Saturday, June 25, 2011

Mad Tea Party 2011

Hello, all! And welcome to the tea party! Every year the Mad Tea Party is hosted online by the fabulous Veronica at A Fanciful Twist and this is my second year participating. As most of us who participate in the Mad Tea Party, I love all things Wonderland! This annual blog party gives me the perfect excuse to throw my very own tea party at home! So me, my two daughters, my son, and a couple of friends of theirs sat down to tea and we all invite you to join us. I'll be sharing photos of the table decorations and food, and the recipes (that did not originate with me) for the treats we are offering.

This is my dining table all decked out in Wonderland splendor and loaded with so many foodie goodies!

These are a few of my tea pots, each with its own tea. We have Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and Green Teas here.

Another view of some tea pots and chess pieces.

Eat Me mini cupcakes. Four different flavors to satisfy every one's tastes: lemon, strawberry, red velvet, and chocolate.

Would you like jam on those cupcakes?

We have some Darjeeling tea in this tea pot.

My eldest daughter, Jane, and her friend, Hannah, enjoying some tea.

My son, Scott, and daughter, Kassy, enjoying some cake and sandwiches.

Golden Afternoon Lemon/Strawberry cake. This was made with boxed strawberry cake mix and store-bought lemon icing piped with a star tip.

Bread-and-Butterfly Pineapple Cream Cheese Sandwiches. I used rye bread for these but I think white bread would have been a better choice.

Bread-and-Butterfly Pineapple Cream Cheese Sandwiches

3/4 cup soft butter
1 tsp cinnamon
20 slice of bread (your choice)
1 1/2 cups soft cream cheese
1/2 cup pineapple, finely chopped and drained
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (I used pecans)

Combine the butter with the cinnamon and spread over 1 side of each slice of bread.

In a small bowl, cream the cream cheese, if necessary, and stir in pineapple and nuts.

Spread the cream cheese mixture over 10 slices of bread and top with the other 10 slices. Remove the crusts, if preferred, and cut each sandwich into 4 squares of 3 fingers.

Humpty Dumpty Deviled Egg Sandwiches. If you love deviled eggs, you'll love this sandwich!

Humpty Dumpty Deviled Egg Sandwiches

3/4 cup soft butter
20 thin slices of bread (your choice)
5 hard boiled eggs
2 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tsp mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste

Spread 1 side of each slice of bread with butter.

Place the eggs, mayo, mustard, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper in a food processor. Whirl until a spread is formed (I used my potato masher instead). Add more mayonnaise, if needed, to bring it to spreading consistency.

Spread the mixture on 10 slices of bread and top with the other 10 slices. Remove crusts, if preferred, and cut into squares or fingers.

More Pepper Chicken Salad Sandwiches. These were a favorite, so you might want to make a double batch!

More Pepper Chicken Salad Sandwiches

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp ground black pepper (I used more, hence the name)
2 cups chopped, cooked chicken (I used the kind you can find in a can)
1/2 cup blanched slivered almonds
1 stalk celery
bread of your choice

Place almonds in a frying pan. Toast over medium-high heat, shaking frequently. Watch them carefully, as they burn easily.

In a medium bowl, mix together mayo, lemon juice, and pepper. Toss with chicken, almonds, and celery.

Spread the mixture onto slices of bread and top with other slices of bread.

Very Merry Un-Pickled Sandwiches. Just another name for cucumber sandwiches, lol.

Very Merry Un-Pickled Sandwiches

2 medium size cucumbers
1 tub whipped cream cheese spread
shaker of dill weed
1 packets of dry Italian seasoning
your choice of bread

Peel cucumbers and slice thinly. Set aside.

In small bowl, stir together cream cheese and dressing mix; mix well.

Using a butter knife, spread the mixture onto the slice of bread; a very thin layer of this mixture is enough.

Lay one slice of cucumber in the middle of each bread (I laid four slices in the four corners of the bread and then cut them into squares). Add one shake of dill weed. One or two small shakes is enough.

Top the slices of bread with other slices and cut into squares. Remove crust, if preferred.

Here is Mr. Hedgehog taking a break from croquet.

The red queen; it's your move.

This is a playing card centerpiece I created for this event.

All Ways Are MY Ways Cake. This is the Queen's favorite recipe for cake!

