Experience Tea Studio Tea! The World In Your Cup PATCH PROGRAM INTRODUCTION

Patch Program Introduction

Tea has had a place in history and world culture journey of tea—expanding your world from the for over 5,000 years and has grown today to be perspective of a simple leaf that became so the second-most widely consumed beverage in important that it changed the course of history the world (water is first). Here in the west, we are and has stayed with us as a much-loved most familiar with the British style of serving and beverage today. enjoying tea, but this is just one cultural style of tea.

Tea is a complex beverage reflecting plant science, world history, culture and taste. The name “tea” belongs to one plant species: Camellia sinensis—scientifically and professionally known as the true tea plant. The teas that are made from this plant include white, green, oolong, black and pu’erh. This plant and the styles of tea just mentioned have their origins in China, however are now grown and produced all over the world. How does one plant make these different styles of tea? It is how the young leaves are processed once they are plucked from the tea bush. In this program, we will explore and learn some of the science causing these changes. This program has been created by our program Herbals are not tea, but hot infusions of many partner Roberta Fuhr of the Experience Tea different plants, roots, flowers and fruits. For Studio. convenience, we may call an herbal steeped beverage “tea”, but this is not actually correct. This fun and varied patch program will be a Experience Tea Studio Tea! The World In Your Cup

THE TEA PARTY

1 The Origins of the Tea Party

Step Tea parties are fun and well-loved by all. and liking this treat so much, began the From the time we are small there’s been an tradition of inviting friends in to enjoy attraction to setting a tea table and sharing afternoon tea with her. real or imaginary tea with stuffed animals, Really though, since tea’s introduction into dolls, family members and friends. We learn British life back in 1658, this brew’s about tea parties from stories and it’s a fun popularity grew to become a big part of way to indulge imagination and creativity. British social life and entertaining (or parties) Who invented tea parties? Or really, how did with tea was enjoyed from the mid-1700’s to this custom evolve? For this rocker patch we today. are going to focus on the British style of tea party—which is the style best-known in Think about a tea party you have hosted Europe and the Americas In later rockers or attended. What made it special? Talk we’ll explore “tea parties” or customs of tea with your troop or a member of your enjoyment in other countries as well. household about your experience. When we think of British tea parties it brings up images of beautiful flowered tea pots, delicate cups and saucers, three-tiered platters of small sandwiches, fancy little cakes and scones with clotted cream. Friends and family are invited to share and enjoy this afternoon treat, dressing up and using our best manners. The best known historical figure credited with starting the custom of a tea party was Anna Russell, 7th Duchess of Bedford. As the story goes, Anna was visiting royal friends at Belvoir Castle, and, having eaten a small breakfast and lunch, found herself feeling tired and faint in the afternoon. To revive her spirits she sent to the kitchen for a tray of tea, sandwiches and small cakes, Experience Tea Studio Tea! The World in Your Cup

THE TEA PARTY

2 Tea Party Manners and Etiquette

Step What makes a tea party a tea party (besides your teaspoon over the edge of your cup the tea)? to get that last drop off the teaspoon, and Much of the delight with tea parties comes then place your teaspoon on the saucer. from the planning, preparation, dressing up, • Rest forearms on the table—not the and practicing formal customs. elbows.

In our more informal modern world, tea • Engage in pleasant conversation parties coax us into learning (practicing) • Say “Excuse me, please” if you need to more formal manners and being part of a get up from the table. multi-generation get-together. • Napkins are used to wipe faces and Here are a few of the manners and etiquette fingers if necessary. expected at a tea party. Guests should: • Thank the host/hostess upon leaving. • Upon arrival be greeted by the host/ hostess and be guided to seating.

• Sit quietly in the chair with hands in lap When we think of proper tea etiquette, we and feet in front. often envision a person holding their tea cup with their pinky finger extended. Do • As one is being served, always say some research on this practice. Is it “please” and “thank you”. really proper? • Napkins are placed in lap. Keep it on Create a poster or flier that highlights your lap until you need it. Then dab your one or more of these tea party manners. mouth to remove any crumbs. Practice your manners at your next meal. • Wait for everyone to be served before

beginning to eat or to sip your tea.

