Charleston Celebrates the Return of the Iconic Tea Room and Huguenot Torte

Charleston Welcomes the Return of the Famous Tea Room!

Oh, Charleston! The beautiful city with charming streets, historic homes, and a culinary scene that will tantalize your taste buds is buzzing with excitement. Why, you ask? Because the 62nd Annual Tea Room and Gift Shop is here again at the Old St. Andrew’s Parish Church, running through March 28th! It’s time for locals and visitors alike to come together and celebrate this delightful tradition. And guess what? You’ll get to feast on the famous Huguenot Torte!

A Taste of Tradition

If you haven’t heard of the Huguenot Torte, let’s fill you in on this delightful dessert that has been a staple in Charleston for many years. Initially thought to be linked to the city’s French Protestant history, this scrumptious cake is actually named after the Huguenot Tavern, where it was first served in 1942. Thanks to the efforts of a clever employee, Evelyn Florance, the torte has stuck around for generations! Evelyn first discovered this gem at a church supper in Texas, and after some culinary experimentation, she brought it to Charleston’s dessert-loving crowds.

The Origins of Huguenot Torte

To understand this treat’s origins, you might find it interesting that food historian John Martin Taylor shares that the name might be more about history than flavor. The torte is said to have roots in the Ozark region of the United States rather than France, originating in the mountainous terrains of northwest Arkansas and southwest Missouri. Sometimes history has a way of mixing flavors, doesn’t it?

Making Your Own Huguenot Torte at Home

Now that you are all caught up on the torte’s fascinating backstory, why not try making it in your own kitchen? It’s surprisingly simple! Here’s a classic recipe pulled from the 1950 “Charleston Receipts” cookbook. Are you ready? Gather your ingredients and let’s get baking!

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.
2. Beat whole eggs with an electric mixer or rotary beater until they’re super frothy and lemon-colored.
3. Next, you’ll need to add the other ingredients in a specific order.
4. Pour the mixture into two well-buttered baking pans, about 8 by 12 inches.
5. Bake for about 45 minutes until the top is crusty and brown.

When it’s time to serve, take a pancake turner and scoop up the pieces while keeping that lovely crusty part on top! You can either pile it onto a large plate and cover it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts or serve it in individual portions. Either way, it’s going to be a hit!

Join the Fun at the Tea Room!

The Old St. Andrew’s Parish Church Tea Room is more than just a place to grab a comforting slice of Huguenot Torte. It’s an experience where you can soak up the warm ambiance, connect with friends and family, and enjoy unique gift shop offerings. With a mainly sunny sky, and temperatures expected to reach around 55°F, it’s the perfect setting for an afternoon of tasty treats and relaxation. Keep in mind, gentle breezes from the north will be joining the celebration, making it even more pleasant to admire the beautiful surroundings.

Final Thoughts

So, mark your calendars and don’t miss this chance to indulge in a beloved Lowcountry tradition. Bring your loved ones along for a delightful outing, make some memories, and most importantly, enjoy that Huguenot Torte. Here’s to sweet times ahead in Charleston!