Hello friends.
While I would LOVE to be having tea in my garden this weekend, it has been so chilly in Minnesota that very little is in bloom.
So, I decided to bring the "garden" inside.
This afternoon Sophia and I enjoyed tea made more delightful by the addition of chocolate cupcakes with strawberry lavender buttercream.
I have to admit that I did I could eat this frosting all by itself. :)
Sophia and I often enjoy a tea service on Friday's after school.
It provides a nice time to recap the adventures of the week.
I treasure every moment.
I included a few pictures for sentiment. I love memories!!
Can you spot our favorite tea friend, Ms. Paris Poodle??
Each cup of tea represents an imaginary voyage.
~Catherine Douzel
While there is tea, there is hope.
~ Sr Aurthur Pinero
Find yourself a cup of tea; the teapot is behind you.
Now tell me about hundreds of things.
~Saki
Sophia wrote this note and took the picture while I was preparing the table.
We do hope you take the time for a nice tea!
And some Chocolate Cupcakes with Strawberry Lavender Buttercream!
The hint of lavender was so divine.
Strawberry Lavender Buttercream
3 large strawberries or 1 1/2 tsp of Strawberry Extract (more or less to taste)
1 stick butter, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3-4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1-2 tsp culinary lavender (depends on how strong you prefer)
Pink Food Coloring
In a food processor, pulse strawberries until pureed. Add in butter and vanilla, and about 2 cups of the sugar. Pulse until well combined. If using extract alone, add liquid to the butter, vanilla and 2 cups of sugar.
In a separate bowl microwave cream at 10 second intervals until it simmers, then place culinary lavender into cream and let steep for at least 10 minutes.
Strain the lavender from the cream.
Incorporate cream into mixture. Add in small amounts of powdered sugar, pulsing after each addition, to reach the desired consistency.
Tint to desired color.
Frosting should be smooth and soft, yet hold its shape.
For the Chocolate Cupcakes I proudly used a Pillsbury Chocolate Cake Mix and doctored it up with some cocoa, mayo and vanilla.
~ Don't Forget to enter my Tea Time Magazine Giveaway. Even if you already get the magazine I am sure you know someone who would be delighted to receive a surprise in the mail.
To visit the entry page click HERE!
~ This is my life having tea with my daughter and making some delicious cupcakes.
These are some of my favorites so far!!
Linking up with:
I am excited to be linking up with Bernideen's Tea Time Blog
for "Tea in the Garden" today. Her tea blog is just lovely.
