and light displays twinkle over fresh snow. And, it's clear you're reading a northern Michigan winter story when the characters spend a good deal of their time donning and doffing parkas, mittens, hats and boots!

Entertaining and fast-paced, the reader gets an extra bonus of fudge recipes sprinkled generously throughout the book. It will surely make you want to ferry to Mackinac Island to sample some of their signature fudge, take ride in a horse-drawn carriage and, the ultimate, afternoon tea a the Grand Hotel.

Joined by friends and family for afternoon tea

BTS - Rachel and Barb at tea

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Mackinaw Island is a Michigan treasure and afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel is a MUST when you visit. We have  been there many times, but a favorite memory of mine is from May of 2012, when our whole family met up for tea and were joined by the Grand Hotel's historian, Bob Tagatz. While we were served scones, sweets and savories and the harpist played tunes in the background, Tagatz shared the story of the Grand Hotel (see A Grand time at the Grand Hotel blog for the whole story).

Afternoon tea guests are treated to beautiful views both inside and out, the latter includes the  picturesque straits of Mackinac where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan  meet up and border the mitten state's upper and lower peninsulas.

Barb Gulley and Grand Hotel historian, Bob Tagatz

The Grand Hotel afternoon tea time is also the cover of BTS' Michigan Tea Rooms, still available on Amazon!

Afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel,  harpist (far left). Photo also cover of BTS' Michigan Tea Rooms

It's no mystery why the Grand Hotel is a favorite destination!  

While the Grand Hotel is buttoned up for the season, Nancy Coco books will keep you connected. Heat up the tea kettle, put another log in the fire, make yourself a batch of easy-to-fix fudge and curl up in your comfy chair with a sweet read and "Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas".