The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Tea Party/Book Club: Turkish Delight

So last October, every Wednesday, I have been a part of a Tea Party/Bible Study/Book Club. We started on The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis, and when we finished moved on to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. This is different from my book club and the Book Club Picks I have been reviewing (and desperately need to catch up on). 

The second week we were inspired by the time Edmund spends with the White Witch. 

“Perhaps something hot to drink?” said the Queen. “Should you like that?”

Yes please, your Majesty,” said Edmund, whose teeth were chattering.

The Queen took from somewhere among her wrappings a very small bottle which looked as if it were made of copper. Then, holding out her arm, she let one drop fall from it on to the snow beside the sledge. Edmund saw the drop for a second in mid-air, shining like a diamond. But the moment it touched the snow there was a hissing sound and there stood a jewelled cup full of something that steamed. The Dwarf immediately took this and handed it to Edmund with a bow and a smile; not a very nice smile. Edmund felt much better as he began to sip the hot drink. It was something he had never tasted before, very sweet and foamy and creamy, and it warmed him right down to his toes.

‘It is dull, Son of Adam, to drink without eating,” said the Queen presently. “What would you like best to eat?”

‘Turkish Delight, please, your Majesty,” said Edmund.

The Queen let another drop fall from her bottle on to the snow, and instantly there appeared a round box, tied with green silk ribbon, which, when opened, turned out to contain several pounds of the best Turkish Delight. Each piece was sweet and light to the very centre and Edmund had never tasted anything more delicious. He was quite warm now, and very comfortable.

Of course as that only mentions one thing to eat, we ended up adding other recipes that sounded good. We decided to go with: Rose Petal and Green Tea, Rose Petal Earl Grey Tea, Blueberry Rose Petal Scones, Radish Ruffle Canapés, Zuppa Toscana Soup, Meatloaf, and Turkish Delight.

One thing I will be doing differently here than in my earlier posts, is that I will be sharing discussion questions that your group can discuss as you read and eat. I didn’t post discussion questions in the previous posts on The Magician’s Nephew, as I wasn’t in charge of that book. For discussion questions, click on this link.The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Discussion Questions Chapter 4-6.pdfDownload

This recipe comes from Oh The Things We’ll Make.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/8 tsp. citric acid or lemon juice or cream of tartar
• 1/2 cup water
• 5/8 cup cornstarch
• Rose flavor to taste- rose water, syrup, or oil
• Red coloring (optional)
• extra cornstarch for dusting

Directions:

1. Line pans with greased wax or parchment paper. (The final candy will be sticky, and that will help with the unmolding process.)
2. Begin by mixing together the first 3 ingredients (sugar, 3/4 c. water, and citric acid) in a heavy bottom pan, and bring to a slight boil before lowering the heat.
3. Heat, without needing to stir, over low to medium heat until you reach 260ºF. You can occasionally use a spatula to wipe down any sugar crystals from the side of the pan throughout this process.
4. Meanwhile, mix together the solution of cornstarch and water.
5. When the sugar syrup has reached the right temperature, temporarily take it off the heat source and ladle in a bit of the sugar syrup into the cornstarch mixture to warm it.
6. Slowly drizzle the cornstarch mixture into the sugar syrup while continuously stirring them together.Once all of the cornstarch solution has been completely incorporated, begin to stir the mixture over low heat.
7. You will notice that the mixture should get quite thick almost immediately.
8. Despite the fact that the mixture is quite thick, you will want to reduce and thicken it even more before adding in your flavorings. Keep the mixture over a low heat so that the sugar won’t caramelize on the bottom, affecting the flavor of the final product.
9. As you heat and stir, you should notice that the gel becomes quite transparent. It will also reduce slightly in volume.To determine the point when you should add your flavoring, test the consistency of your candy by dipping a spoon into the gel, and then dipping the gel covered spoon into a glass of ice water.
10. As the candy cools, you can judge the consistency and stop when you are happy with it. The longer you cook the candy at this stage, the chewier it will become and the more it will hold its shape at room temperature.
11. Add in your flavorings and colorings. Use a combination of 2 Tbsp. rose water, and 2 Tbsp. rose syrup.
12. Once you’ve incorporated all of your flavorings, check the texture once more to make sure that the addition of any new liquids hasn’t affected the consistency of your candy too much.
13. If necessary, slightly mix and warm your mixture a little longer at very low heat to help evaporate a little water, but be careful and take into account that doing this for too long can alter and diminish the flavorings you have added.
14. When you are happy with your result, pour the mixture into your prepared molds and spread it out as best you can with a spatula. It should be very thick and sticky.
15. Let cool for several hours. Cut into small squares, using cornstarch to keep the candies from sticking to one another.
16. If you do choose to use powdered sugar for dusting, keep in mind that the candy may sweat and the sugar coating may end up “melting” off of the candy so you may have to add in more cornstarch or reapply the coating before serving your candy.

