Tea Time

I wonder if I will ever have enough dishes and serveware.. There's nothing like hutches and shelves full of beautiful stacked plates, bowls and cups of all sizes and various pieces of serveware. I am particularly fond of the French made Apilco porcelain at the moment, but really have no true favorites because I love so many.

I am mad about the afternoon tea ritual, even if I'm by myself. Which is honestly never, because all my kids love tea as much as I do. Have you ever heard a 20 month old ask for a cup of tea? So cute. This afternoon's spot included the simplest ever treat on the side and you simply must try it.

Pineapple upside down cakes

1/3 c softened butter

1 1/2 c flour

1 c milk

1 egg

1 1/2 teas baking powder

1 1/2 teas sea salt

butter for greasing muffin pan

1 c brown sugar

4+ pineapple rings

Muffin pan ( I love the silicone ones)

makes 12

Preheat oven to350 F

Combine butter, flour, white sugar, milk, egg, baking powder and salt

Beat with electric mixer until smooth

Heavily butter muffin pans

Sprinke bottoms of muffin pans with brown sugar (about 1 TBSP each)

Cut pineapple rings and place in muffin pan over sugar

Spoon over batter

Bake 20 minutes or until golden brown

A perfect warm addition to a hot cup of tea on a cold winter afternoon.

TOP TEN for 2010: #4

Number 4:
Start a collection.
Collecting things that bring you pleasure to use is wonderful. It's particularly fun to collect tea cups, particular types of china or pottery, silver flatware or serving sets. Serving with unique pieces is very cool. Make sure you invite friends over for brunch, afternoon tea or tapas to enjoy your collection!