I do believe that it was my Mother who bought me this little book a couple of Christmases back.
The book its self is only about 8 or 9 inches long by 6 or so inches wide, but is beautifully put together and boasts some really fabulous pictures inside. On the outside cover of the book, the photograph depicts a cake stand, a beautiful soft blue and cream jug with the most gorgeous bunch of fresh flowers, in pinks and cream.
The table is perfectly dressed, with wine glasses, tea cups, saucers, knives and forks, simply delightful to look at and perfectly draws in all lovers of afternoon tea, perfectly. Yes, you certainly could just imagine yourself sat at this table, it's magical!
Glancing at the index, there is a good selection of recipes, from Almond Buns down to Victoria Sandwich. There are over 30 recipes to choose from.
The book its self is only about 8 or 9 inches long by 6 or so inches wide, but is beautifully put together and boasts some really fabulous pictures inside. On the outside cover of the book, the photograph depicts a cake stand, a beautiful soft blue and cream jug with the most gorgeous bunch of fresh flowers, in pinks and cream.
The table is perfectly dressed, with wine glasses, tea cups, saucers, knives and forks, simply delightful to look at and perfectly draws in all lovers of afternoon tea, perfectly. Yes, you certainly could just imagine yourself sat at this table, it's magical!
Glancing at the index, there is a good selection of recipes, from Almond Buns down to Victoria Sandwich. There are over 30 recipes to choose from.
The book has about 47 pages in total, and literally every other page has the most delightful photograph of everything one would expect to see at a traditional afternoon tea party, such tea pots, tea cups and saucers, cakes, drinks, flower arrangements and so forth, all expertly dressed and staged by a lady called Ursula Ryan, who works from her 18th century cottage in Kent.
She has a passion for antiques and flowers, it really does show too. I strongly suspect that the flowers and bone china depicted throughout this super little book, are all hers. Each photograph is different from the last..a complete delight to see, and even if you do not bake one recipe from this book, it is worth buying just for the fabulous photographs alone.
She has a passion for antiques and flowers, it really does show too. I strongly suspect that the flowers and bone china depicted throughout this super little book, are all hers. Each photograph is different from the last..a complete delight to see, and even if you do not bake one recipe from this book, it is worth buying just for the fabulous photographs alone.
All the recipes are aimed at anyone who wants to create a quintessential English afternoon tea, for family or friends. Some notable recipes include Angel Cake, Custard Tarts, Plain Scones, and Strawberry Shortcake.
I have seen this sort of book before, usually located on an upright stand in a gift shop that one might find in places like the Cotswold's or the Lake District.
The company who has put this book together, have also made quite a lot of other books too, such as Children's Baking, Country Preserves and West Country Teatime, to name but a few.
The company who has put this book together, have also made quite a lot of other books too, such as Children's Baking, Country Preserves and West Country Teatime, to name but a few.
Judging by the series list in front of me, there is probably about 50 or 60 books which all boast beautiful illustrations and photographs throughout, so do look out for them, they are relatively inexpensive, and really do make a smashing stocking filler for Christmas, or as a simple gift for someone.
Lady Rose x
Please note that the photographs depicted here are not the ones in the book, due to copyright issues.
Lady Rose x
Please note that the photographs depicted here are not the ones in the book, due to copyright issues.