The Tea Room

Tablescape ~ Snowflake Votive Candles

 

Silver snowflakes sparkle in a blue votive candle.  Perfect for winter, day or night.  And perfect for gifts for your guests, too!

 

Credit: Photo from American Bridal 

Tablescape ~ Tea Cup Votive Candles

 

Candlelight is always a beautiful way to warm a table where family and friends gather.  And, especially in winter, tea lights create a delightful and welcoming glow.  Aren't these litte tea cup votives charming?  Consider giving one to each of your guests!   

 

Credit: Photo from American Bridal 

Recipe ~ Jam-Filled Cream Cheese Cookies

The holidays have come and gone, it's time to enjoy quiet winter moments with tea and cookies.  Jam-filled cream cheese cookies are perfect for any time of year.  Delicious!

Jam-Filled Cream Cheese Cookies

Ingredients

Makes 48

• 8 ounces bar cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 1/2 cups jam, jelly, or preserves

Directions

1. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, butter, and sugar until light and fluffy. With mixer on low, add flour and salt; beat until combined (do not overmix).
2. Divide dough into 3 portions; flatten each into a disk. Roll each disk to an 1/8-inch thickness between sheets of parchment. Stack dough (still in parchment) on a baking sheet; refrigerate 20 minutes. (To store, wrap in plastic and freeze on sheet, up to 2 weeks. Thaw until pliable before using.)
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. Mix egg yolk with 1/2 teaspoon water. Working with 1 dough sheet at a time, peel off parchment (save for baking). With a 2 1/2-inch round or 2-inch star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon jam into center of each and brush exposed dough with egg wash. Shape cookies (see below); arrange, 2 inches apart, on two parchment-lined baking sheets and refrigerate 20 minutes (reroll scraps).
4. Bake until cookies are light golden brown, about 15 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Let cool completely on wire racks. (To store, cover and keep at room temperature, up to 4 days.)

 

Credits:  Photo and recipe from Martha Stewart.