All Ways Are MY Ways Cake

1 Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix (I used 2, 1 box, amounts of water, oil and eggs for each layer - I have a very deep heart baking pan)
3/4 cup water
1/3 vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 container (6 oz) Strawberry Greek Yogurt ( I used one to mix in with the batter and used another to layer in between the layers)
1 container  (12 oz) Whipped White Frosting (can be store-bought)
3/4 cup frozen (thawed) whipped topping
10 fresh strawberries (I used more, because Hey, It's MY Way!)
2 tbsp of mini semisweet chocolate chips



Bake 8-inch rounds 27 to 32 minutes, 9-inch rounds 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool at least 10 minutes, then remove the cakes from pans and put on cooling racks. Cool completely.

In medium bowl, add frosting; fold in whipped topping.

On serving plate, place one cake, rounded side down. (I spread strawberry yogurt over top of the layer) Spread with 1/3 cup frosting almost to the edge. Cut about 5 strawberries into slices and arrange on the layer. Top with second cake, rounded side up. Frost sides and top of cake with remaining frosting. Garnish with about 5 halved strawberries in the center of the cake. Sprinkle chocolate chips around the outside edge of top of cake. Store loosely covered in refrigerator until ready to serve.

The inside of the delicious, delectable, and delightful All Ways Are MY Ways Cake.

It seems the Mad Hatter left his hat on the table. All the tea and cake must have been distracting!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you had a good time and filled yourself with tea, cake, and sandwiches. It was wonderful having you here. Don't forget to stop and smell the roses....

If you become a follower or an existing follower, please add that with your comment. I will be doing a random drawing on July 1, and announce the winner here. The prize will be a whole lot of scrapping and crafting goodies! Please check back to see if you're the winner and contact me. The winner will have 2 weeks to email me at forevervampress@aol.com , his or her address or will forfeit the prize. Thanks for visiting and playing along!
post signature

68 comments:

  1. Holy Cow Celina no wonder you forgot QOTW!!!! That is amazing!!! You table is so creative and wonderfully done! It looks like SO much fun!!!! YUM!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow! That playing card centerpiece is awesome! Thanks for sharing all the beauty from your party.

    http://pixiepages.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-tasting-extravaganza.html

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is amazing... loved it - so glad you invited me to attend. i am going to become a new follower. can\t wait to try the devil egg sandwiches

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh My! What a Wonderland party you have created! Yum and Yum! I want to jump into the lemon cake...do you think anyone would mind?
    Thank you so much for the invitation to tea.
    Hugs,
    Terri
    http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party.html

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gorgeous center piece! Thanks for having me over. :) Cake looks delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for the invitation...LOVE your creative centerpiece! Calories dont count today, right? I'm a follower ~ thank you for the chance to win scrap loot. xo

    ReplyDelete
  7. Such a sweet tea party post, thanks for having me over.

    Zoe
    http://blessedbeeapothecary.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  8. Every thing was delicious and delightful! Thank you for having me over.
    I do hope you will also visit me
    http://www.anaboocreations.blogspot.com
    Sylvia : )

    ReplyDelete
  9. OMG!!! The pics are FANTASTIC! I love the playing cards .... and i hope for me that the 10000000 kcal dont come over ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you for the recipes. Your tea party looks yummy.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thank you for the invite, I love, love mad hatter and Alice in Wonderland, your t.
    Hugs,
    Bobbieable decor is amazing. Thanks for all the delicious recipes

    ReplyDelete
  12. So much to see here and then I need to pop over to Altered Alice for a quick look. I would love to follow (and maybe already do) but your follower thingee is not working even after I refresh.

    Have you done a tutorial on your playing card garland centerpiece? I'd love to see more of it.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow Celina - that tea party looks soooo inviting! You obviously went to a great deal of effort and I am sure it paid off - I am writing recipes!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a fabulous tea party! I'm loving the ones that include tea and sandwiches - something that I love and which is often overlooked.

    Thanks for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  15. wonderful party and I so love recipes!

    ReplyDelete
  16. New follower here and I'm loving this blog. Can't wait for some spare time to explore some more. I loved the Tea Party decorations; I kept expecting to see the Cheshire Cat pop in!

    ReplyDelete
  17. thank you for all of the recipes! This way I can make magic as you do. What a delightful day.

    Thanks too for swinging by and visiting my party. I'm getting a wee bit tired and over sugared from all of this merriment.

    Sweet dreams!

