What I Wish I Could Eat at Afternoon Tea

In my most recent Sipping Tea with Katherine video, I shared what’s keeping me dreaming during these strange times.

One thing I dream about often is scrumptious afternoon teas. I always imagine tables laden with dozens of snacks, many more than any person could reasonably eat. But it’s my imagination, so there’s no harm in being gluttonous, right?

Indulge me for a few moments while I sketch out my dream afternoon tea menu:

Savory Snacks

It’s nice to start tea out with some savory finger food. I am a sucker for any tiny sandwich, including almost everything on the list of assorted sandwiches from preppy kitchen.

• Assorted Tea Sandwiches

• Cheese puffs

• Cheddar sage scones

Sweet Snacks

I have a big sweet tooth - or maybe all my teeth are sweet teeth. So my afternoon tea table needs to be covered in all types of cakes! For example:

• Eclairs

• Raspberry dark chocolate tea cake

• Strawberry white chocolate choux buns

• Classic scones with jam and clotted cream

• Drizzle cake, like this orange coriander cake

• Lemon bars

Tea Varieties

Finally, I like to sample different types of tea during afternoon tea. This meal can last an hour or two, so it’s worth trying out multiple varieties. Here are some of the types of tea I like to alternate:

• Black afternoon teas - these are usually strong, bitter, and best enjoyed with milk and a lump (or two) of sugar

• Earl Grey or Lady Grey tea - I love a good bergamot-flavored tea. These are a little more flowery than a plain afternoon tea, so I want to pair these with my savory snacks

• Oolong - A delicate oolong is great for rounding out the afternoon, so that my taste buds can focus on the snacks rather than the tea

Your turn. What would you have on your ideal afternoon tea menu?