St. Nicholas Tea

Friday was St. Nicholas Day

Saint Nicholas is very important in Germany

for good children put out their shoes

on St. Nicholas Eve

December 5

And he brings small gifts to children.

Saint Nicholas is an "ancestor"

of our American

Santa Claus!

We always celebrated Saint Nicholas Day

when I was a child

perhaps because Dad was German

perhaps because the "eve" was on my birthday.

And I have continued the tradition.

Normally the first of November

I make Dundee Cakes

They need to be "aged" in the freezer for a month.

But, alas, this year, the first of November found us in Italy.

And I did not make them in mid October before we left.

Tea on Saint Nicholas Day needs to be special.

And if no Dundee Cake

At least something special.

From my favorite store

I ordered

A Wolferman's Fruit and Berry Bread

I know if says "Harry and David"

but it's really Wolferman's

(a Kansas City institution from 1888 until they closed in the 90's)

And I thought it a good replacement this year

for the Dundee Cake.

And so on Friday, we enjoyed tea in the breakfast room

With the fruit and berry bread, the Christmas dishes and a wee Saint Nicholas and his pack of toys.

A special tea and so we used the
silver teapot

The bread studded with fruit

This delicious, fruity cake is perfectly sweet. Full of cranberries, blueberries, apricots, strawberries and raisins, it's topped with a brandied orange sauce. And with all that natural fruit flavor, it's sure to be a hit.

And it was!

There's more bread left for other teas in December.

And I think it will make a good breakfast bread as well.

I did miss the Dundee Cake and although the Wolferman's Fruit and Berry Bread is good

(all Wolferman's products are good)

it really doesn't replace the Dundee Cake.

It's Sunday and I'm joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays.