British Tradition with a Southern AccentTM.

Tea has a long and rich tradition in the British Isles; but, as with all British traditions to which my husband and his British mother introduced me, I have always seen it through my uniquely Southern eyes.  Christmas dinner has always been yorkshire pudding with gravy and cornbread dressing; Thanksgiving has always been pumpkin pie and pecan pie; and the 4th of July has always been, well, 100% American (some things just don’t translate).

While my husband, Bill, has always embraced his British heritage, my sister, Angela, and I (as Keenans), have always embraced our Irish heritage.  Therefore, as with so many things in America, we have stirred it all together to create Shamrock, Rose and Thistle.  The shamrock is for Ireland, the rose is for England, and the thistle is for Scotland.

Like most little girls, my sister and I loved having tea parties.  As I grew up, I never lost my love of beautiful china, lovely linens, wonderful food and, of course, tea.  I have never been a coffee drinker, but I fell in love with tea.  There is nothing more calming or refreshing than tea (hot or cold).

On my travels to England with my husband, I was introduced to “cream teas” (basically, tea and scones, with clotted cream and jam), as well as, the concept of “tea” as a light meal.  My sister and I love to cook, and we have found some wonderful recipes for tea cakes, tarts, cookies, scones, soups, quiche, and salads to serve with tea.

Recipes, as seen through our uniquely Southern eyes, and served at the Shamrock, Rose, and Thistle with true Southern hospitality.  Whether in our tea dining room, tea parlor, tea bar, or tea garden, I hope you will join us to relax and enjoy this lovely tradition of afternoon tea, with a Southern accent.

Rhonda McGinnis