Welcome, Dear Readers!
When Su and I first discussed a virtual tea party a year ago, neither of us knew how it would resonate with our followers. We certainly wouldn’t have believed what the world was about to experience.
A most extraordinary year later, still in the midst of pandemic and societal injustices it’s helped expose, I’m not feeling very analytical.
But I do recognise that some things haven’t changed — the need to eat, to communicate, to enjoy the company of others — and these things can be shared electronically. New interests can develop, new life paths can be found.
The humanity of mankind can and does flourish, especially in hard times — in pot banging to support first responders, in childrens’ rainbow pictures in windows, in communities banding together to give a single mom a car…
And we can all enjoy the comfort of a warm (or cool in summer) cuppa, with a bit of a nosh along side.
For this month’s Tea Party I decided to try making — or prepping things so you can make your own — Cranachan.
Cranachan is a traditional festive Scottish pudding of whipped cream, toasted oatmeal, raspberries, and whiskey.
Alas, my kitchen doesn’t run to the last, but if you’ve got your own wee flask, suit yourself. 😉
As is also traditional, I’ve got plates and bowls of the ingredients so you can mix your own – in layers or all mixed together. And if we run out of raspberries, I’ve blueberries, raisins, cranberries – but this is virtual cranachan, so there’s no fear of running out!
It wouldn’t be a holiday for me without an extra spicey Raisin Spice Cake, and some digestives for those without a sweet tooth.
If you’d like something more substantial with your tea, I’ve Mrs. Beeton’s scones – a delicate, plain variety to offset a mustard chicken & grape filling, with some sunflower seeds to give it extra crunch.
Not being much for champers, I usually toast in the New Year with either a good seltzer & fruit mix, or hot chocolate.
Whatever your tipple, enjoy it as we look forward to the beginning of 2021!
Your invitation
Please feel free to celebrate with us with a post of your own, a recipe, or a piccie of your own cuppa.
I’ll update this post with a ping back to your post. If you’re an IG person, we’re at #virtualteaparty2020.
The Lovely Canadian, Deb (The Widow Badass), has posted a most delectable tea, and you will not believe the ornament at the top of her post!
From this past year’s tea parties ~
Curls n Skirls 
You’ve got me adding raspberries to the shopping list Del. I love cranachan
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How lovely, Su! What kid of oatmeal do you use, and do you toast it? I used what Americans call “old-fashioned” oatmeal; i.e., not instant. (But they still include microwave instructions for cooking. 🙄)
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I’ve used both pinhead oatmeal, and what’s sold here as rolled oats — that could be the same as your old fashioned oats. I’ve never bought instant oats — I guess they’re cooked a bit more first? Confusing isn’t it.
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Definitely confusing, Su!
I’ve heard of pinhead oatmeal, but have no idea what it’s like; same with rolled oats. Might the confusion be due to what each country names the different kinds? Guess I should look them all up. . . someday! 😉
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Delicious, Del! I’m coming over…put the kettle on!
Deb
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It’s on the hob, Deb! See ya soon-ish!
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