My Mother & The Sisterhood of The Traveling Susan Apron

Anyone who regularly reads this blog will know that I am not a particularly good cook.  

So, when I learned that Meggie had chosen me to be the next recipient of the Traveling Susan Apron (a beautiful apron, made by Susan) I was delighted and excited...and then worried!

Would beans on toast count?
Would I burn the toast?

When the apron arrived, I knew exactly what I wanted to do -  Afternoon Tea -  just like the ones my mother used to make, when we had the vicar and his wife to tea.

My mother was a wonderful baker, and all round excellent cook.

To be true to my Mother's special tea I would have to bake the bread, make the cakes, the biscuits and the scones...

Menu

Egg and Cress Sandwiches

Ham Sandwiches

Cucumber Sandwiches

Cold Tea Loaf

Madeira Cake

Shortbread Fingers
Scones, Jam and Cream

Melting Moment Biscuits

Pots of Tea

I have my late mother's best china dinner/tea service, her old table cloths, cutlery, the old red velvet book which contains her handwritten  recipes.

The idea took over and it became like playing a grown up version of the dollies tea parties which I used to host as a little girl. 

I enjoyed having the chance to play with the nice china,  the pretty plates and serving dishes. 

I did the baking over two days, storing it in tins, hiding it from hungry nibblers. 

I found myself remembering so many things about my mother.   The real pleasure she got from entertaining people, feeding them, creating a nice and welcoming atmosphere.

She would have been as happy talking with the Queen,  the Vicar, or a road sweeper.

She used to make amazing roast dinners, using virtually every pot and pan in her kitchen to do it.  I don't eat meat these days - so I didn't feel the least bit tempted to recreate one of those meals!  Luckily for the dishwasher, and the dish washer...George.

My mother bought her best china when we lived in Hong Kong, so that makes it over 50 years old.  It is very delicate...and I tend to be something of 'a bull in a china shop'.

I am happy to report that it all survived intact, and is now back in the china cabinet, safe and sound.

I had to include this photograph - it shows Toby getting very excited, licking his lips in greedy anticipation.  (sorry about showing the utility room in the background)

Toby is a unusual dog - he is a real cake addict.  He was an abused and abandoned young dog,  I got him from a rescue centre,  when he was about 10 months old.   He is about 12 years old now.

Offer Toby an unexpected treat - say a piece of juicy sausage, or a piece of meat - and he will look at you horror-stricken and panicked.  However, if you offer him a piece of cake - any cake -  he will gobble it straight down and ask for more.

You can imagine how these baking and cake making sessions have made him feel........hungry!  So, he invited himself to tea, he said he would play the part of the vicar.

Nice try, Toby.  Now, get down!

I was told that the apron contained some magic - well, it did for me.
A few days ago it was the 17th anniversary of my mother's death.
Mum, this tea party was for you.
xxx