• When stirring your tea, move your teaspoon back and forth in a 12 o’clock to 6 o-clock motion rather than a circular stir. When finished stirring, gently slide Experience Tea Studio Tea! The World in Your Cup

INTRODUCTION & THE TEA PARTY

3 Making Tea Parties Magical

Step It’s fun to explore different themes for tea parties. Even though we are focusing on the traditional British tea party here, what if we were to use our imaginations and come up with different themes for a tea party? As an example, Old Brickyard Tea Garden in England has an annual “Spring Mad- hatter Tea Party” where guests come dressed in unusual and creative hats. Themes can get very creative and some other ideas might be:

 Forest Tea Party

 Space Girls Tea Party

 Beach Tea Party

 Secret Places Tea Party

 Everything Chocolate Tea Party schemes? Food you choose to serve? Try out the recipe for proper British  And more! scones included in this program The With your troop or a member of your possibilities are endless. household, discuss different themes and These are ideas and can be expanded in decide on a theme that you like and that any way your imagination takes you. your guests will enjoy as well. How will you incorporate your theme into your tea party? Dress up options? Color Experience Tea Studio Tea! The World in Your Cup

INTRODUCTION & THE TEA PARTY

4 Plan and Host Your Tea Party Step Now it is time to plan your tea party. What are some of the details to

consider?

 Will this be a traditional tea party or have a special creative theme?

 Space and seating for guests: indoors or outdoors?

 Date, time and expected duration.

 Which teas to brew and serve, as well as number of tea pots and formal tea cups needed.

 Invitations—written, email, phone calls.

 Foods to serve—keeping in mind choice for people with common food allergies like dairy and gluten.

 Planning for timing and amount of boiled water needed for preparing the tea (this is a big challenge for larger parties).

 Table settings.

 Are there any special planning needs if you are having a virtual tea

party?

Experience Tea Studio Tea! The World in Your Cup British Scone Recipe

Makes 8 scones pressed. (Be careful not to overwork the dough. This is a light, very brief action. You Ingredients are not kneading bread; it is more of a folding  2¾ cups (344 grams) plain/cake flour motion to create a smooth dough and incorporate a little air.)  1 tablespoon (15 grams) baking powder  ½ teaspoon (1.5 grams) kosher salt  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly sprinkle dough with flour, and roll to  ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, cubed about 1- inch thickness. Using a 3-inch round  ½ cup (100 grams) caster sugar cutter, cut dough, rerolling scraps as necessary. (When cutting scones, push the  ½ cup (64 grams) raisins or sultanas, soaked cutter into the dough using a straight up-and- in hot water for 10 minutes and drained down motion.) Place on prepared pan. Let  ⅓ cup plus 1 tablespoon (95 grams) whole rest for 1 hour. (Resting gives the scones a milk more refined, less rustic look. The baking powder gets to work, and the dough will puff  3 large eggs (150 grams), out slightly, giving a slightly wider base, which, when baked, looks more like  Divided clotted cream and jam, to serve something you’d get at a hotel afternoon tea.)

 Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C). Instructions  In a small bowl, whisk remaining 1 egg; brush  In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, over top of scones (avoid getting any egg on baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry the sides, as this will prevent the scones from blender or your fingertips, rub in butter until rising properly). mixture is crumbly. Stir in sugar.  Bake until golden brown on top, about 12  In a small bowl, combine drained raisins, minutes. Let cool slightly before serving with milk, and 2 eggs. Make a well in center of dry clotted cream and jam. ingredients. Add raisin mixture, and using a knife, stir together just until a soft, wet dough forms.

 Turn out dough onto a heavily floured surface, and sprinkle with flour. Gently knead dough by folding in half and then turning through 45 degrees. Repeat until dough is smooth and springs back slightly when