Tea with Jane Austen

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.  

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.  

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.   

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. 

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.

My teacup reminds me of the Regency era.   It is by Grace's Teaware.  

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:

  

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Tea Cup Tuesday at Martha's Favorites

Tuesday Cuppa Tea at Antiques and Teacups 

Friends Sharing Tea at Bernideen's Tea Time Blog 

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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

Lou Lou Girls Fabulous Party

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