Revisiting a charming
post from 2011 for Throwback Thursday.
Join me for some shortbread and a cup of tea.
While not the first
teacup in my ever-growing, continually-evolving collection, this one called “Torquay” is very near the
first. I spotted it, years ago, across the room at an upscale furniture
store as part of a display; it was not for sale. But there was something
about the rich, deep blue hues, and the unusual pattern of sea life on both cup
and saucer that drew me in. One look at the name on the bottom and I knew
I had to have it! Why? Torquay is a town in the county of Devon in England that
I have had the great pleasure to visit. In the early 19th century the town
began to develop into a fashionable seaside resort, and later became
the crème de la crème of Victorian society as the town's fame spread,
eventually earning it the nickname of the English Riviera. It was also
the home of Dame Agatha Christie, who lived the majority of her life there. The
town contains an "Agatha Christie Mile" -- a walking tour with
informational plaques and a bust of Christie, dedicated to her life and
work. Mystery lover that I am, I had to have this representation of one
of my favorite mystery authors in my collection. It took a bit of
conversation with both sales lady and store manager, but I was finally able to
secure it for the mere price of $8.00. I have loved it ever since.
Please join me for a
cup of tea and a delicious shortbread cookie, embossed with Agatha's name.
Aren't these adorable? I used a Brigitte-Keks
Message on a Cookie Cutter Set to cut the out and emboss them and it was great fun
and a real breeze.
Agatha's Shortbread
1-1/2 sticks
unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure
vanilla extract
1-3/4 cups
all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon Kosher
salt
Preheat the oven to
350° F.
In the bowl of an
electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until
just combined. Add the vanilla.
In a medium bowl,
sift together flour and salt, then slowly add to the creamed mixture. Mix on
low speed until the dough starts to come together. Turn out onto a surface
lightly dusted with flour and shape into a flat disk. Wrap in plastic and chill
for 30 minutes.
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The souvenir city
spoon was purchased in Oxford, the city where Agatha's life ended, so I thought
it appropriate to include it as well.
Books - The Agatha Christie Collection Tablecovering - Denim fabric from Hancock Fabrics Cotswold Cottage - David Winter 1981 Teacup - "Torquay" Mottahedeh England Brigitte-Keks Message on a Cookie Cutter Set - Amazon
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