Tea Blog

I am absolutely gaga for certain British foods, some of which are only available during the Winter Holiday Season. If you’re like me, then some stocking up is due here. Time to make a list, check it twice, and get that order in.

Fruit Cakes
The oft derided yet perennially available fruit cake is a must. Despite the many jokes about them (especially the one about there being only one fruit cake in existence that keeps getting re-wrapped and re-gifted every year), fruit cakes are a holiday favorite. I’m quite partial to the ones with icing on them, such a Brontë’s Iced Christmas Cake that looks so festive. Or maybe one of those Classic 2-Pound Fruit Cake Rings are a better option. What the heck, a dozen of each is a great way to assure sufficient supply to last until this time next year. (Fruit cakes store well, if done properly. Store in a cool place or in the refrigerator short-term or in a freezer long-term after letting them ripen a few weeks.)

Mince Pies
Another seasonal delight, the little mini versions of these raisiny pies are treats that I can scarf down by the dozens. Mr. Kiplings Mince Pies and Walker’s Mince Pies are the two brands I hoard for future tea time extravaganzas. There are plenty more options, though, from Rich Fruit Mince Pies by Cooplands of Doncaster to Hoppers Deep Filled Mince Pies. For you do-it-yourselfers out there, keep a few jars of Norfolk Manor Mincemeat on hand.

Christmas Cookies
mmph mmmmnnnuuuur nnnennnnn *gulp!* Sorry, I shouldn’t try to talk with my mouth full. I was saying that you can never have too many Christmas Cookies. Santas, evergreen trees, and reindeer are pure delights. And then there are the … drum roll, please! … Gingerbread Men! The first gingerbread men supposedly were first presented at the court of Queen Elizabeth I, where important visitors were favored with charming gingerbread likenesses of themselves. (Ewww… imagine biting your own head off!) And then there are the little Too Good Gourmet Chocolate Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies and many others. Oooo… so hard to decide!

Holiday Flavored Scone Mixes
Sticky Fingers is a popular brand mainly due to their ease of preparation but also because of the variety of flavors. This time of year, they roll out some additional flavors with that holiday touch: cranberry, pumpkin cranberry, spiced eggnog, peppermint chocolate chip, and of course the line up would not be complete without pumpkin spice.

Stocking up on British seasonal treats now means you will not run short later on. And that means your tea time guests will not want for these delectables to savor with their tea. Salute!

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