Afternoon Tea �?A Forgotten Ceremony

By: Nicole H. Auger

Ceremony is a lost art in America today. Sometimes I really look forward to occasions that require proper dress and decorum as well as an out-of-the-ordinary menu. Afternoon Tea is the perfect way to slow down, appreciate the art of conversation, and brush-up on manners.

One of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, Anna the Seventh Duchess of Bedford, is credited with discovering Afternoon Tea in the 1840s. One day she had requested a tray of tea and pastries around four o’clock to suppress her hunger since dinner was typically served fashionably late at eight o’clock. The concept took England by storm and it became very en vogue to serve a similar spread of high-quality tea, finger sandwiches, and petite pastries.

Today Afternoon Tea is celebrated across the board at posh hotels, quaint inns, and fine restaurants. Likely the most famous Afternoon Tea is that of the Plaza Hotel in New York City. It is prepared in the most traditional manner and served in the Palm Court where the famous picture of Eloise hangs. Female patrons can be found dressed to the nines, which sometimes includes the essential white gloves. Rest assured, though, Afternoon Tea can be just as wonderful enjoyed in an elaborate setting or in your living room. What truly makes Afternoon Tea memorable is having an interesting mix of guests and lively conversation. It is meant to be an occasion of lingering and enjoyment. You will wow your guests by hosting a get-together of such simple pleasures.

(Note: Please do not confuse Afternoon Tea with High Tea. High Tea is a far more casual affair consisting of a later and larger meal usually had by the British working class. "High" refers to the manner in which the meal is taken such as on a barstool or at a counter.)

Invitations

Are you ready for this? None �?on paper that is. For this Afternoon tea I’m suggesting that you pick-up the phone and (gasp) personally invite your guests. No, e-mail does not count. I will even go so far as to say you should invite people other than your usual suspects. Try to select neighbors or acquaintances with a broad mix of ages, backgrounds, and interests. Be so bold as to invite people you may not even know that well. But do try to have at least one or two people you would consider eccentric to keep things interesting.

Decorations

This is the time to bring out your best china, silver, linens, and crystal. A three-tiered serving tray is an essential. Two would be grand. Do not worry about having everything match, think Shabby Chic. Buy oodles of fresh flowers. Use a mix of bright colors if your china is a simple white. Use a mix of pale whites, creams, and pinks if your china is colorful. Get creative by putting the flowers in pitchers as loose arrangements and floating single blooms in bowls.

Clear a table in your living room completely that will be convenient for guests and is large enough to house most of the tea, food, utensils, plates, and napkins. Stack the plates and cups next to each other. Fold the napkins into neat squares and stack also. Use a small basket or vase to hold silverware. Your guests should be able to easily reach what they need.

Menu

• Tea (or mix of teas)
• Finger Sandwiches of Egg Salad and Cucumber & Cream Cheese
• Salmon on Toast Points
• Scones with Lemon Curd

Tea

Purists will say you should only use loose tea and I agree, but bagged will do if you do not have the proper infuser or loose tea is not readily available. I will strongly recommend you use the finest qualities of black, green, and oolong you can find. You will likely need multiple teapots when serving a group. Luckily the only work you may do during the party is boiling some extra water.

Have cream, milk, sugar, honey, and lemon available.

Finger Sandwiches

Each yields one dozen.

Egg Salad on Pumpernickel

• 6 hard-boiled eggs, diced
• 4T sour cream
• 2t chopped fresh dill
• 2t chopped fresh chives
• 1/4t fresh ground pepper
• 6 think slices of pumpernickel bread

Combine all of the ingredients except the bread in a large bowl. Stir with a fork to soften the eggs and mix thoroughly.

Using a cookie cutter, biscuit cutter, or shot glass cut four rounds from each slice. Place a dollop on half of the rounds and top each with the remaining bread.

Cucumber and Cream Cheese on White

• 2 English cucumbers, sliced paper thin then halved
• 1 package cream cheese (soft, full-fat)
• 4T plain yogurt
• 2T chopped scallions
• 6 slices high-quality white bread

Mix on medium the cream cheese and yogurt. Stir in the cucumbers and scallions.

Spread on 3 of the bread slices and then top each with a slice of the remaining bread. Cut off the crusts and then slice each sandwich into quarters on the diagonal.

Salmon on Toast Points

Yields one dozen.

• ½ pound smoked salmon, sliced paper-thin
• 4T capers
• 1 sprig of fresh basil, washed and dried
• 4 slices of sourdough bread

Heat broiler. Flatten each slice of bread with a rolling pin and brush with butter. Heat each side about 30 seconds, until pale brown and crisp. Using a cookie or biscuit cutter, cut out 3 flower shapes from each slice.

Arrange a small mound of salon on each. Top with capers and a basil leaf.

Scones with Lemon Curd

Yields about two dozen.

Lemon curd can be found in any grocery store or gourmet shop and should be served at room temperature. However, if you are lucky enough to find Devonshire (English clotted cream), serve with currant preserves in place of the lemon curd.

• 1c cake flour (soft wheat)
• 1c all-purpose flour
• 3T granulated sugar, plus for more dusting
• 1 ½ cream of tartar
• 1t baking soda
• ¼t salt
• ¼c chilled unsalted butter cut into pices
• 1 egg, gently beaten
• ½c heavy cream
• ¼c butterscotch chips

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter and flour a baking sheet.

Sift together the dry ingredients. Add the butter using a pastry blender to combine. Add cream, butterscotch chips, and egg. Mix thoroughly until batter is pliable. Turn out and knead gently. Pat until about ½" thick. Using a floured biscuit cutter, cut out rounds and place ¾" apart. Dust lightly with granulated sugar. Bake 12 minutes.

Enjoy! I hope decide to make Afternoon Tea a ritual. And if you find yourself in New York City, score a pair of white gloves and head over to the Palm Court at The Plaza for Afternoon Tea. Be sure to get a picture with Eloise.