7 TYPES OF APPETIZERS TO ENJOY WITH AFTERNOON TEA

Afternoon tea, also known as low tea, is the most well-known practice of its kind. It was traditionally served in the afternoon on a low table (hence the name low tea) to ladies meeting up to socialize and pass the time. Afternoon tea is very different today; tea is now accessible to everyone and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. However, certain traditions, such as the delicious treats served with it, are still a must.

Here are 7 delicious recipes to prepare and serve with your afternoon tea, at whatever time of day you decide to enjoy it!

1. DELICIOUS AND INNOVATIVE SANDWICHES

It is difficult to think of a more traditional treat than the classic cucumber sandwiches from Britain. They are as simple to prepare as they look: crustless white bread, cream cheese, and thin slices of cucumber. Optimize these sandwiches’ refreshing side by preparing and refrigerating them a few hours before serving; don’t forget to cut them into little triangles, as it is part of their charm!

Why not try some delicious variations to this classic sandwich by using different types of bread (rye, pumpernickel, raisin, etc.), removing the crusts, and adding the filling of your choice: salmon and avocado, egg salad, hummus and grilled vegetables, carrots and raisins, or even snow crab and homemade mayonnaise.

Try cutting your sandwiches into different shapes and have fun with your presentation. Just remember to make them into easy bite-sized portions.

Source: Love and Lemons

2. CLASSIC SCONES

Scones are also a typical treat to enjoy during afternoon tea. British scones are dense, halfway between bread and cake. With their mild flavor, scones go perfectly with jellies, jams, or honey. In England, they are traditionally slathered in Devonshire cream and enjoyed with a warm cup of tea.

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3. MINI DESSERTS

Afternoon tea is also the perfect occasion to serve a selection of small desserts. Think about mini cupcakes decorated according to the theme of your tea session, madeleines, shortbread, or even mini tarts with a few different toppings: caramel, lemon meringue, fruit, or chocolate.

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4. SPONGE CAKE ROULADE

Choose your favorite cake filling and spread it over a thin sponge cake. Then, gently roll the cake and cut it into slices that can easily be enjoyed between 2 sips of tea. You could also try this recipe with vanilla, lemon/poppy seed, or chocolate pound cake.

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5. A BEAUTIFUL CENTERPIECE FOR THE TABLE

In order to make your dessert table a success, prepare a centerpiece that will catch your guests’ eye and set the tone for your afternoon tea. It could consist of a large layered cake covered in whipped cream and berries, or even an easy to eat tower of profiteroles sprinkled with chocolate. Let your creativity guide you!

Source: Half Baked Harvest

6. LACTOSE AND GLUTEN FREE ALTERNATIVES

Make sure to take your guests’ allergies and intolerances into consideration. Mini Pavlovas (similar to meringues) or date brownies are great alternatives for people who can’t eat flour or dairy products.

Source: Trois Fois Par Jour

7. FRUITS (YES, FRUITS!)

Complete your dessert table with a delicious plate of fresh fruit. It will add a touch of freshness and a healthy element to your afternoon tea.

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PLANNING YOUR MENU

By planning the menu for your afternoon tea ahead of time, you will avoid waste and be able to organize the preparation of all your recipes. Cakes can be prepared in advance and iced the next day, as well as cookie dough that can be prepared several days in advance, frozen, thinly sliced, and baked just before your guests arrive. Sandwich fillings can also be prepared ahead of time, and the sandwiches put together the day of your afternoon tea.

Don’t forget that the presentation of your dishes will add a certain charm to your afternoon tea. Try using several different plates, or go for a layered tray, making sure to place your sandwiches at the bottom and your desserts at the top. Prepare your favorite tea or allow your guests to choose from a selection of your favorite flavors .

Afternoon tea is the perfect excuse to enjoy delicious food in good company…at any time of the day!