So to be honest with you guys, I don’t get what Edmund was going on about. I mean I know they are magical/enchanted but Turkish Delight is not worth betraying your whole family for. I found it to be too sweet and not something I could ever find myself wanting. The rest of the group loved it, but I just was not a fan.

I guess I’m just not angry and envious enough? Maybe I’m too much like Lucy? All I know is Turkish Delight was not the thing for me.

For more from our The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe teas, go to Zuppa Toscana

For more recipes, go to Radish Ruffle Canapés

For more desserts, go to Snickerdoodles

For more tea posts, go to Jane Austen Birthday Party Music & Party Review

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Tea Party/Book Club: Zuppa Toscana

So last October, every Wednesday, I have been a part of a Tea Party/Bible Study/Book Club. We started on The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis, and when we finished moved on to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. This is different from my book club and the Book Club Picks I have been reviewing (and desperately need to catch up on). 

Party time!

The second week we were inspired by the time Edmund spends with the White Witch. 

“Perhaps something hot to drink?” said the Queen. “Should you like that?”

Yes please, your Majesty,” said Edmund, whose teeth were chattering.

The Queen took from somewhere among her wrappings a very small bottle which looked as if it were made of copper. Then, holding out her arm, she let one drop fall from it on to the snow beside the sledge. Edmund saw the drop for a second in mid-air, shining like a diamond. But the moment it touched the snow there was a hissing sound and there stood a jewelled cup full of something that steamed. The Dwarf immediately took this and handed it to Edmund with a bow and a smile; not a very nice smile. Edmund felt much better as he began to sip the hot drink. It was something he had never tasted before, very sweet and foamy and creamy, and it warmed him right down to his toes.

‘It is dull, Son of Adam, to drink without eating,” said the Queen presently. “What would you like best to eat?”

‘Turkish Delight, please, your Majesty,” said Edmund.

The Queen let another drop fall from her bottle on to the snow, and instantly there appeared a round box, tied with green silk ribbon, which, when opened, turned out to contain several pounds of the best Turkish Delight. Each piece was sweet and light to the very centre and Edmund had never tasted anything more delicious. He was quite warm now, and very comfortable.

Of course as that only mentions one thing to eat, we ended up adding other recipes that sounded good. We decided to go with: Rose Petal and Green Tea, Rose Petal Earl Grey Tea, Blueberry Rose Petal Scones, Radish Ruffle Canapés, Zuppa Toscana Soup, Meatloaf, and Turkish Delight.

One thing I will be doing differently here than in my earlier posts, is that I will be sharing discussion questions that your group can discuss as you read and eat. I didn’t post discussion questions in the previous posts on The Magician’s Nephew, as I wasn’t in charge of that book. For discussion questions, click on this link.The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Discussion Questions Chapter 4-6.pdfDownload

This recipe comes from Slow Cooker Gourmet.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian Sausage
• ½ pound Yukon gold potatoes
• ½ sweet yellow onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper
• 1 cup frozen kale
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 pieces thick cut cooked bacon, chopped
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Add ground sausage to skillet over medium high heat and cook through.
2. Transfer to slow cooker.
3. Scrub and dice potatoes and add to slow cooker along with diced onion, garlic and red pepper flakes
4. Add kale and chicken broth and cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8
5. Stir in cream, cooked bacon and salt and pepper to taste

This soup was soooo good! I ate several bowls!

