Although we’re southerners, born and raised, where Sunday dinner typically consists of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, soup beans, biscuits, cornbread, etc., we decided to go another route for our Sunday afternoon meal when our children were young. The reasons for doing this were two-fold. One, we wanted to give our children, who were involved in gymnastics and ballet, a better chance than we had of not growing up to be a fat kid, and two we wanted to teach them proper table manners, grace, and etiquette. So, on Sunday afternoon we sat down to tea with a tablecloth on the table and Blue Willow dishes from which to eat our sandwiches and scones. We played classical music in the background and talked about whatever topic came up. Needless to say, since our children were aged five, seven, and fifteen when we started this, give or take a year, the discussions usually centered around questions about something from a Sunday School lesson, or working out the logistics of an upcoming gymnastics meet when the younger two were older, or if it was November we discussed the Nutcracker a lot because all three children eventually danced in it as one or more characters.
During that timeframe, we were going to church in Huntsville which was a 50 minute drive one way, so during Nutcracker season the parts that our children were in usually held practice on Sunday afternoon. We tended to spend the whole day in Huntsville rather than make two round trips because not only did we go to the morning services we also attended the evening services. Those Sundays were really loooooong days for everyone. We enjoyed doing Nutcracker but were ever so glad to get back to our Sunday afternoons at home and continue the calming effect of afternoon tea.
Our children are all grown and gone now, but Rick and I still continue to have afternoon tea on Sunday in lieu of lunch and supper. Almost without fail I make a pot of Typhoo tea while Rick handles making lettuce wraps which are more Keto-friendly than the sandwiches of old. Don’t misunderstand me here and think that we are dyed-in-the-wool Keto folks like those we admire and are tying to emulate. We’re not, yet, but we’re working on it. We still enjoy a couple of Walkers shortbread cookies with our wraps and tea in the event that I’ve not gotten around to making a Keto cookie to enjoy instead. The impetus of this ritual isn’t so much eating for nourishment but enjoying the quietness of the moment. It gives us time to be still together, enjoy our tea and a light meal, and converse about the week that’s past or the one to come. And yes, we do still play classical music while we enjoy our afternoon together.
“Why Typhoo?” I hear you ask. “What happened to PG Tips?” Well, I’ll tell you. I can’t remember just when or why we started drinking Typhoo, but I’m pretty sure it’s because we ran out of PG Tips and teadog didn’t have that brand in stock at the time I went to order more but did have Typhoo. I think that at that time it was even offered in a tin, and you know me and tins. I still have and store my Typhoo in that rectangular red tin. It holds two foil bags, so I have one of regular Typhoo and one of decaf.
I really do enjoy Typhoo. It is a full-bodied blend with no bitterness, unless of course you let the teabags sit in the pot all day long (yes, I’ve done that) and then warm up that tea. Still, it only takes a bit more milk to tame this stronger cup of tea. I enjoy Typhoo with honey moreso than with Swerve, Stevia, or even monk fruit. Again, honey is not allowed on a Keto diet, but there are just some things I’m not willing to give up yet and my honey is one of them. I’ve given up many of the sugary and gluten rich foods that are not good for me, but honey will probably stick around for a while longer.
Since you’re sitting at the computer, take a few minutes and visit the Typhoo website. There’s a lot of good information there including the history of the brand. For example, I had no idea it began as a cure for indigestion. Amazing! When I visited the site before I started writing this post, I was surprised, and may I say thrilled, when I found that there are recipes for sweets to make and enjoy while drinking your tea. Needless to say, I’m going to have to try some of these. I’ll probably substitute Swerve for the sugar and almond flour for the flour. I think I’ll start with either the Honeyed Tea Cupcakes or the Tea Flavoured Shortbread. They all look quite yummy though, so I’m sure there’ll come a day when I can say I’ve tried them all. While I can drink tea by itself I really prefer to have 
something to go with it. Otherwise, it’s like eating a sandwich without potato chips. Also, take their quiz, share it on social media, and you could win a year’s supply of Typhoo tea. I took the quiz which ended up looking like this, but I haven’t figured out how to share it yet. I’m very behind the times and don’t have a clue as to how to use hashtags. Besides, while winning a year’s supply of Typhoo would be absolutely amazing, I’m even more interested in getting my hands on the little one-person teapot and cup that shows up in their home page banner. That would definitely make my day.
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Photo credit: teadog
Hooked on Quilting 