    ReplyDelete
  18. such a yummy tea party! thank you for all the delicious recipes! can't wait to make the cake!
    thanks for having me
    lisa

    ReplyDelete
  19. A delicious and pretty tea party. Glad I came.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi, I accidentally left a wrong blog address. Here is the correct one
    http://www.anaboocreationsbysylvia.blogspot.com
    Thank you,
    Sylvia

    ReplyDelete
  21. What a fun party, all of those treats look absolutely delicious!! Thank you so much for inviting me :) ~Lauren

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wow what fun! Looks like you guys had some yummy eats! I am a new follower! Love what I see and look forward to seeing more!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Wow what a lovely spread! I love the pots and of course all the gorgeous food! Would love to have been there and devoured a plate or two! Thanks for stopping by for some tea...sorry was late(the time difference caught up with me and had to take a nap...plus the hare). Lovely tea party! enjoyed it would try the chicken sandwich recipe looks yummy!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wow, what a party, and such treats! And I really love the playing card centerpiece :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. What I great job - I wish I was there!
    Hugs
    Lisa
    theenchantedoven.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. what a wonderful tea party!! I thoroughly enjoyed having a cup with you ! And thanks for all the yummie reipes !!
    Come visit my party too ?!

    Joyce
    http://jetdtsetters.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. So funny table!

    I love it!

    Everything look so yummy


    I love your Mad tea party post and your madness!

    Visit me anytime...

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  28. WOW! This is amazing! I so wish I were there! My oldest niece is having a birthday next month and would freak with something like this...is there any chance you would share a tutorial for that centerpiece! Absolutely jaw droppingly gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  29. The chocolate cake looks delectable. I would like a piece please.

    Have a mad party!
    Erin :)

    http://www.fairiemoon.typepad.com/weathertop

    ReplyDelete
  30. So sorry I am late
    For this important date.
    I'm still making my way down the list.

    With too little time
    I'm leaving this rhyme
    For I'm adamant about wanting to persist.

    All this running about
    Has left me dry in the mouth.
    Might I have a cup of tea?

    Your cakes and sandwiches
    and your Always Are My Ways
    are oh so tempting to me

    Oh my, the time
    It goes so fast
    I must be on my way

    But fear not friend
    I shall return
    Please……Have a beautiful day.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hello! - thanks for stopping by my party last night. I thought I had hit all the parties yesterday but I was wrong! Thanks for sharing your link with me. I absolutely love that centerpeice with the cards. All of the goodies look so delicious (gosh and I haven't even eaten this morning its going to send me rushing to the sweets!)

    I'm one of your new followers so sign me up for the goodies!
    *ehuggles*
    Tabitha
    http://pabkins.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party-my-wonderland-wedding.html

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thanks for inviting me over Celina!
    All was delicious!
    xo,
    Karla
    www.dreamaginarius.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thanks for inviting me over Celina!
    All was delicious!
    xo,
    Karla
    www.dreamaginarius.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. OH MY GOOoooodness, your Tea Party spread is beyond belief!! Just wonderful! Thank you for sharing such a delightful party in your Wonderland nook!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Love your playing card centerpiece! Thanks for the tea!
    ~Kim
    Bonne Nuit Designs
    http://faeriebootsandfoiegras.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Red velvet is my FAV. How did you know? I love your playing card centerpiece. What a sweet idea.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Wowser! LOVE the recipes! I actually thought about doing the tea party like that but never did get around to it. I am SO glad you did. This is a wonderful idea and I'm definitely going to try them out. Cheers - LOved it all - Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  38. Oh my. A mad party with recipes! That's a party that keeps on giving. I couldn't decide which sandwich looked best, so I had one of each. I hope that's okay. And so many teapots! I had a cup of Earl Grey, because that was Captain Picard's tea of choice in Star Trek - The Next Generation. Thank you so much for the invite. I had a wonderful time!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Such a wonderful and magical to-do, thank you for inviting me over to share your tea and enchantment! I love that card centerpiece and all the recipes sound delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Oh my what a wonderful spread! I love how you decorated your dessert table with the fabrics and cards. I'll take some sandwiches, cake and cupcakes with my tea :) Thank you for having me over. Delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I'd like to stay and party with you all. Such a full table; such fun people; such DELICIOUS food. Can I stay, maybe till next Wednesday? :) Thanks for visiting my party, too. Charlotte

    ReplyDelete
  42. That centerpiece is absolutely amazing!! Wow. A beautiful post in general, and it looked like everyone had a marvelous time. Thank you for inviting me. :)

    <3

    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hi Celina, what a delightful party and wonderful spread! I did take a couple of the recipes.
    can you explain this one a bit better...
    "Combine the butter with the cinnamon and spread over 1 side of each slice of bread.

    In a small bowl, cream the cream cheese, if necessary, and stir in pineapple and nuts.