For more from our The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe teas, go to Radish Ruffle Canapés

For more recipes, go to Blueberry Rose Scones

For more soup recipes, go to Baked Potato Soup

For more tea posts, go to Honey French Toast

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Tea Party/Book Club: Radish Ruffle Canapés

So last October, every Wednesday, I have been a part of a Tea Party/Bible Study/Book Club. We started on The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis, and when we finished moved on to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. This is different from my book club and the Book Club Picks I have been reviewing (and desperately need to catch up on). 

The second week we were inspired by the time Edmund spends with the White Witch. 

“Perhaps something hot to drink?” said the Queen. “Should you like that?”

Yes please, your Majesty,” said Edmund, whose teeth were chattering.

The Queen took from somewhere among her wrappings a very small bottle which looked as if it were made of copper. Then, holding out her arm, she let one drop fall from it on to the snow beside the sledge. Edmund saw the drop for a second in mid-air, shining like a diamond. But the moment it touched the snow there was a hissing sound and there stood a jewelled cup full of something that steamed. The Dwarf immediately took this and handed it to Edmund with a bow and a smile; not a very nice smile. Edmund felt much better as he began to sip the hot drink. It was something he had never tasted before, very sweet and foamy and creamy, and it warmed him right down to his toes.

‘It is dull, Son of Adam, to drink without eating,” said the Queen presently. “What would you like best to eat?”

‘Turkish Delight, please, your Majesty,” said Edmund.

The Queen let another drop fall from her bottle on to the snow, and instantly there appeared a round box, tied with green silk ribbon, which, when opened, turned out to contain several pounds of the best Turkish Delight. Each piece was sweet and light to the very centre and Edmund had never tasted anything more delicious. He was quite warm now, and very comfortable.

Of course as that only mentions one thing to eat, we ended up adding other recipes that sounded good. We decided to go with: Rose Petal and Green Tea, Rose Petal Earl Grey Tea, Blueberry Rose Petal Scones, Radish Ruffle Canapés, Zuppa Toscana Soup, Meatloaf, and Turkish Delight.

One thing I will be doing differently here than in my earlier posts, is that I will be sharing discussion questions that your group can discuss as you read and eat. I didn’t post discussion questions in the previous posts on The Magician’s Nephew, as I wasn’t in charge of that book. For discussion questions, click on this link.The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Discussion Questions Chapter 4-6.pdfDownload

This recipe comes from Tea Time Magazine.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon ground peppercorns
• 3 slices firm white sandwich bread
• 4 medium radishes
• Garnish: additional ground peppercorns

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine butter and peppercorns, stirring to blend.
2. Set aside.
3. Using a 1½-inch round cutter, cut 12 rounds from bread.
4. Spread peppercorn butter onto one side of each bread round. Set aside.
5. Using a mandoline, shave 48 paper-thin slices from radishes. Fold each slice in half and then into quarters.
6. Place 4 folded slices radish on top of each buttered bread round, arranging to resemble a flower.
7. Garnish each canapé with additional ground peppercorns, if desired.
8. Make-ahead tip: Butter can be made a day in advance and refrigerated in a covered container. Let come to room temperature before using. Bread rounds can be cut a day in advance and stored in resealable plastic bags. Canapés can be assembled an hour before serving.
9. Drape with damp paper towels, and refrigerate until needed.

These were delicious and beautiful!

For more from our The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe teas, go to Blueberry Rose Scones

For more recipes, go to Honey French Toast

For more canapés, go to Salmon, Cucumber, and Radish Canapés

For more tea posts, go to Jane Austen Birthday Party: Party Favors II

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Tea Party/Book Club: Blueberry Rose Scones

So last October, every Wednesday, I have been a part of a Tea Party/Bible Study/Book Club. We started on The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis, and when we finished moved on to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. This is different from my book club and the Book Club Picks I have been reviewing (and desperately need to catch up on).

