Customer Reviews

Pleasures of Tea: Recipes & Rituals

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This book is gorgeous to look at just like Victoria magazine, but the content is not very substantial. It makes a good book for a cozy tea table, but for recipes or other information you might want to look elsewhere.

This colorful book is a good resource for the kinds of china used in serving tea and the different kinds of teapots for collectors. The beauty of wedgewood and chintz are brought to life. A key tip for me is if a teacup is stamped "England" instead of "Made in England" is was made before 1908. The recipes were in my opinion while not numerous were varied and unique. I especially enjoyed the features: A Tea Lover's Home, The Accoutrements of Tea, Visit a Tearoom; and interviews: A Tea Salon Owner and A Tea Grower. Tnere is a celebrations section with a set up for a children's tea. This book is a definite coffe table (or tea table) must for tea lovers and collectors.

"The Pleasures of Tea: Recipes and Rituals" is a perfect book to give as a gift along with a favorite tea and maybe some homemade cookies. While the exquisite photographs are the highlight of the book, there are also 35 recipes to enjoy. You may want to try the following recipes:

Rhubarb and Ginger Jam
Zucchini-Pistachio Bread with Vanilla Frosting
Leek and Mushroom Tart
Strawberry Iced Tea
Smoked Salmon Canapes
Rose Petal Scones
Cucumber-Basil Tea Sandwiches
Orange-Clove Tea

Among the beautiful pages there are also tidbits to enjoy. One section explains how tea leaves are harvested, while another gives cozy book recommendations. There are a few tips for making tea more delicious and ideas for a variety of tea parties. I especially enjoyed reading about the picnic tea party, which can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

~The Rebecca Review

Victoria magazine's feature editor Kim Waller lavishes readers with a beautifully illustrated tribute to the world's most traditional beverage. THE PLEASURES OF TEA is brimming with recipes, accoutrements, interviews, gorgeous pictorials of tea services from around the world, and my favorite tidbit - suggestions for how to combine tea time with reading time. I was even pleased to see a quick picture of my own service -- "Lady Carlyle" by Royal Doulton. The book also contains fascinating information on the business of tea and a resource section listing salons and sources for tea goodies.

Overall this is quite an extraordinary book, one that I refer to often. I wouldn't suggest this as a first book for a novice, although its gorgeous photos and print would make it a lovely gift. There are others, such as TEA WITH FRIENDS that would make better first sources. Nevertheless, it is one of the best presentations of this wonderful pastime.

Cris Cunningham