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How will You Spend Your Downton Downtime? Reflecting with Consommé

04 Monday Mar 2013

Posted by in *About the Show, Soups

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My birthday dessert bar: pink velvet and chocolate cupcakes, cake pops and cake balls, chocolate covered oreos.

Memories of my 50th birthday dessert bar

Well in spite of Spring being ever so close but still out of reach in this part of the world, and Downton Abbey fading into memory, today is a good day since it is my birthday. My milestone birthday was last year so this year is a return to a low key affair of dinner out with Lord D at our favorite seafood restaurant, and a month full of coffee and lunching with friends I haven’t seen in a long while, particularly those who are also March babies.

And what would a birthday be without some reflection?  Of course I think that only happens as you age, as I remember  I would dread my mother asking me every year about any words of wisdom I had with the passage of time.  I was young and looking forward, not so much behind.  Then miraculously your perspective changes and yes, parents seem to gain wisdom as we get older.

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Tea Tuesday: Downton Downtime Dreaming with Florentines

26 Tuesday Feb 2013

Posted by in *About the Show, Afternoon Tea

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February is ticking down and when March arrives we can finally think of Spring, and eventually Summer.  My thoughts, like many others, are already drifting to imaginary travel to the UK, complete with dreams of leisurely afternoon tea at some of the  famous tea houses.   Part of Downton Downtime dreaming.

Each Tuesday I dish on Downton Abbey and other topical issues one might discuss at tea, served up with a recipe with an interesting history.  You may find my Online Guide to Afternoon Tea helpful in understanding traditions and recipes to help you host your own tea party with family and friends. For those of you who have just discovered Downton, enjoy the ride but watch out for spoilers.

Today’s treat is Florentine Biscuits, perfect for dreaming of afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason.

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Tea Tuesday: Manchester Pudding, A Tribute to Matthew

19 Tuesday Feb 2013

Posted by in *About the Show, Afternoon Tea, Season 3

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Tea at the award winning Intercontinental, London

Award Winning tea at the  InterContinental, London, Park Lane

Today is our first Tuesday of Downton Downtime 2013, at least for those who have watched all episodes up to Season 3.  For the rest of you who have just discovered Downton, enjoy the ride and watch out for spoilers.

Each Tuesday I dish on Downton Abbey and other topical issues one might discuss at tea, served up with a recipe with an interesting history.  You may find my Online Guide to Afternoon Tea helpful in understanding traditions and recipes to help you host your own tea party with family and friends.

Today’s treat is Manchester Pudding, perfect for paying homage to Matthew’s hometown.

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Downton Abbey Closes Season 3, Requiring Comforting Cullen Skink

18 Monday Feb 2013

Posted by in *About the Show, Book Reviews

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The Crawleys travel to Duneagle shot at In

The Crawleys travel to fictional Duneagle,        shot at Inveraray Castle.

The final episode of Downton Abbey’s Season 3 was broadcast last night on PBS.  I am not quite sure which is worse, that the season is over or how it ended.  But before the final episode we were treated to an interview with Maggie Smith on 60 Minutes, a real treat.

I am disappointed that we were treated to double portions of episodes throughout this season’s broadcast. While utterly delicious at the time, we now have nothing to eat until Season 4 which won’t be ready until next January. And so we join the UK once again for Downton Downtime.

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My Downton Tea Party on National TV

12 Tuesday Feb 2013

Posted by in *About the Show, Afternoon Tea, Special Occasion

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Canada AM

Video Clip from CanadaAM:  Downton-themed afternoon tea party

Jeanette's Cake

Cake shaped like a teapot! Jeanette’s Cakes holds classes,  decorating parties.

From blogging in my home office to appearing on National TV, never underestimate the power of Downton.  Downton’s fan base extends from teenagers to gushing celebrities.  I have always said that food brings people together. When fans include TV hosts, things happen.

twitter_AM_avatar_bigger I appeared on CanadaAM, Canada’s top national morning show on Valentine’s Day.  I have been a fan of the show for the 40 years it has come into Canadian homes.  I am so blessed to have been invited to visit them to share my passion for Downton Abbey food.

