What is Cambric Tea?

American author Laura Ingalls Wilder in her series Little House publishes several links to a favorite hot drink known as Cambric Tea or kindergarten Tea . Cambric tea is "baby tea" made mainly of sugar, hot water, heated milk or cream and possibly a dash or two heavily boiled tea. This weak tea generally serves as a drink of selection at a children's tea party or becomes an introduction to stronger drinks such as conventional tea or coffee.

Cambric Tea comes from its name from similarity to Cambric lace, a very thin white cloth often for the production of lightweight clothing. It is assumed that the French were the first to develop Cambric Tea, most likely as an alternative to strong teas generally reserved for healthy adults. Cambric tea was considered suitable for small children, invalid and older people because it did not contain any caffeine or other worrying ingredients.

popularity of Cambric Tea during the 18th and 19th century was largely due to availabilitytheir basic components. While adults often packed supplies of coffee and teas during their long treks to the West, these drinks were considered too hard for children. However, fresh milk or cream can be obtained from dairy cows on many farms, and sugar loaf could be purchased in business trades. That is why Cambric tea has become a popular drink among pioneering children, such as Laura Ingalls Wilder.

There are a number of variations on the basic recipe for Cambric Tea, although the basic ingredients generally remain constant. A small amount of sugar is placed in the cup, followed by either hot water or heated milk. This mixture is mixed until the sugar is dissolved and the cup is filled to the top of either hot water or heated milk. If tea is cooked at all, it is added at the last minute and mixes seopathly. Available cream can also be used as a richer replacement for heated milk, if desired.