Planning the Perfect Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is more than just a meal; it’s an experience steeped in tradition and delight. Whether you’re hosting friends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself to a luxurious afternoon, planning the perfect afternoon tea requires some preparation. Here’s how to create a fabulous afternoon tea, complete with recipes for sandwiches, scones, and pastries.

Setting the Scene

Before diving into recipes, consider your setup and maybe choose a theme. Choose a fun theme like a garden party, vintage tea, or a coastal vibe. Incorporate decorations and tableware that reflect the theme, along with corresponding treats. Add floral arrangements for a touch of elegance. Don’t forget to have a selection of fine teas ready—around three or four varieties should do the trick! Alternatively swap the teas for Prosecco, Pimms or cocktails!

Essential Components of Afternoon Tea

A traditional afternoon tea traditionally includes three main components: small sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of pastries and little cakes.

Small Sandwiches (either finger sandwiches or small triangles)

1. Smoked Salmon Sandwiches

Ingredients:

- 1 loaf of white or wholemeal bread

- Smoked salmon slices

- Cream cheese

- Fresh dill or mint (optional)

Instructions:

1. Trim the crusts off the bread and cut each slice in half.

2. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on each slice.

3. Layer smoked salmon slices on half of the bread and sprinkle with

dill or mint if desired.

4. Top with another slice of bread and cut into fingers or triangles.

2. Egg Salad Sandwiches

Ingredients:

- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 loaf of white bread

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper.

2. Spread the mixture on slices of bread, remove crusts, and cut into

desired shapes.

Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam

1. Basic Scones

Ingredients:

- 2 cups plain flour

- 1 tablespoon baking powder

- 1/3 cup butter, cold and cubed

- 1/4 cup sugar

- 1/2 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and sugar.

3. Add butter and rub it into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs.

4. Stir in milk to form a dough.

5. Roll out and cut into rounds. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.

6. Serve warm with clotted cream and your favourite jam.

Pastries and Small Cakes

1. Mini Fruit Tarts

Ingredients:

- 1 package of pre-made tart shells

- 1 cup pastry cream (store-bought or homemade)

- Fresh fruit (like berries, kiwi, or peach)

Instructions:

1. Fill tart shells with pastry cream.

2. Top with an assortment of fresh fruits.

3. Optional: Brush with a light glaze made from apricot preserves for

shine.

2. Chocolate Éclairs

Ingredients:

- 1 cup water

- 1/2 cup butter

- 1 cup plain flour

- 4 large eggs

- 1 cup chocolate ganache

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Boil water and butter in a saucepan, then add flour all at once

stirring vigorously until a dough forms.

3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Add eggs one at a time,

mixing well after each addition.

4. Pipe onto a baking sheet in 4-inch strips. Bake for 20-25 minutes

until puffed and golden.

5. Once cooled, fill with whipped cream and dip the tops in chocolate

ganache.

3. Mini Victoria Sponge Recipe

Ingredients:

- 4 oz (113g) unsalted butter, softened

- 4 oz (113g) granulated sugar

- 2 large eggs

- 4 oz (113g) self-raising flour

- 1 tsp baking powder

- 2 tbsp milk

- Raspberry or strawberry jam

- Whipped cream or buttercream for filling

- Icing sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a

muffin tin with paper liners.

2. Make the Batter: - In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened

butter and sugar until light and fluffy. - Add the eggs one at a time,

mixing well after each addition. - Sift in the self-raising flour and

baking powder, then gently fold until just combined. - Stir in the milk

to achieve a smooth batter.

3. Bake the Mini Sponges: - Divide the batter evenly among the

prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about two-thirds full. - Bake in

the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the sponges are

golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out

clean. - Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin

for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool

completely.

4. Assemble the Mini Victoria Sponges: - Once the cakes are

completely cool, slice each mini sponge in half horizontally. - Spread

a generous layer of raspberry or strawberry jam on the bottom half,

followed by a layer of whipped cream or buttercream. - Place the top

half back on to complete the mini sponges.

5. Serve: - Dust with icing sugar if desired before serving.

The Tea Selection

To complement the food, offer a selection of teas. Traditional choices include Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and herbal blends like chamomile or mint. Provide milk, sugar, and lemon for guests to customise their cups.

Conclusion

With a bit of fun planning and some tasty recipes, your afternoon tea can turn into an awesome get-together! You’ll not only indulge in yummy treats, but you’ll also chill with friends and family over tea and giggles. So, grab your ingredients, lay out the table, and let the good times roll! Get ready for an afternoon filled with flavor and good vibes!