The Dallas Morning News, July 6, 2004

By Tina Danze

COOKBOOKS: Tea Time Entertaining

Dolores Snyder's students appreciate her scholarly knowledge of the traditional English tea -- the Irving cooking instructor has taught classes on this ritual since 1978, and has even lectured on the subject to the Smithsonian Associates in Washington D.C. But when British journalist Rodney Tyler saw an article in the New York Times about this Texan-cum-tea authority, he was amused and curious enough to write about her. Bent on poking fun at a Texan's attempt at an English social custom, he joined a photographer at her home for a photo shoot and interview. It was July, and he insisted on an outdoor garden tea -- perfect fodder for humor, given the Texas heat. But instead of being amused, Mr. Tyler was impressed with Ms. Snyder's flawless execution and encyclopedic knowledge of the traditional English tea. His admiration spurred him to write a flattering account of that tea party. It also spurred Ms. Snyder to get serious about writing her book on hosting teas.

Tea Time Entertaining ($35) is Ms. Snyder's self-published collection of tea themes, menus, and over 120 recipes.

"I knew I had enough material for a book -- I had enough for twenty-five," quips Ms. Snyder, who dedicated twelve years to producing the 200-page book. She is donating five percent of the net proceeds from her book sales to Teach for America, an educational charity. Ms. Snyder has a history of uniting her professional and philanthropic interests. She is a founding member of both the James Beard Foundation and the Dallas chapter of Les Dames d' Escoffier, which has raised over $600,000 locally in endowments, grants and scholarships for women pursuing careers in the food, wine and hospitality industries.

Ms. Snyder's passion for tea began when she and her husband lived in London for three years during the 1960's. "We lived in an all-British neighborhood and got in the custom of taking afternoon tea," she says. "Being a history buff, I was really interested in how it started too."

But Ms. Snyder didn't limit her study to British tea. Her travels to China introduced her to that country's ancient tea ritual, which inspired one of the menus in her book. Besides the traditional tea themes --such as the garden party, Victorian teas, and holiday teas-- Ms. Snyder includes a wide range of creative tea themes, including the corporate tea, the floral tea, and a Southwest-style Queen's tea. Among her favorites is the fairy tea tailored to children. "Everything is miniature," she explains, " so the portions are sized for children."

Although Ms. Snyder's book is not sold in bookstores, a few area retailers are selling it. And her promotion tour includes some prestigious venues where she'll speak during an elegant tea service: at both Ritz Carlton Hotels in New York City, and aboard the Queen Mary II during the December holiday cruise. Below are the local retailers that sell Tea Time Entertaining.

Where to Buy Tea Time Entertaining:

Lady Primrose, 500 Crescent Court, Suite 154; 214-871-8333

The Cultured Cup, 5346 Belt Line Road; 972-960-1521;www.theculturedcup.com

Las Colinas Pharmacy, 4835 N. O'Connor Road; 972-580-1814

Dolores Snyder's local appearances:

Savory Holiday High Tea Class at Central Market on Lovers and Greenville (214-361-5754), October 24.

Book Signings Nov. 6 and 13 at Market Street in Colleyville (5605 Colleyville Blvd., 817-577-5020) and McKinney (6100 W. Eldorado 972-5485140)

Other classes: Throughout the year, Ms. Snyder will be teaching cooking classes and lecturing on tea in the Dallas area as well as in other cities. To find out more about her classes, contact her at 972-717-4189.