A Message from Ruth at Antiques And Teacups

Welcome to the blog of Antiques And Teacups! Let's share a cup of tea and talk about the things we love...like teacups, antiques, collectibles, visiting England, antiquing and learning about victoriana and quirky gadgets. Fun!

Monday, December 4, 2017

Tuesday Cuppa Tea, Antique Postcard, Christmas Mug, Chocolate Peppermint Bark



Hello and welcome to Tuesday Cuppa Tea for the first of December!


I am starting the post with...

an antique Christmas postcard for December 4th...


This reminds me of an illuminated manuscript...
They poem says...

Blessing Bright
as Dew From Heaven
Fall upon your way
Life's best gifts
to you be given
this glad
Christmas Day


It was postally sent in 1909...wonderful!




My teacup for today is an English bone china mug, used while I was working getting the tree up. It's the first time I have done it basically by myself, as my husband couldn't help as he usually does. Not easy for him, as he has always been a do-it-all guy.
But...it's up, but not decorated yet...that's next!



The pretty Christmas poinsettia mug is from the 1970s.  Duchess is a trademark of A. T. Finney, and is named for the name of the pottery works, the Duchess Works in Longton.
In 1969 Duchess was acquired by a pottery conglomerate called the Tams Group and then in the 1990s was acquired by Grimwades, who became exclusively Royal Winton in 1995. 
I am happy to say that Duchess is still being manufactured in the UK. Hooray!



Now for goodies!



I found this really simple and VERY delicious peppermint candy recipe at SimplyRecipes.com and wanted to share it again. I plan to make it this week for giving, and usually make it each Christmas season...at least once if not more, depending on the need:

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Recipe

  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

  • 12 oz. of high-quality white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips
  • 5 regular sized candy canes, crushed up
  • 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract

METHOD

1 Break up peppermint candy into little pieces. Melt the chocolate according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once melted, add the peppermint extract and stir.
2 Pour the melted chocolate out onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and spread out with a spatula or wooden spoon. Sprinkle the peppermint candy chunks on to the chocolate and gently press them in with yours hands.
3 Place in the freezer for 5 minutes or until hardened. Break into pieces and serve or store in the fridge in an airtight container.

Thanks for joining me for my first Christmas tea...more to come, of course! I will be posting an antique Christmas postcard a day, as I really love them!
I will be joining...

Here is the Tuesday Cuppa Tea linky for your tea related posts...please remember that it is SSSLLLOOOOOOWWWW but if you are patient...it's there!  I am so looking forward to visiting you!


8 comments:

  1. I read your previous post, Ruth, and was happy to hear your good news on your dear hubby!
    Your bone china Duchess cup is so pretty and perfect for this time of the year. My one granddaughter and I are going to make peppermint bark tomorrow.
    Thank you for hosting and have a happy week!

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  2. Love your Christmas mug! The pattern is so pretty! I too read your previous post and am so glad to hear your hubby is doing better. I haven't made bark in a while but it is so good. I make the white chocolate with almonds although the peppermint looks so festive! Have a lovely day, dear Ruth, and thank you for hosting. Blessings...Sandi

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  3. Thanks for hosting,Ruth!The vintage card is wonderful and the mug so pretty!Best wishes!Maristella.

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  4. I have 5 Duchess tea sets with poinsettias so it was interesting to learn about their history. Glad that the pottery is still around. The peppermint bark looks yummy. I'm on a candy cane/peppermint kick these days. Thanks for hosting and have fun decorating your tree.

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  5. Ruth, I have made the bark with white "chocolate" but what a great idea to use dark chocolate. Love it. Thanks for sharing. Sylvia D.

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  6. Hi Ruth,
    I love using pretty Christmas mugs at Christmas and display them on my counter at Christmas. I'm so sorry your hubby wasn't able to help you decorate this year but I am so happy he is feeling a bit better. My artificial tree is very heavy and I know I will struggle if he isn't able to help me. Your Christmas bark looks fabulous. Happy December! Karen

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  7. Ruth, thank you for hosting. Looking forward to checking out all the links in between power outages! So glad your husband's test results were good. What a relief.

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  8. Ruth:
    Your mug is lovely and would make a perfect gift for someone. I love the recipe you shared and their site was delightful - I printed out several of their recipes! Thanks for sharing.

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Thanks for visiting and we love to hear from you! We read every comment. If my husband's health permits, I love to visit andreply. Have a wonderful day and a cuppa tea always at hand! :)

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