A bit of history for you. Tea was introduced to England in 1662 by Catherine of Braganza, a Portuguese princess; but the custom of having afternoon tea in homes, hotels and elegant cafes didn't become popular until the 19th century. The tradition continued until the 1970s,when cafes became more downmarket and self service as working practices changed, but then resurged in the 1990 when more quality leaf teas became available, and these days it is now seen more as a treat for special occasions rather than an everyday thing.
Here are some photographs of a wonderful afternoon tea I had for a friend's fortieth birthday at a local country house hotel and spa - and very delicious it was too. We went back to the same establishment where I had previously enjoyed the same for my fortieth birthday, and the standard was still as high. The weather was fine, so we had an outdoor table in a beautiful courtyard, and we ate and drank listening to music played by a real pianist floating out from the open doors to the house. The sandwiches used interesting breads and fillings, and the cakes were amazing. We thought we'd finished when another plateful was served!
Of course, I am equally keen on creating my own afternoon teas as I am on going out to eat them, and have got a great book called "The Perfect Afternoon Tea Recipe Book" by Anthony Wild and Carol Pastor, with all manner of mouth watering ideas to try.
I made afternoon tea for my mother in law last Mothering Sunday, this was a simple affair with cucumber sandwiches, smoked salmon sandwiches and prosecco, followed by tea and vanilla chiffon cupcakes, pictured below:
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And of course, it's an ideal opportunity to serve macaroons. Other suitable recipes I've made include tea breads (pistachio, cardamom and marmalade is a recent favourite), mini meringue "kisses" sandwiched together with flavoured cream, mini lemon drizzle cakes, chocolate eclairs or profiteroles (which can be made in a smaller and more dainty way) ,little slices of walnut tart - and not forgetting scones, with the obligatory jam and cream..
Then there is the tea of course, and leaf tea really does taste better than bags in my opinion, although there are teabags AND teabags! My husband went to Harrogate once and visited the celebrated Betty's tea room. He brought me back the Rolls Royce of Earl Grey teabags, made of special biodegradable mesh. To quote from their website:
The shape and material of these special tea bags allow you to enjoy all the benefits of leaf teas, but with the convenience of a tea bag.
This tea is a blend of fine black China tea, which has been subtly fragranced with natural bergamot oil. A scattering of cornflower and marigold petals add floral overtones and make them rather pretty too.
They are about £6 for 20, but worth it!
Earl Grey is my favourite tea, but there are all kinds of others to try, Darjeeling and Formosa Oolong are other favourites, and Earl Grey with rose petals. I know people who get tea delivered by post from specialist shops, and I've even been sent leaf tea as a present all the way from Australia!
I don't have sugar in tea, but if you do, at afternoon tea sugar should be served as lumps in a bowl with tongs, it's all part of the experience. Should the milk go in before or after? This is still open to debate. Read more here:
http://www.theguardian.com/science/brain-flapping/2014/oct/03/how-to-make-tea-science-milk-first
http://www.theguardian.com/notesandqueries/query/0,,-1400,00.html
I don't know why, but somehow to me tea tastes better out of a cup and saucer, it's probably a psychological thing. At home I do normally use bags and a mug, but if I want to treat myself the cups and saucers come out. I was given these fabulous macaroon cups and saucers as a birthday present once, they came from France. I also have a glass tea infuser rather than a pot, and a handmade tea cosy made by my Mum.
So why not treat yourself to afternoon tea soon? You're worth it!
More soon, thank you for reading,
Caroline :-)
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