A Gluten-free Tea Party for Big Girls

Don't you just want to dive in there?

I was invited to a tea party by a dear friend recently. Normally, I turn those down since all those goodies are off limits to me and it can be quite depressing. I don't mind spending time with friends over tea, but it breaks my heart sometimes when a lovely affair is catered and I'm munching on fruit. But this time it was different. I wouldn't have to turn it down, I wouldn't have to pass on dessert, and as a matter of fact, I would have to refrain from eating too much. Surprise, surprise...everything was gluten free and fabulous.



And not only were all the treats GF, but the little finger sandwiches made by the adorable husband of my friend were made using Udi's bread. Yum! Top that off with every attention to detail in the design of the room down to the amazingly beautiful Ikebana flower arrangements keeping the theme of blue and yellow throughout their lovely home.

Lovely flowers

Crispy, light sugar cookies

 The party was catered by Angela Saban of Angel Cakes Bakery. Wow! It is very unusual for me to be speechless, but I couldn't find the words to express how delighted I was at everything I tried. Excuse me while I take a few minutes to gush...

Finger sandwiches with arugula and egg...yum!
(Thanks Chris)

Luscious lemon tarts

There were lovely, light and crispy sugar cookies tied in sweet blue ribbons. Along with those were luscious and delicate lemon tarts in a GF crust that was flaky and buttery, just like grandma used to make. Perfect little bites of lemon creme and topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

 

My favorites would have to be the little vanilla cakes with whipped cream icing and fresh fruit. The cake was so light and fluffy, I could have eaten the entire plate and not felt full (I tried, but darn it there were other people who wanted some.)

Little cakes with whipped cream frosting...oh I still dream about these.

The centerpiece of the table was a beautiful chocolate cake with chocolate mousse filling. I didn't know if I even wanted to eat it, it was that beautiful. Even the flower on top was made of sugar...But I found the courage and couldn't help myself. The cake was just as I remember a chocolate cake was supposed to be. Light, chocolaty, moist and not too sweet filled with a chocolate mousse filling that I would have eaten out of a bowl if they let me. The cake was decorated with an elegant, simple style and looked more like a piece of art than food. But then again, we eat first with our eyes, right?

Thanks again to my dear friend, Elba, for such a wonderful time, as always....and to Angela Saban for making this one of the best tea parties I've ever been to. This topped any tea party the Mad Hatter or Alice ever attended! Any time I need something catered, it will be by Angela for sure. Her passion is obviously making GF treats that taste like we remember them, not like we have learned to accept them. Thanks Angela!