Tuesday, June 4, 2013

A Woodsy Tea Time



The little plum teapot has been enjoying some elegant tea events on its travels across America. But, being a versatile little teapot, she adapted quite well to roughing it in the mountains! Clad in her warm cozy, she traveled to an elevation of 4,500 feet to enjoy some of the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Sunshine and rain, meadows of flowers with patches of snow, and the warmth of a cozy cabin greeted her. She graciously posed for her picture with a bouquet of alpine shooting stars, Columbia windflowers, and squiggly white lupines. Then, it was time to get ready for tea.


A hollow log sits at the point overlooking beautiful vistas. From this log, many wild animals have been observed. Here live elk, bear, deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, wolves, snowshoe hares, hummingbirds, squirrels, wild turkeys and more. Much care is taken by the human occupants not to disturb the natural environment of the wildlife. Peaceful cohabitation results.


On this day, the log was spread with a brown linen tablecloth. This covering set the stage for afternoon tea.


Cabin china, napkins, and flatware was set. The wildflowers became a centerpiece. And the tiered tray became the serving stage for tea-for-two.


Teatime at the cabin is a frequent occurrence. It's not a fussy time, as the cabin's hostess believes in making tea a part of a daily routine. This was a tea party from the pantry type-of-meal. An ice chest was brought from home, filled with food preparation staples like vegetables, spreads, and fresh fruit. A box with a loaf of bread, crackers, and store-bought cookies was packed as well. The cabin cupboards contained a variety of canned and packaged foods that would supplement too. When it came time to prepare tea, the menu was planned as the meal was prepared. Effort was made to chop, stir, and combine with tea-time presentation in mind.


Life is not without additional challenges, and the little plum teapot soon learned that this meal had to be completely gluten-free and using plant-based foods. Sigh. But plum teapot quickly stepped up to the plate.
 
 
 
 
The menu:

Seed Bread ~ gluten free from Costco
Rice crackers

Olive spread ~ made from chopped olives, red chili paste, and Tofutti non-dairy cream cheese ~ for open-faced sandwiches

Vegannaise with spring radishes ~ for open-faced sandwiches

Peppery spring greens chiffonade with sea salt, green onion and Vegannaise ~ for finger sandwiches

Celery boats with Tofutti non-dairy cream cheese and soy Baco-bits

Radishes and spring greens

  
Banana circles with cinnamon and a chocolate chip

Cookies from the Asian market ~ made from tapioca flour ~ coconut and cashew

Pirouette cookies ~ from the cupboard and for the hostess; not gluten-free

Oolong tea from the Asian market ~ delicious!


 
 


Tea time was so pleasant. We moved the lawn chairs from around the fire circle to the point where we could sit and view our surroundings. Huge puffy clouds worked their way across the sky at a steady pace. A bear was thought to be seen on a nearby ridge, but once seen through binoculars, it ended up being a stump! Then darkness could be seen off to the left of us. Rain clouds! They worked their way to the point just as we were finishing our afternoon tea. We cleared things up and headed inside the cabin to finish our cookies and tea by the warmth of the wood stove. Rain fell in torrents, streaming off the eves and making patterning sounds on the metal roof. Such meditative sounds.

 
Little plum teapot seemed to enjoy kicking back and relaxing on this day. Such an accommodating little teapot she is!

13 comments:

Dianne said...

Now THIS is a tea-time I'd love :) What beautiful photos of a stunning scene - thanks for the inspiration!

Vee said...

I always love reading about the teas you have on the mountain. It just seems so cozy to me and completely charming!

amherstrose said...

A beautiful setting for Afternoon Tea and the perfect ending in front of a fire to warm the heart and soul. Teatime perfection.

Marilyn said...

A lovely place. But, I just laughed when you said you went to an elevation that is actually lower than where I live on the flat eastern plains of Colorado. AmazIngly, your pictures look similar to our Rocky Mountains and I'd feel right at home having tea time with you. I'm going to try some radish sandwiches soon.♥♫

Teresa said...

How I would have loved to attend this tea party! Thank you for sharing the lovely view. I enjoyed the little green onion garnish on your sandwiches. I will have to add it to my tea time ideas.
Sips and Smiles,
Teresa

Joyce said...

Beautiful photos in the mountains! And Teapot's spread was creative, artistic, delicious sounding, and I'm sure delicious tasting:) Is this your cabin in the woods, Teapot, or one you just visited? And loved the gluten free ideas and vegan ideas for tea. Thank you:)

Karen's Place said...

Such a beautiful post and peaceful scenery. A teatime to breathe.

Adrienne said...

What a wonderful adventure! I can only imagine having tea in the mountains. Will have to do that soon!
~Adrienne~

Bernideen said...

Lovely post - thanks for sharing!

Marilyn Miller said...

This little plum teapot is indeed accommodating. LaDonna, Your photos are just amazingly gorgeous! What a lovely setting to have tea. Your tea food was all just perfection. For some reason I hadn't thought about using celery, but a good idea to remember. And then to end your day sitting by the fire with rain pitter patters on the roof - how very special! Thanks for sharing this very wonderful afternoon tea.

KathyB. said...

I think the little plum teapot has a wonderful time , and her adventures are exciting ( in teapot thinking ). What a brilliant post ! I love & live in the Pacific Northwest and this inspires me, and excites me. Thank-you.

KathyB. said...

I think the little plum teapot has a wonderful time , and her adventures are exciting ( in teapot thinking ). What a brilliant post ! I love & live in the Pacific Northwest and this inspires me, and excites me. Thank-you.

Rainy said...

What a jaunty little plum pot she is! A stunning tea and a stunning vista!