Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Tea with Jane Austen

Tea with Jane Austen: The Charm of Home
Today I have a treat for you!  I had the pleasure of reviewing the new book Tea with Jane Austen by Pen Vogler; food photographer Stephen Conroy.  This book, though little in size, packs a lot of baking for delicious tea time treats.  

Tea with Jane Austen: The Charm of Home
The book was inspired by the novels and letters of Jane Austen.  In this 64-page book are recipes for cakes and pastries based on authentic recipes from the Regency era which have been updated for the modern cook.   The book has 22 recipes in total in which 6 are from Martha Lloyd's Household Book.   Martha Lloyd was Jane Austen's dear friend and lived with her many years penning a collection of recipes called Martha Lloyd's Household Book.  

Tea with Jane Austen: The Charm of Home
Some of the recipes included are English Muffins based on the muffins, served with after-dinner tea in Pride and Prejudice, a Buttered Apple Tart as served by Mr. Woodhouse to Miss Bates in Emma, and Jumbles inspired by the cookies enjoyed by Fanny in Mansfield Park.   The original recipes are given along with the modified versions.   

Tea with Jane Austen: The Charm of Home
I chose Jane's Sponge Cake to bake today with tea.  The book states that the Oxford English Dictionary noted the first recorded use of the word "sponge cake" is by Jane, writing to her sister Cassandra.  The recipe is taken from Martha Lloyd's Household Book

Tea with Jane Austen: The Charm of Home
The cake is essentially a pound cake.  They are often topped with just a dusting of powdered sugar.  Mine came out to perfection.  I have actually made two other recipes for the traditional tea time sponge cake and they both flopped.  This recipe was a winner.  Simply topped with fruit and powdered sugar it was a tea time treat befitting a relaxing afternoon spent reading this little treasure of a cookbook.

Tea with Jane Austen: The Charm of Home

Tea with Jane Austen: The Charm of Home
My teacup reminds me of the Regency era.   It is by Grace's Teaware.  

Tea with Jane Austen: The Charm of Home
I thoroughly enjoyed the recipe book.  Filled with interesting introductions to each recipe and delightful photography.  I really loved the addition of adding the original recipes in their handwritten form.  I always love reading historical recipes.  I am a history nerd.  I highly recommend this book for any tea lover, but if you are also a fan of Jane Austen it is a must read!  I know a lot of you tea lovers are also Jane Austen fans, like me.  It would make a perfect Mother's Day gift!    


I wish to thank Sara and Neha for the opportunity to review
Tea with Jane Austen by Pen Vogler; published by Ryland Peters & Small, and CICO Books Inc ($14.95).  They provided me with a copy of the book.  The review and opinions were entirely my own. 


Sherry

I will link this to:
  
There Is No Place Like Home at Rose Chintz Cottage 
Home & Garden Thursdayat A Delightsome Life
Tea Cup Tuesday at Martha's Favorites
Tuesday Cuppa Tea at Antiques and Teacups 
Friends Sharing Tea at Bernideen's Tea Time Blog 
Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House 
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
Vintage Charm at Charm Bracelet Diva
The Homemaking Party at Classical Homemaking
Thoughts of Home at Decor to Adore
Rooted in Thyme Simple and Sweet Fridays
Share Your Cup Thursday at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olsen 
Five Star Frou-Frou at A Tray of Bliss
Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home
Welcome Home Wednesday at Suburban Simplicity

Foodie Friday at Rattlebridge Farm
Tickle My Taste Buds Tuesdays at Lori's Culinary Creations
Weekend Retreat Linky Party at AKA Design and Life
Foodie Friends Friday at Walking on Sunshine
Wake Up Wednesday at Sew Crafty Angel

20 comments:

Bernideen said...

Dear Sherry:
What a lovely posting - I adore everything about Jane Austen!

Margie said...

Tea and Jane Austen are the perfect combination. I saw your pretty blue teacup at HomeSense...now I kind of wish that I brought it home with me. Hee!

Sarah said...

Beautiful tea! I will look for this charming book. Thanks for the review.
I'm a fan of sponge cake. '-)

Sarah said...

What a lovely tea! I will look for this charming book. Thanks for the review. I love a good sponge cake.

Antiques And Teacups said...

Definitely one to add to my te and Jane collection! Yummm! Thanks so much for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
Ruth

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

This is a lovely post, Sherry. I think we all love anything Jane Austen and that sponge cake looks amazing. Thank you for sharing the recipe. The blue china is so pretty too. So glad you have shared this with us and Happy St Patrick's Day!

Blessings,
Sandi

Rosemary and Thyme said...

Hello Sherry,

What a lovely post. I would love to own this book. Your cake looks incredible. I am sure it is yummy too.

Jane Austin is very dear to my heart. I am definitely picking this up. Thank you for sharing.

Janet

Pondside said...

I saw this book last week at our local book shop and passed it by in favour of another. Your review has convinced me that I need to go back to buy this one. I had assumed (so bad to assume!) that the recipes would be in weights instead of cups and tablespoons and I have just given up on adjusting recipes. Thank you for this!

Poppy @ With a Dash of Color said...

Recipes from the Regency era,is right up my alley! I have to look for this delightful book, thanks for sharing the book review with us! Love your gorgeous photography and that sponge cake looks absolutely delicious! Thank you for the recipe! Happy weekend! Hugs, Poppy

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Sherry, I loved this post! Your photos are pulling me right in! I want to be there enjoying a cup of tea and slice of cake with you.

Alexis @ Chemistry Cachet said...

I am so glad you posted this review! I just got this book after my friend told me about it. I can't wait to experiment with the recipes! Your pictures look beautiful!

Sarah Coller said...

Beautiful book---I'm inspired for some tea and baking today! I revisited Chawton in September and saw Martha's cookbook. In fact, I've got a photo. If you'd like to see it, email me! Thanks for linking up with the Homemaking Party!

Blessings,
Sarah

Cynthia said...

Tea and Jane Austen is a perfect combination. I will have to get this book!

Art and Sand said...

It's past midnight, but my mouth is watering for that beautiful sponge cake.

Thanks for sharing at SYC.

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Yum, I love sponge cake! I bet it was delicious with a hint of orange. The book sounds wonderful as well. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

Our Hopeful Home said...

Sherry you've done it again! I'm a big Jane Austen fan so I love this whole idea...the cake looks scrumptious. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm, friend! Xo Kathleen

Blue Jeans And Teacups said...

Just lovely! Thanks for sharing! ~Heather, ATAA

A said...

"Many tea-lovers also like Jane Austen," - so truth!

Samuel said...

Nice!

minimal_shine said...

Thank you for your lovely review! It helped me a lot in choosing to get it or not. And I adore you tea cup and set up! So cute!