Serious Wednesday: Retreats, Teas and Fun!

Retreats, Teas, and Fun!

When I heard that the recent Women's Retreat (God Can Do the Impossible was the theme), that I was privileged to attend, was having a Tea Party, my heart—I'm sure—beat just a bit faster with excitement. Who doesn't love a lovely Tea Party? 

The setting was beautiful, the colors summery and light. I thought it created a relaxing atmosphere. With friends by my side and light conversation, it was a perfect atmosphere to enjoy an early afternoon tea luncheon.

Of course, the food was varied and delightfully delicious! Mini glazed ham sandwiches, along with chicken salad croissants, stuffed mushrooms and other goodies, plus a delectable selection of sweets served as the menu.

 Everything I ate was totally delicious. I felt I was dining with royalty. :)

When it came to the teas, there was a variety to choose from. 

Let me explain something here:  I'm a late bloomer when it comes to teas. What I mean by this is:  I wasn't raised drinking teas--any kind. 

But after I was married, my husband and a couple of close friends introduced me to a variety of teas, and I've gradually learned to enjoy several different flavors. 

A skit about worrying too much (lots of laughs) inspiring talks that made me cry and smile, fellowship, meeting new friends, singing together and, of course, the laughter, food and relaxation—all created an atmosphere that was perfect for me. 

A

What a weekend!!

Did you know that...

• originated in Africa? (Hibiscus Tea)

• tea first arrived in Britain in the 1650s, where it was served as a novelty in London's coffee houses?

• in the early 1900s, Jane Austen drank green and black teas?

• that these states, it is believed, drink the most sweet tea: Alabama, Arkansas, Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia?

About Hibiscus Tea and the Book:

In my most recent novel, Hunter's Rose, Book Two of the Troubles in the West series (a historical, romantic suspense), one of the protagonists—Rosita—is given a hibiscus plant by her Tia (Aunt) Maria, who relayed the tale of her mother bringing it to the plantation in Mexico years ago, after her marriage, and guarding it as if it was a person. Sharing it with Rosita gave the young girl the opportunity to be able to prepare it for her husband and the other cowboys at their new ranch, along with the mint tea that was growing on their land.

Here's a recipe that Rosita might have used, give or take a few ingredients.

Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea) 

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Yields: 2 quarts

Ingredients:

• 2 quarts water

• ¾ to 1 cup sugar (depending on how sweet you like your tea)

• 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers

• ½ cinnamon stick (optional)

• a few thin slices of ginger (optional)

• Allspice berries (optional)

• Lime juice (optional)

• Orange or lime slices for garnish

Method:

• Boil water with sugar and spices:

Put 4 cups of the water and sugar in a medium saucepan. Add cinnamon, ginger slices, and/or a few slices of allspice berries if you like. Heat until boiling and the sugar is dissolved.

• Steep with dried hibiscus flowers:

Remove from heat. Stir in the dried hibiscus flowers. Cover and let sit for 20 minutes.

• Strain:

Strain into a pitcher and discard the used hibiscus flowers, ginger, cinnamon, and/or allspice berries. At this point youu can store the concentrate ahead, chilled, until ready to make the drink.

• Add Water:

Add remaining 4 cups of water

Suggestions:

Alternately, you can add ice and chilled soda water for a bubbly version, or if you want to chill the drink quickly. Or...

Add a little lime juice for a more punch-like flavor. Or...

Instead of sugar, you can always use honey. Or...

Serve over ice with a slice of orange or lime.\

Hibiscus Tea is healthy, but research it and make sure it works for you! Most of all enjoy your tea and tea parties! “A cup of tea is a cup of peace.” Sen Sshitsu VX

About the book 

It's the late 1800s, and Hunter Carson has married the woman of his dreams and settled on the land he bought. He's never known God or even much about him. But his tender heart can be touched. His wife—the beautiful and exotic Mexican Rosita DeSantis, is totally in love with him—but something is wrong. Just days after their marriage, why is she crying and touchy? Has she fallen out of love with him already? Or is there something far more serious going on with her?

Rosita's past is haunting her emotionally. She adores her new husband, but she'll do anything to keep him from knowing what happened in Mexico before she fled the country. And not because she doesn't trust him, but because she's worried for his life. Her loving family in Mexico came to accept God into their lives through the ministry of a missionary. But can she hold onto her beliefs through the trials and tests she'll face when Carlos De Leon insists on forcing her to marry him?

After all, the Mexican Lord—Carlos De Leon—cares nothing for God or any man. His only desire is to obtain what he wants and when. He has a plan and will do anything to accomplish it.

And Rosita will do anything to keep him from succeeding.

Buy the Book here:  Amazon

I hope you enjoy the book! 

Happy Reading!