Linda Gray - Afternoon Tea

AFTERNOON TEA & CAKES Enjoy an afternoon of luxury at home How I turned into a tea snob! A fternoon tea has been a traditional English affair for centuries but over the years has been dropped in favour of a quick snack at lunchtime and a larger evening meal.

This reflects the speed and 'lack of time' we all seem to suffer from nowadays - and the fact that most employers take a dim view of their workforce popping out every afternoon for tea and cakes. Many dieticians will promote eating 'little and often'. Of course, they may question the wisdom of eating cake but, hey, a little of what you fancy does you good! Back in the year 19something, my school separated boys from girls for science lessons. The boys learned how to do man things and the girls learned how to do woman things... it was a while ago. One of the girls first domestic science lessons was How to Make Tea.

If my memory serves me, we learned this incredibly important skill over the course of three weeks or so. The attention to detail settled in my mind and slowly but surely over the years I became a tea snob. I am not a happy soul if I have to go without a cup of tea every day. Going abroad is a nightmare and if someone serves me tea made with a tea bag, I sip cautiously for a few moments then accidentally forget to finish it. I blame school entirely for my addiction to the perfect cup of tea So, as I rather enjoy the habit anyway, Im going to share with you the fundamental elements to get the perfect cuppa! And we are going to create the cakes and sandwiches to make afternoon tea a royal occasion. Enjoy! PS: Browse local charity and thrift shops before you splash out on a tea service.

There are often gems to be found. NB: The recipes in Afternoon Tea are mostly traditional ideas and dont take into account intolerances or allergies. Adjust them according to your needs.

Live the good life at http://www.healthylivingbooks.org How to make and present a tray of perfect tea. W hether youre making tea for two or four or more, the tray will probably only be big enough for tea things. The eatables will need to go on another tray.

So, this is a list of all the items you need for your afternoon tea tray - without food. You can adapt the frilly bits to suit your taste! -Tray covered with a light linen cloth to fit or use a paper doily type cover -China teapot, milk jug and sugar bowl (matching if possible) -Cups and saucers not always around the modern home, but you could use small mugs or coffee cups. -Tea strainer and holder -Teaspoons -Tea cosy (to keep the pot warm) Traditionally a choice of milk or lemon is served. If you prefer your tea with lemon, slice a few lemons onto a small saucer or matching dish. And the ingredients -Loose leaf tea -Milk, preferably whole milk -Sugar. Unrefined golden granulated sugar works well as a substitute for white.

Use sugar lumps if available. Dont use brown sugar in tea. -Lemon slices if preferred Method There really is a right way of making tea. Follow these steps and you wont be disappointed. 1. Fill the milk jug.

Milk shouldnt be too cold when served 2. Put the kettle on, make sure theres more than enough water to fill the teapot 3. Slice lemons if using and arrange on a small plate or dish 4. Arrange cups and saucers on the tray with a teaspoon in each saucer. 5. Place the milk jug, sugar bowl (with sugar), tea strainer and holder on the tray leaving enough room for the teapot.

Pop an extra teaspoon in the sugar bowl for serving. 6. When the kettle is almost boiling, pour a little hot water into the teapot. Put the lid on the pot and swirl the hot water round to warm the pot thoroughly. Do this straight from the tap if your water is hot enough. 7.

Put the kettle back on to boil. Empty the water from the teapot and spoon in the loose tea. Allow one teaspoonful per person and one extra for the pot. 8. When the kettle boils, pour water slowly over the tea. 9. 9.

Place pot on the tray and cover with a tea cosy. 10. Let the tea brew for 2-3 minutes, stir, then pour through the tea strainer into cups. Sugar can be added to the cup before the tea, and milk after, but this is a personal choice. The longer the tea is left to brew the stronger it will be.