Elevate your afternoon with the exquisite tradition of High Tea, a culinary affair that blends elegance and indulgence. Our High Tea recipe guide invites you to partake in this time-honored ritual, where tea is steeped to perfection, delicate finger sa
High tea recipe - British Afternoon tea
High tea, also known as "afternoon tea" in some regions, is a British tradition that typically involves a late afternoon or early evening meal. It originated in the 19th century as a way for the British upper class to enjoy a light meal between lunch and dinner. High tea is distinct from "low tea" or "afternoon tea," which is a more formal and dainty affair served in the late afternoon with tea, finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. In contrast, high tea is heartier and often includes a variety of savory dishes like pies, quiches, and meats, in addition to tea. It's sometimes called "high" because it is served at a dining table, as opposed to the low tea served on low, comfortable lounge chairs. Today, high tea is enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and can vary in its offerings and formality.High tea typically consists of a variety of savory and sweet dishes, along with a selection of teas. Here's a basic menu and recipe ideas for hosting your own high tea:
Ingredients
For the Tea:
- A selection of high-quality teas, including black, green, and herbal varieties
- Hot water
- Milk, sugar, and honey for tea condiments
For the Savory Tier:
- Finger sandwiches with various fillings (e.g., cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon, egg salad)
- Mini quiches or savory tarts
- Sausage rolls or small meat pies
- Deviled eggs
- Crudités with dip (e.g., hummus or ranch)
For the Scones Tier:
- Plain and fruit scones
- Clotted cream or whipped cream
- Strawberry or raspberry jam
- Butter
For the Sweet Tier:
- An assortment of petite pastries like mini éclairs, cream puffs, and fruit tarts
- Small cakes or cupcakes
- Macarons
- Shortbread cookies
- Chocolate truffles
Instructions
Prepare the Tea:
- Boil water and offer a variety of teas to your guests, including traditional black teas like Earl Grey and Darjeeling, green teas, and herbal teas.
- Provide milk, sugar, and honey for guests to customize their tea.
Set the Table:
- Arrange a table with a crisp, white tablecloth and elegant teacups, saucers, and teapots.
- Place fresh flowers or a small centerpiece for added elegance.
Savory Tier:
- Prepare finger sandwiches by making various fillings and trimming the crusts before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
- Bake mini quiches or savory tarts with flavors like spinach and cheese or caramelized onion.
- Offer sausage rolls or small meat pies, both warm and delicious.
- Serve deviled eggs and a platter of fresh crudités with dip.
Scones Tier:
- Bake a batch of plain and fruit scones. Serve them warm or at room temperature.
- Provide clotted cream, strawberry or raspberry jam, and butter for toppings.
Sweet Tier:
- Arrange an assortment of miniature pastries, cakes, cookies, and chocolates on a tiered cake stand or platters.
- Ensure there's a variety of flavors and textures, from fruity tarts to rich chocolate truffles.
Enjoy Your High Tea:
- Invite your guests to enjoy the tea, savory, scones, and sweet treats at a leisurely pace, engaging in delightful conversation throughout.
- Don't forget to refill teapots and offer additional condiments as needed.
Video
Notes
Hosting a High Tea is a wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy an afternoon of elegance and indulgence with loved ones. Customize the menu and decorations to suit your preferences and create a memorable experience.
Nutrition
Serving: 100g
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ndwiches are meticulously crafted, and a tempting array of sweet treats awaits. From sipping aromatic teas from fine china to savoring dainty pastries, scones with clotted cream, and savory bites, High Tea offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Join us as we explore the art of hosting a memorable High Tea, celebrating the joys of conversation, relaxation, and delectable flavors in a setting that exudes charm and sophistication.