On the Way to Cape May: Tea by the Sea

Angel of the Sea B&B: from top left- exterior, sign with namesake's mermaid angel, tea cups and saucer collection, view from the porch. photos Cpaul2013

While any summer day at the beach is a delight, I find what could be called the "off-season" is one of my favorite times to escape to the seaside. These short weeks just before the rush of tourists arrive or just after the last of the crowds dissipates at summers end, when the weather is still sunny but mild, are perfect for exploring the quiet beaches and local area charm. 

Recently, I was lucky to be treated to a quick Spring girls getaway- (Mother, Aunt, and friend in tow) to the charming town of Cape May NJ., known for it's history, (one of the oldest seaside resorts) galleries and shops, and especially its delightful Victorian architecture.

 We stayed at a charming historic B&B called Angel of the Sea which hosted afternoon tea on the lovely open porches. Of course, once back home, this served as inspiration for a by-the-sea themed tea party featuring ocean inspired sweet treats to kick off summer, even in my landlocked backyard. (Plus I had bought an adorable shell sugar & creamer set for $5.59 I was itching to use)

On the Menu: Sand Dollar cookies, Pearl shortbreads, Sea Glass Candy and assorted hot and iced herbal teas

I used simple blue and white tea cups

Casually mismatched china  (I don't have a matching set of anything anyway) and a wicker basket gives a relaxed beachy feel. A scrap of blue lace picks up the color scheme.

Sea Glass Candy

Sea Glass Candy in brown sugar "sand"

It's amazing how something as undesirable as broken glass becomes somehow enchanting after a long tumble about in the waves. As a child finding a magical piece of sea glass was akin to finding a precious jewel. So why not pay homage to these beach-combing gems with a sweet and pretty treat.
 A quick internet search found countless recipes to create a sea glass candy that mimics the real thing. Some recipes call for boiling down sugar syrup but past experiences have put me off that process (yes candy thermometers can explode!) so I found a shortcut version using colored hard candy and powdered sugar. 

beachgirl image from graphics fairy

You'll Need:

hard candy in appropriate colors

powdered sugar

cooking spray

Simply line a cookie tray with foil and spritz with cooking spray and arrange candy separating by color. (Large candies can be crushed slightly)
Melt in a 350 degree preheated oven and check constantly.
In 2-5 minutes candy should be melted into puddles.

Carefully remove and when cool, break into pieces. Be careful to remove sharp edges.

Sift powder sugar over candy and toss lightlty to coat pieces. Rub off extra sugar with paper towel to give slightly opaque finish. Nestle the candy in brown sugar "sand" to display if desired.

This is the process I used for my iceberg toppers for my Polar Bear Club party, to see a tutorial with photos click here pennywiseblog polar bear club

Place in a jar and label, be careful not to display the real thing in an accessible spot to avoid confusion, especially around kids. Not suitable for small children.

vintage postcard allposters.com

Seaside Cookies

Pearl Shortbreads  * Sand Dollar Cookies

There so many amazing recipes for realistic shell and beach theme cookies using specific pans, professional baking ingredients and advanced kitchen skills. Short on all of those, I chose some much simpler ideas that still give a nod to the treasures of the sea. These are semi-scratch using store-bought treats as the starting point and just require some assembly.

To see the inspiration cookies or try more challenging recipes visit these delightful blogs finebaking.blogspot.com (scroll down for English), mamamiss.com and for cute kid clamshell cookies babylifestyles.com.

Pearl Shortbreads

You'll Need:

you favorite shell-like cookie ( I used inexpensive shortbread)

any color flavored icing

white coated chocolate candy- (I used white candies from white and green coconut M&M's)

Sand Dollar Cookies

You'll Need:

round thin cookie 

white meltable chocolate

slivered almonds

The ingredients: almonds, white chocolate, butter cookies 
(the elves are making an all natural cookie now-woopee)

Simple pleasures: biking on a foggy morning or relaxing on the porch

photoCPaul2013

Vintage photo exitzero

With full length dresses and hats and parasols, I suppose they didn't worry about sunburn in those days

Known as Painted Ladies, Cape May boasts streets lined with beautiful candy colored historic homes with "gingerbread" accents. 

Some of Cape May's best known landmarks:

The famous Pink House

 Historic Chalfont Hotel

Stately Congress Hall

(images Flickr.com)

PennyWise Tips

For fun and fascinating facts about this historic seaside resort visit the Cape May Historical Museum  and Genealogy Society

When creating a tablescape, I always "shop" around my house for items to use first

I popped some shells and a flameless candle in an IKEA outdoor lantern for a quick display 

And a birdhouse with a nautical topper which I had in the guest room adds to the theme