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Tea Tuesday: Downton Monogrammed Chocolate Dipped Oreos

12 Tuesday Feb 2013

Posted by in *About the Show, Afternoon Tea, Special Occasion

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Romantic Tea

Valentine’s Day Tea from Kara

Valentine’s Day is just a few days away.  If you want to share a special meal with a loved one, why not prepare a tea party? It is easier to pull together than a lavish dinner, more relaxed, and yes, there is such a thing as champagne tea.  If you are single you can always hold one with your friends…or for yourself.  I will be sharing my ideas on national TV on Valentine’s Day, so stay tuned for a special post.

Each Tuesday I dish on Downton Abbey and other topical issues one might discuss at tea, served up with a recipe with an interesting history.  You may find my Online Guide to Afternoon Tea helpful in understanding traditions and recipes to help you host your own tea party with family and friends. Today’s treat are Chocolate Dipped Oreos, perfect for your Downton Abbey party or Valentine’s Day table.

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Downton Valentine’s Day Man’s Meal: Steamed Lobster Tails in Beer

11 Monday Feb 2013

Posted by in *About the Show, Main Course, Special Occasion

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The happy couple

Mary and Matthew: the happy couple (Carnival Films)

Happy Days.  American viewers were treated to another double dose of Downton last night on PBS, showing two episodes, S3E7 and 8. With Valentine’s Day coming up this week, it was lovely to see love in the air. Cora and Robert are back on track, Matthew and Mary are settling into married bliss, and  (spoiler alert) Anna and Bates can finally cherish each other now that his name has been cleared.

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Tea Tuesday is for Downton Abbey Style English Macaroons

05 Tuesday Feb 2013

Posted by in *About the Show

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athenaeum3

My favorite Ladurée French macarons served at the award winning Anthenaeum in London

Now that January has come and gone, many sights are set on Valentine’s Day, just over a week away.  Have you ever thought of sharing an Afternoon Tea with your loved one?  It easier to pull together than a lavish dinner and can be more relaxed.  If you are single you can always hold one with your friends…or for yourself.  In any event each Tuesday I dish on Downton Abbey and other topical issues one might discuss at tea, served up with a recipe with an interesting history.

You may find my Online Guide to Afternoon Tea helpful in understanding traditions and recipes to help you host your own tea party with family and friends. Today’s treat are traditional British Macaroons, the type that the British traditionally had with their tea.  The bonus is that these are heart healthy treats.

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Shepherd’s Pie Helps Healing on Downton Abbey

04 Monday Feb 2013

Posted by in *About the Show, Dessert, Season 3

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SoupIsobel

Isobel mourns the loss of well prepared food.

It was an interesting evening for Downton Abbey fans in America.  In some homes there was stiff competition for control of the remote as the Super Bowl was being broadcast at the same time. Greasy Super Bowl food competed with dainty Downton appetizers in many kitchens.   For those conflicted about which to watch there was a brief window of opportunity for football fans to catch a bit of Downton during the power outage in New Orleans.  It was a good episode, as Downton recovers from tragic loss. Let others focus on other plot elements of S3 E5 and 6, I am still not quite ready to talk about it, particularly with fans who are still catching up.

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Tea Tuesday: Brighten your Day with Battenburg Cake

29 Tuesday Jan 2013

Posted by in *About the Show, Afternoon Tea, Season 3

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cosy tea inside

Cosy tea by the fire at the Stafford-St. James

“Shut the French Window”! Is it another Tea Tuesday already?  Each Tuesday I dish on Downton Abbey and other topical issues one might discuss at tea, served up with a recipe with history. The quote above comes from Phyllis Logan’s (Mrs. Hughes) acceptance speech at the Screen Actor’s Guide Awards. It has quickly become my own catch phrase.  You can find the link to the full video below.

You may find my Online Guide to Afternoon Tea helpful in understanding traditions and recipes to help you host your own tea party with family and friends. Today’s treat is the colorful Battenburg Cake,  as we now know it.

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