    Spread the cream cheese mixture over 10 slices of bread and top with the other 10 slices. Remove the crusts, if preferred, and cut each sandwich into 4 squares of 3 fingers." the pineapple one.( you confuse with the slices of bread, how many what goes where, then the last part, cut in 4--3 fingers? sorry I must be sounding quite dumb. I do cook and bake, but I am just not getting this part.
    I LOVE the idea of that cake!(though I really don't need it, LOL.

    anyway, please do come to my party!(i have a giveaway also, and your case actually the chance for 2)
    Susan

    http://piecesoffatesusan.blogspot.com/2011/06/fanciful-twists-mad-tea-party-2011.html

    ReplyDelete
  44. oh how awesome! Now I'm feeling bad for my very uncreative post :( Well next year! I love the playing card centerpiece! How did you make it? it looks like its being held u by magic!

    ReplyDelete
  45. What wonderful treats in Wonderland! So many beautiful sweets! A fine tea party, indeed!
    Thank you for including me. ;)

    You are welcome to join me also:
    http://www.inthelandofspice.com/spiceblog/spiceblog/Entries/2011/6/25_Mad_Tea_Party.html

    ReplyDelete
  46. Oh my, what a great time I had at your party. All of your sweet treats were amazing. It was hard for me to choose and the finger sandwiches were delightful. Your table was wonderful. I had a great time meeting all of your guests, Please visit me:
    momentsdinaneye.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. wow! love your party! and thanks sooo much for sharing the recipes. i just may use a couple for next year's party ;-D

    ReplyDelete
  48. I love that card centerpiece! We had a mad hatter's ball for our uni ball this year, and that sort of thing was featured quite often in our hats!
    Those cakes look divine too.. and those sandwiches... well let's just say I'm suddenly hungry!!
    Thanks for the invite!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Wow!! What a table!! I love the upside down cupcakes!!

    Hope your party was madly delicious!!

    Eloïse from France

    ReplyDelete
  50. Oh what a gorgeous spread you've laid out! Delicious! Thanks for inviting me and for stopping by my party earlier!

    xoxo
    Gigi

    ReplyDelete
  51. What a beautiful party! Very yummy indeed. Sorry's it taken me so long to stop by for some tea, I'm even now still making my way through the party posts. Hope you enjoyed the festivities and thanks for visiting my party :}

    Roisin x

    ReplyDelete
  52. How fun... and I love your playing card centerpiece! Your deserts look supper yummy too! I wish the kitties and I could have partaken of the goodies (however their tastes tend more to the tuna and catnip selections).
    Thank you for visiting my Mad Catter party and your kind words, this is all so much fun!!!
    Furry blessings,
    Tricia

    ReplyDelete
  53. Fun and delicious party thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Whoa!
    You really went all out.
    Everything looks delicious. I hope you had people help you scarf this all down...that's a ton of food!

    Your playing card center piece was NEAT! You should do a tutorial on it!
    Bye-
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  55. Whoa!
    You really went all out.
    Everything looks delicious. I hope you had people help you scarf this all down...that's a ton of food!

    Your playing card center piece was NEAT! You should do a tutorial on it!
    Bye-
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  56. Yummy & Amazing!! How Completely Fantastic!! XO

    ReplyDelete
  57. Oh, your table setting and all the goodies to eat are just fabulous!
    So sweet to post some recipes, too.
    Yum, yum.

    ReplyDelete
  58. What an awesome tea party!! Loved all the recipes, thanks for sharing them :D

    ReplyDelete
  59. Fun, fun, fun party! Thanks for sharing all the recipes, all the sandwiches looked delightful!

    ReplyDelete
  60. What a fabulous party, thankyou so much for inviting me, I had such a great time :)
    what fabulous cakes !!
    thankyou for stopping by my party too, i hope you enjoyed it as much as i did :)
    mad madam mel x

    ReplyDelete
  61. I'm awfully late I know, but I'm so glad I made it! Your sandwiches are to die for! Wow - such yumminess here...and all of your different teas in those gorgeous teapots - I enjoyed my visit very much.

    ReplyDelete
  62. love your tea party spread, especially the playing card centerpiece! great job!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Thank you for the wonderful treats & all the recipes! I'm so glad you stopped by my little party & left me an invite :)

    ReplyDelete
  64. What an incredible party! I love your table--so many beautiful dishes and beautiful desserts! And I'm in love with your playing card centerpiece <3

    ReplyDelete
  65. Oh yummy! yummy yummy yummy yummy! :-)

    I loved your tea party, I especially loved all your teapots with different teas in them.

    Oh and did I mention that the cakes and sandwiches were yummy? ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  66. I am now a follower of your blog and thank you for the chance to win.:)

    ReplyDelete
  67. I want to live with you!!! What a fabulous party, you are amazing!

    ReplyDelete