Anyone who knows me, knows that I absolutely adore Tea Time. I always have but after visiting England, it became a serious addiction. American Tea Time had never risen to the refined deliciousness of a genuine English Afternoon Tea and once I participated in this delicate and exquisite ritual, I was hooked! Like a true Englishman, I believe tea really is the answer to every problem, in at least a small way.
There's just something unspeakably soothing about tea. It's a kind companion when you're all alone and when shared with others, it has an uncanny way of loosening tongues and bonding friendships.
If you've never had the delight of being served an Afternoon Tea, I highly recommend indulging as I do, at least every few months. However, as this can be a bit of a monetary splurge and sometimes requires travelling miles to find a decent Tea Parlor, I get my in-between fix with homemade Tea Time. It is one of my life's greatest pleasantries and provides me instant stress relief as well as rendering a more amiable human.
How to do "Homemade" Afternoon Tea
what you will need:
a hot pot of tea (my personal favorites are Early Grey and Vanilla Almond)
tea cup & saucer
strainer (if you use loose tea)
spoon
sugar or honey
milk or lemon (never both)
finger sandwiches
scone
clotted cream or devonshire cream
jam or preserves (any type will do)
small desserts (Lizbeth's tea time cookies would be a great addition)
At a Tea Parlor, tea and scones are served first, then finger sandwiches, and finally desserts, but when I set out my tea at home, I just have it all on the table at once. If you own a fancy tiered stand, it's fun to arrange your desserts, sammies, and scone on this. Personally, I just pile up my tea tray with all the goodies and indulge. As I'm often home alone in the afternoon, I like to enjoy my tea time while watching a British film or show; it makes the experience feel more "authentic." For more tea ideas and recipes, keep an eye on this blog.
Much Sweetness
~Lizbeth
There's just something unspeakably soothing about tea. It's a kind companion when you're all alone and when shared with others, it has an uncanny way of loosening tongues and bonding friendships.
If you've never had the delight of being served an Afternoon Tea, I highly recommend indulging as I do, at least every few months. However, as this can be a bit of a monetary splurge and sometimes requires travelling miles to find a decent Tea Parlor, I get my in-between fix with homemade Tea Time. It is one of my life's greatest pleasantries and provides me instant stress relief as well as rendering a more amiable human.
How to do "Homemade" Afternoon Tea
what you will need:
a hot pot of tea (my personal favorites are Early Grey and Vanilla Almond)
tea cup & saucer
strainer (if you use loose tea)
spoon
sugar or honey
milk or lemon (never both)
finger sandwiches
scone
clotted cream or devonshire cream
jam or preserves (any type will do)
small desserts (Lizbeth's tea time cookies would be a great addition)
At a Tea Parlor, tea and scones are served first, then finger sandwiches, and finally desserts, but when I set out my tea at home, I just have it all on the table at once. If you own a fancy tiered stand, it's fun to arrange your desserts, sammies, and scone on this. Personally, I just pile up my tea tray with all the goodies and indulge. As I'm often home alone in the afternoon, I like to enjoy my tea time while watching a British film or show; it makes the experience feel more "authentic." For more tea ideas and recipes, keep an eye on this blog.
Much Sweetness
~Lizbeth
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