Toronto Tea Festival

This was my first time attending this tea event. It took place at the Toronto Reference Library in the Appel Salon.. As you can see from the photos above it was very well attended. I was there mid afternoon and to be honest found it a little overwhelming. It was difficult to actually get to some exhibitors and learn about the teas/products they were selling.

I was really looking forward to seeing the various Tea Ceremonies ... but found all the commotion and noise from the festival floor very distracting (as it was literally going on a row of chairs behind the stage), and making it difficult to hear the commentator describing the ceremony. While I was there I took in the Japanese and Korean ceremonies.

Korean Tea Ceremony ... Enjoy

I did manage to discover two delightful products ...

Tea salt scrubs ... who  knew? 
F&B Tea Co. - is offering up face and body tea infused salt scrubs. I didn't really have a chance to learn much about the company - as it was a busy spot, making it challenging to really have a chat with staff. I tried to learn more about the company on line ... but there wasn't a lot of information on the Facebook or Instagram pages.  At the tea festival I did get to smell and touch the salt scrub samples ... and was impressed enough to buy the sampler pack, which is creatively presented on a birch branch (I'll be sharing more - once I've had a chance to use the product). 

Chai Latte - Hello!

Chaiwala Chai - have packaged some real goodness and made it simple to enjoy chai - tea or as a latte (which I've made at home and am in love!!) using milk or milk alternative. The fragrance of the chai is as delightful and warming to the senses as the liquor of the tea is to the body. It has create some competition for my hot chocolate moments. 

Chaiwala is the creation of Eamon & Becca, who live in Toronto - you can read more about how they came to be Chaiwalas here . I had the pleasure of speaking with Becca for a few moments, and her enthusiasm and passion about tea flows with ease. Also check out their blog for a bounty of recipes, who knew chai could be used in so many ways.

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Over all I found the show to be well attended ... but that could be more reflective of the small venue for the number of attendees. There were some interesting exhibits - if only you could actually get to the staff to learn more about the product. For the well versed in tea attendee I'm certain it is a gold mine of finds ... for those new tea or wishing to expand their knowledge (like myself) it can be overwhelming. To be able to experience a traditional tea ceremony is priceless - hoping  next year they have a separate space, away from the distraction of the festival crowds at the exhibitor tables. If I attend next year I will try going early in the day (as in when the festival first opens) to try and avoid the over crowding.

You can learn more about the Toronto Tea Festival by visiting their website here.

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Holt Renfrew Celebrates Lunar New Year - Year of the Rooster

Calligraphy Master ...

The wonderful thing about living in a diverse city like Toronto, is that you have the privilege of experiencing a touch of the celebrations of other cultures from around the world. And Holt Renfrew Bloor Street store held nothing back, once again bringing us Lunar New Year celebrations. 

The Master Calligrapher was back, creating a scroll of new year's wishes of your choice. It really is magical to see him at work. Each scroll is truly a work of art.

Tea Sampling 

I missed this display last year and was thrilled to be able to meet these wonderful ladies from the Chinese Tea Culture Canada. Along with some wonderful sampling of tea, there were some beautiful tea ware pieces - that took my breath away. As someone who takes the time to have a cup of tea each day, this was definitely a high light for me. 

Awakening the Lion

The Lion is a symbol of power, wisdom, good fortune; chases away evil spirits, brings happiness, longevity and good luck. Part of the Chinese culture for thousands of years, the lion dance is performed on auspicious occasions such as weddings, store openings, and various festivals and celebrations.
The Lion Dance was absolutely a high light for all in attendance... the music, the lion dance, and the lettuce! Yes, you read correctly ... lettuce ... I was told in Chinese the word for lettuce sounds similar to the word for wealth. The lion eats the wealth and spits it back to the audience to give them prosperity.

Peek of the Lion Dance ... enjoy

After their dance the lions went off to chase away any bad spirits from the store and attendees were treated to a red envelope. In Chinese culture red symbolizes good luck and is a symbol to ward off evil spirits.

Wishing Tree...

Attendees were given the opportunity to write a wish and hang it on the wishing tree. Once you hung your wish, you were treated to a beautiful Fete Chinoise Fortune Flower by Palettera. A unique message is printed on the back of each flower.

Chance to score your own beautiful Fortune Flower

The lovely ladies from Fete Chinoise, shared a couple extra Fortune Flowers with me again this year.  These are great for book marks and as a token of good fortune for the year ahead. .

The Magnolia Wish Tree is still on display at Holt Renfrew .

If you missed this amazing event ... mark your calendars for next year!!



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In the Kitchen #5 - Madeleines

This little French butter cake has been on my baking bucket list for some time. But, I was a little more than intimated to give them a try, until this week - and I'm beyond happy that I kicked my fear to the curb.

The recipe I used is from the Laduree Sucre recipe book ...

Ingredients:

2 lemons, unwaxed

3/4 C. + 1 tbsp. granulated sugar

1 1/3 C. + 1 tbsp cake flour

2 1/2 tbsp. cake flour for moulds

2 tsp. baking powder

12 1/2 tbsp. butter

1 1/2 tbsp. butter for moulds

4 eggs

1 12/3 tbsp. honey

Create the Magic:

Prepare the madeleine batter one day ahead.

Using a grater remove the zest from the lemons. Mix the grated zest with the sugar in a large bowl. Sift the flour and baking powder together in an other bowl. Melt the butter over low heat.

Place eggs in a bowl, add the sugar and lemon zest mixture, and honey. Whip until pale and frothy. Fold in the flour and baking powder mixture. Add  melted butter and combine. Refrigerate batter in a closed container for minimum 12 hours.

Love that all the messy stuff can be taken care the day before. So that there is only the baking pan to clean the next day.

Pre-heat oven to 390 °F .

Melt the 1 1/2 tbsp. of butter and brush the moulds, chill moulds for 15 minutes so the butter hardens. Lightly dust with flour , be sure tap excess flour by turning upside down. 

Fill moulds 3/4 to the top with batter. (I used a tablespoon scoop) - Place in oven bake: min madeleines 5-6 minutes; individual madeleines 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven when golden - letting cool slightly before removing from moulds. Best served after they have  cooled and are slightly warm.

Madeleines are the perfect accompaniment for an afternoon cup of tea... but I have discovered it is equally delightful with a morning cup of coffee. Allow to cool completely and store in an airtight container , so they remain soft and moist ( I stored mine in a zip lock bag - and they remained mosit and tasty for 3 days). 

Please share any tips you may have for baking madeleines in the comments.



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Sharing with: Happiness is Homemade - Sunday ; Inspiration Monday ; No Place Like Home-Mondays ;  

  Inspiration2 -Thursday ; Home and Garden Thursday ;  Feathered Nest Friday ;