The first week were inspired by the tea party between Mr. Tumnus and Lucy Pevensie.

Now, Daughter of Eve!” said the Faun. And really it was a wonderful tea. There was a nice brown egg, lightly boiled, for each of them, and then sardines on toast, and then buttered toast, and then toast with honey, and then a sugar-topped cake. And when Lucy was tired of eating the Faun began to talk. 

The first week we had Chami Tea’s Winter Grey: Deviled Eggs (for brown egg lightly boiled); Salmon, Cucumber, and Radish Canapés (in place of sardines on toast); Bagels (buttered toast), Honey French Toast (for toast with honey); and a Bear Claw Coffee Cake (for sugar topped cake).

Let’s spill the tea.

The second week we were inspired by the time Edmund spends with the White Witch.

“Perhaps something hot to drink?” said the Queen. “Should you like that?”

Yes please, your Majesty,” said Edmund, whose teeth were chattering.

The Queen took from somewhere among her wrappings a very small bottle which looked as if it were made of copper. Then, holding out her arm, she let one drop fall from it on to the snow beside the sledge. Edmund saw the drop for a second in mid-air, shining like a diamond. But the moment it touched the snow there was a hissing sound and there stood a jewelled cup full of something that steamed. The Dwarf immediately took this and handed it to Edmund with a bow and a smile; not a very nice smile. Edmund felt much better as he began to sip the hot drink. It was something he had never tasted before, very sweet and foamy and creamy, and it warmed him right down to his toes.

‘It is dull, Son of Adam, to drink without eating,” said the Queen presently. “What would you like best to eat?”

‘Turkish Delight, please, your Majesty,” said Edmund.

The Queen let another drop fall from her bottle on to the snow, and instantly there appeared a round box, tied with green silk ribbon, which, when opened, turned out to contain several pounds of the best Turkish Delight. Each piece was sweet and light to the very centre and Edmund had never tasted anything more delicious. He was quite warm now, and very comfortable.

Of course as that only mentions one thing to eat, we ended up adding other recipes that sounded good. We decided to go with: Rose Petal and Green Tea, Rose Petal Earl Grey Tea, Blueberry Rose Petal Scones, Radish and Lemon Butter Sandwiches, Zuppa Toscana Soup, Meatloaf, and Turkish Delight.

One thing I will be doing differently here than in my earlier posts, is that I will be sharing discussion questions that your group can discuss as you read and eat. I didn’t post discussion questions in the previous posts on The Magician’s Nephew, as I wasn’t in charge of that book. For discussion questions, click on this link.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Discussion Questions Chapter 4-6.pdfDownload

This recipe comes from Parsnips and Pastries

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small cubes
• 6 ounces fresh blueberries
• 1 cup half and half
• 2 teaspoons rose water

Glaze:

• 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons half and half
• 1/2 teaspoon rose water
• dried rose petals

Directions:

1. First prepare the Rose Water.
2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
4. Using a pastry cutter or food processor, cut the very cold butter into the flour mixture until pea-sized. Do not over-mix. You should still see pieces of butter in the mixture.
5. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries.
6. Make a well in the center of the bowl and pour in the half and half and rose water. Stir until just combined. Gently form the dough into a ball and place on a floured surface. Pat the dough down into a circle (about 6-8″ wide and 3/4-1″ thick).
7. Cut the circle into 8 even triangles. Place the scones on a large, parchment-lined baking sheet. Space about a half-inch apart.
8. Bake the scones until golden and cooked through, about 15-18 minutes.
9. Make the glaze by stirring the half and half and rose water into the confectioners sugar until combined. Start with 1 tablespoon of half and half and add from there until the desired consistency is reached.
10. Drizzle the glaze over cool scones and top with dried rose petals.
11. For the best taste and texture, scones should be served the day of.

These were delicious but I liked the other Blueberry Scones I made better.

For more from our The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe teas, go to Honey French Toast

For more recipes, go to Salmon, Cucumber, and Radish Canapés

For more scones, go to Cranberry Chai Scones

For more tea posts, go to Jane Austen Birthday Party: Party Favors II