On Saint Nicholas Eve, December 5, which also happens to be my birthday
we take the first of the Dundee cakes form the freezer
where they've been aging since early November
And on Saint Nicholas Day . . .
Our tea fare is the first of the Dundee cakes
We've had Saint Nicholas tea alone but we enjoy inviting friends
And setting a pretty table
With the Christmas china
Since there were three, the breakfast room is the perfect place for a
Saint Nicholas tea at half past three
Afternoon shadows and sunshine flood the breakfast room
Creating light and shadows
The centerpiece a wreath of evergreen and Advent candles.
The Dundee cake was a recipe from my mother's neighbor, Mrs. Boland
It's fitting, therefore, that the fork is one of Mrs. Boland's forks.
She came over from England (probably a WW I war bride) and brought all sorts of English customs with her -- the Dundee cakes being one.
Properly cooking a fried egg another.
Of all the Christmas treats, we probably enjoy
Dundee cake the most.
Served, this afternoon, on a pretty Christmas plate with an English cake knife, in case we want another slice!
It's Tuesday and I'm joining Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea Time Tuesday and Bernideen for Friends Sharing Tea and joining Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday.
17 comments:
Martha,
What a lovely tablescape for your Afternoon Tea! We celebrate Saint Nicholas Day while stationed in Germany during our two tours there!
Today, I commented to "Mr. Ed" having Thanksgiving with the combined three birthdays following leaves one thinking there should be cake for dessert after every meal! Ha!
Perhaps next year I'll make these cakes and freeze for such a treat!
Fondly,
Pat
I want to be in your gorgeous table for afternoon tea! I love the dishes and the yummy stuff too! Happy Holidays!
FABBY
Hi Martha,
Happy belated birthday to you. The Dundee cake looks really yummy. Just the right thing to start in a new year of life. The china is also very pretty and festive. Thank you for sharing this Birthday table. Have a blessed Christmas time.
Best greetings, Johanna
Such a lovely setting for tea at three... your Dundee Cake looks delicious, the table just beautiful. Happy Belated Birthday!
A Happy Birthday to you, dear Martha! Your Dundee cake sounds splendid for tea. I do love this time of year! Although a busy time, a cup of tea surrounded by festive touches and good company, is always a treat. Your table looks wonderful. Thank you for sharing this with my Christmas tea and enjoy your week, my friend.
Christmas blessings,
Sandi
Now I feel like baking Dundee cake!
What fun "information" and your table looks so festive. I love everything and HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARTHA!!!
Hello Martha
It's nice to see one of your Dundee cakes cut and served to be enjoyed with tea.
You set a lovely table for the tea which I'm sure your friend enjoyed.
Judith
Happy belated birthday, Martha! I've never had Dundee cake, but I sure would love to try some! Your tea setting looks so inviting.
Afternoon tea is lovely. Your cake looks very interesting. Dundee is just down the road from my birthplace. I've never had Dundee Cake with green cherries. I think you neighbour adapted the recipe for local tastes. It's usually darker in colour, is round and the top is all almonds.
Christmas cina is one of my favourite things for Christmas.
Like your afternoon Tea setting scape.very warm and inviting.table...:):):)
The green cherries is because that is what I had in the larder -- I've always only made it before with red! But instead of going out and buying MORE cherries, I decided to use the green in the larder! It is interesting with the green, I think.
The green cherries are pretty, too! Lovely table.
Linking up from Rose Chintz Cottage :)
You celebrate St. Nicholas? Are you of Dutch, Belgian or German extraction? So interesting! I ask because I'm Dutch and we celebrate it here in Holland - it's a big deal!
Your tea looks lovely. How fun, doing a St. Nicholas tea! :)
All the best!
What a lovely way to celebrte our birthday! And, oh, those green cherries are as pretty as can be. Your home and your love for history are inspiring.
I'm so glad you shared your special day!
Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Carolynn
I love your tradition of Dundee cake and having it for your Birthday tea this year! The party looks very festive and I know you enjoyed yourself. I am sending you. A belated Birthday cheer for each celebration is special! Thanks, Pam
Hi Martha, I made your Dundee cakes a few weeks ago and I found them ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! I'm so thankful that you shared the recipe. I like this Christmas china as well as the tartan plaids. Martha, you are the consumate cook and hostess!
Merry Christmas!
Beth
Post a Comment