One of my mom’s treasured books is her red Betty Crocker
Cookbook with its red spoon logo. I grew
up with it. I wonder where it is
now.
Well why bring up Betty Crocker?
This Saturday morning, the Little Red (painted) Church in Bowen
Island, also known as United Church, was having its annual Strawberry Shortcake
and Tea weekend. For CAD$12.00, I got a
classic North American strawberry shortcake with a cup of tea, and a small
plate of triangle and square sandwiches: egg salad, tuna, ham, and salmon. There is something special about holding and
nibbling two-small bite sandwiches without a crust.
The tea was served on real bone china made by Royal Albert
in England. There is something special
about sipping tea on bone china. Here is
somewhat of a reason why in the fabulous web site of Akira Hojo - see The effects of porcelain and bone china on the taste of tea.
Midway, I requested a second cup. What is it? I am enjoying it. The kindly lady told me it was a Tetley’s orange pekoe.
Midway, I requested a second cup. What is it? I am enjoying it. The kindly lady told me it was a Tetley’s orange pekoe.
But back to Betty Crocker.
The fictitious cook was first commissioned in 1936, to project flour manufacturer
General Mills' idea of the typical American homemaker — motherly, knowledgeable,
and caring. The Little Red Church women serving
and wearing summery kitchen aprons exuded that Betty Crockerish vibes – in looks
and in demeanor. In front of her
friends, one lady told me to go ahead and use the women’s toilet since the men’s
was occupied. Most unusual for women to
suggest, especially to a stranger. I saw
her leave the church hall later, stopped my meal, ran after her, and thanked
her. To my pleasant surprise, she gave
me a hug – and she doesn’t even know me .
The Strawberry Shortcake served was in classic North
American style – a 5 inch in diameter biscuit (baked by the ladies) with a
whipped cream filling, loaded with thinly-sliced fresh strawberries, and topped with more of both. The other presentation is
to use round sponge cakes instead of biscuits.
Today’s June 11th Strawberry Shortcake is timely
because National Strawberry Shortcake Day is celebrated annually on June 14th.
On my way out, I thanked the lady who was serving tea. She asked if I wanted a couple of Tetley’s tea bags for home.
“How thoughtful and caring”, I whispered to myself. “Just one please. Thank you!”
She handed me a small white paper pouch. Once I
got back to my retreat centre’s quarters that afternoon, I saw four tea bags
inside.
History of Betty Crocker see http://www.bettycrocker.com/menus-holidays-parties/mhplibrary/parties-and-get-togethers/vintage-betty/the-story-of-betty-crocker
History of Strawberry Shortcake see http://www.kitchenproject.com/history/Strawberries/StrawberryShortcake/
and
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