Whimsical Wade

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food, food photography, tea, teapots

What’s life without whimsy? ― Dr Sheldon Cooper, The Big Bang Theory

The Wade Group of Potteries started in 1810 near Burslem, England. Early in the 20th century, a number of potteries merged to become George Wade & Son, Ltd. In the 1920’s and 30’s production of figurines with a new ‘cellulose’ finish were produced. However the new finish proved to turn yellow and peel off with age.In 1954, Wade Whimsies were introduced and almost immediately became a huge success. This included the Red Tea Whimsies, which are still prized collectibles.

This whimsical character teapot belonged to my great-aunt, and my great grandmother gave it to my Mom for me. Little did she know I would be a tea granny too! I remember a few tea parties with my Mom and this guy!

This gentleman is similar in appearance to Andy Capp, a stereotyped, unemployed, drunken flat cap-wearing cartoon character. Andy Capp lived in Hartlepool, England with his wife, Flo. The cartoon included a number of other characters, including Jackie, a local barmen.  The cartoon by Reg Smythe first appeared in papers in 1957.

Unlike Andy Capp, this jaunty fellow brightens the day.

…bunny slippers give me confidence because they’re so jaunty. They make a statement; they say, ‘Nothing the world does to me can ever get me so far down that I can’t be silly and frivolous’. — Dean Koontz

Be silly. Be frivolous. Happy Monday!

…With Tea

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#whatsinmycup, food photography, photography, red, tea, teapots, what's in my cup

It’s the first Monday of the year, and I’m certainly feeling it. How about you?

I just spent a frustrating hour trying to deal with my cell phone provider and a trumped up bill. It’s not the first time. I was especially pleased when the phone number the online guy gave me to call, wouldn’t accept my number and advised me to call my cell phone provider, and hung up on me. So how did I cope without completely losing it?

My very sweet and creative sister-in-law knows me SO well!

Happy Monday!

Wade Royal Victoria Coffee Set

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family, tea cups, teapots

This burgundy and gold fluted coffee set was a wedding gift given to my parents-in-law over 50 years ago. It traveled with them to Canada when they immigrated from Ireland in 1970. Hubby remembers being amazed by it as a kid, assuming it was very valuable because there was so much shiny gold.

The Wade Group of Potteries started in 1810 near Burslem, England. Early in the 20th century, a number of potteries merged to become George Wade & Son, Ltd.

In 1945, post-war industrial ceramics were in great demand so the Wade company purchased an old mill in Bann, Portadown, Northern Ireland.

In 1954, Wade Whimsies were introduced and almost immediately became a huge success. This included the Red Tea Whimsies, which are still prized collectibles.

Never lose the childlike wonder. Show gratitude…
Don’t complain; just work harder…Never give up. – Randy Pausch

Happy Monday!

 

What’s in my Cup: Breakfast Teas

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#whatsinmycup, tea, teapots

Breakfast teas are a blend, usually made from Assam tea, a black tea with a higher caffeine level.  They are intended to accompany a hearty breakfast and are usually consumed with milk and sugar. They are more robust than an afternoon tea. BUt is there a difference between English Breakfast, Irish Breakfast, or Scottish Breakfast tea?

There are two theories about the origin of English Breakfast tea.

In the 17th and early 18th centuries, breakfast was a protein-heavy meal with meat, beans, eggs, bread, and ale. Supposedly Queen Anne was the first to ask for hot tea as a lighter start to her day, and her subjects followed suit. Tea quickly became a  breakfast staple.

Another theory is that tea would have been originally been imported from China, but during the Opium Wars (1839-1860), Britain imposed a trade embargo on tea. However, the British East India Co. had also just begun producing Assam tea. As black tea stocks from China dwindled, it was blended with the Assam tea. Toward the end of the 19th century, Ceylon tea was also being produced in Sri Lanka, and was added to the blend, creating what we now recognize as English Breakfast tea.

Irish Breakfast tea also has a strong Assam component, which gives it a rich and malty flavor. It is reddish in colour, and likely became popular in Ireland during the Opium Wars.

Scottish Breakfast Tea tends to be the heartiest. In 1892, Scottish tea master, Drysdale, created a stronger blend, which also took into account the softer water conditions in Scotland. It is also predominantly Assam tea.

There is no standard rule for blending breakfast teas, so it’s important to choose your favourite breakfast blend based on flavour rather than name.

Happy Monday!

What’s in My Cup: Fennel Tea

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#whatsinmycup, food, photography, tea, tea cups, teapots, what's in my cup

Is fennel a vegetable or a fruit? I had to look it up and the answer is: neither. Though fennel looks similar to celery, it’s considered an herb. It has a distinctive licorice flavour, and may be eaten dried, raw or cooked. In the Middle Ages, on Midsummer’s night, it was hung fennel over doorways as protection from evil spirits. And ancient Romans believed it increased strength, fortitude and longevity.

I think it makes a lovely summer slaw when paired with apples, nuts, and a lime vinaigrette, piled up next to a juicy beef burger. Yum!

I was first introduced to fennel through one of my favorite cooking competitions: Masterchef Australia. I was intrigued by the many ways it was used, in both sweet and savoury dishes, so I decided to try it out. Last week, I picked up a box labelled “Fennel Tea” at The Bulk Barn, as something new to try!

There are a number of benefits to teas made with fennel seed, the most noted being as an effective aid with digestion. It helps the smooth muscles of your gastrointestinal system to relax, thereby reducing bloating, stomach cramps and ah….flatulence, all of which sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome, colitis or Crohn’s disease, would greatly appreciate! It may also help regulate blood sugar and clear mucous. And some studies also found fennel mimics estrogen so may assist with inflammation and PMS symptoms too. For that reason, pregnant and breastfeeding moms should avoid it.

I found it reminiscent of chamomile tea with a grassy note, but the delicate natural licorice flavour provided a strong balance, making this a warm and refreshing beverage.  The colouring is light, so avoid steeping it for a long time to attain more colour. I suspect, like green tea, that it requires a lower temperature and a shorter steeping time than black teas. The price is right, at $1.50 for 20 sachets, and I would be happy to drink this soothing, caffeine-free alternative in the evening. It’s Fenn-ominal!

Happy Monday!

Brown Betty

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#whatsinmycup, tea, teapots

After a busy day with lots of errands (thankfully not in the rain), I’m ready for a cup of tea. The humble Brown Betty teapot is a favorite among collectors and tea connoisseurs.

Originally, the pots were made from a red clay discovered in the Stoke-on-Trent area of Britain, in 1695. This clay seemed to retain heat better, thereby creating a more flavourful tea. The colour brown and the more rounded shape we’ve come to love came about in the nineteenth century. The colour comes from the manganese Rockingham glaze, which was painted on the pot and free to flow over the sides, creating a streaky texture during firing.

In the Victorian era, tea served from a brown betty teapot was considered the most flavourful and therefore, it was the most popular teapot. No one is certain whether it was the result of the rounded design which was roomier and let the tea leaves move as the water was poured into the pot, reducing bitterness. Others believe the flavour is attributable to the clay itself. Since the clay can absorb and release flavours, it is best to steep the same type of tea in a brown betty tea pot. The pot should also not be washed, just hand-rinsed and allowed to air dry.

Queen Victoria’s first command upon her ascension to the throne:
“Bring me a cup of tea and the Times”

\we have Queen Victoria to thank for making tea a regular custom in North America and Europe, and she favored tea made in the Brown Betty teapot.