How to Make a Traditional English Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is an elegant British tradition, offering a relaxing and refined experience that is perfect for any special occasion or a leisurely afternoon with friends. From delicate finger sandwiches to freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, creating a traditional English afternoon tea at home is a delightful way to enjoy a bit of luxury. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to create the perfect afternoon tea, including classic recipes, tea pairings, and tips for presenting the spread beautifully.

Step 1: Choose the Perfect Teas

The heart of any afternoon tea is the tea itself. While you can always opt for your favorite, there are a few traditional teas that are most commonly served during an English afternoon tea:

Classic Tea Varieties:

• Earl Grey: A fragrant black tea flavored with oil of bergamot, Earl Grey has a light, citrusy taste that pairs well with both savory and sweet items.
• Darjeeling: Often referred to as the “champagne of teas,” Darjeeling is a lighter, floral black tea that is less robust than other black teas and is a lovely choice for afternoon tea.
• Assam: A full-bodied, malty black tea, Assam is perfect for those who prefer a strong, bold flavor.
• English Breakfast: A robust black tea blend, typically made from Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan teas. It’s a traditional and hearty option, ideal for pairing with savory bites.
• Herbal Teas: For a caffeine-free option, consider offering a selection of herbal teas like chamomile, mint, or rooibos.

Tip: Serve your tea in a proper teapot to maintain the temperature. Make sure to have a few different varieties on hand, allowing guests to choose according to their preferences.

Step 2: Make Classic Finger Sandwiches

Finger sandwiches are a quintessential part of an English afternoon tea, offering light, flavorful bites that won’t overpower the tea. Here are a few classic sandwich fillings:

1. Cucumber Sandwiches

These refreshing sandwiches are a staple of afternoon tea. The delicate flavor of cucumber pairs perfectly with the soft, lightly buttered white bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 4 slices white bread, crusts removed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Spread a thin layer of butter on each slice of bread.
2. Arrange the cucumber slices evenly on one slice of bread.
3. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Top with the second slice of buttered bread and cut into small triangles or fingers.

2. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Sandwiches

These luxurious sandwiches add a savory richness to your tea spread.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of rye or wholegrain bread, crusts removed
• 3 ounces smoked salmon
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions:

1. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on one slice of bread.
2. Arrange smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese.
3. Garnish with a small sprig of dill.
4. Place the second slice of bread on top and cut into triangles or fingers.

3. Egg and Cress Sandwiches

A light, creamy filling with a peppery kick from the cress makes this sandwich a beloved afternoon tea favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of white or brown bread, crusts removed
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• Fresh cress, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix the chopped eggs with the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread the egg mixture onto one slice of bread.
3. Top with fresh cress and then place the second slice of bread on top.
4. Cut into triangles or fingers.

Tip: For variety, consider adding other classic fillings like ham and mustard, or cheese and pickle.

Step 3: Bake Perfect Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam

No afternoon tea is complete without freshly baked scones. They’re typically served warm, with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Here’s a simple recipe for making scones from scratch:

Classic Scone Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup whole milk (plus more for brushing)
• 1 large egg (optional, for egg wash)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1/2 cup currants or raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the milk (and vanilla, if using) until the dough comes together. If you want to add currants or raisins, fold them in now.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Roll it out to about 1-inch thickness.
6. Use a round cutter (about 2 inches in diameter) to cut out the scones and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Brush the tops with a little milk or a beaten egg for a golden finish.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.
9. Allow the scones to cool slightly before serving with clotted cream and strawberry jam.

Tip: Scones are best served warm, so try to bake them just before your tea time.

Step 4: Presenting Your Afternoon Tea

Presentation is key to a successful afternoon tea. The food should be arranged beautifully, as the experience is just as much about the aesthetics as the taste.

Tips for a Beautiful Spread:

• Use a tiered stand: A three-tier cake stand is traditional for serving afternoon tea. Place the finger sandwiches on the bottom tier, scones on the middle tier, and cakes or pastries on the top tier.
• Add decorative touches: Fresh flowers, like roses or lavender, can add a charming touch to your table setting. Tea cups should be arranged with saucers, and a tea pot should be placed in the center.
• Serve with fine china: If possible, serve your afternoon tea on fine china or elegant teacups. This adds a sense of occasion to the event.
• Offer a variety of jams and creams: Besides the traditional strawberry jam, you can also serve raspberry jam or marmalade. Pair these with clotted cream for a delightful contrast.
• Make it special with a tablecloth: Use a crisp white or pastel-colored tablecloth, adding a layer of elegance to your spread.

Step 5: Additional Treats and Cakes

While finger sandwiches and scones are the essentials of afternoon tea, you can also offer a selection of sweet treats to complete the spread:

1. Miniature Cakes

Small, delicate cakes such as Victoria sponge, lemon drizzle, or carrot cake are classic choices. You can serve them in bite-sized pieces for a more manageable treat.

2. Pastries

Small pastries like éclairs, profiteroles, or fruit tarts also work well as part of your afternoon tea selection. They add a touch of luxury and sweetness.

3. Biscuits or Shortbread

Classic British shortbread or delicate biscuits add an extra crunch to your tea spread. These can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.

4. Fruit

Add fresh berries or sliced fruit like strawberries, grapes, or kiwi to offer a refreshing balance to the richer items on your spread.

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Making a traditional English afternoon tea at home is a wonderful way to enjoy an afternoon with loved ones, and it’s a great occasion to showcase your baking skills and culinary creativity. With a variety of teas, perfectly made finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and sweet treats, you’ll create a delightful spread that’s sure to impress. Remember, the beauty of afternoon tea lies in its simplicity, elegance, and the joy of sharing good food with good company. So put on the kettle, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the warmth and charm of a homemade afternoon tea.