Grated cheddar cheese and grated apple bound with mayonnaise
Nips of warm bacon, avocado slices, rocket and a splash of French dressing
Ham with a touch of Dijon mustard
Chicken, spring onion and a flick of black pepper
Thinly sliced tomato, a dash of balsamic and a sprinkle of coarse salt
Smoked salmon and cream cheese
Tuna and finely chopped red onion
Tuna and very thin slices of cucumber
Roast beef with a smear of horseradish
Prawn, Marie-Rose sauce, shredded iceberg lettuce
And there HAS to be egg mayonnaise and cress!
Middle Plate Sweets and Savouries
This layer should be a wonderful mix of flavours and textures appealing to all the senses
I do like something warm and savoury here – maybe triangles of quiche, filled flaky pastry rolls or mini cheese and chive scones
As for the sweet . . .
Bites of carrot cake
Mini éclairs filled with plain fresh cream Pretty coloured fondant fancies Small squares of crunchy tiffin
Squidgy macaroons (chocolate is my favourite if you are asking)
Crispy buttery pastry cases filled with Chantilly cream and a teaspoonful of glazed summer fruit
Mini cheesecakes (Scoop out the middle of some large strawberries, fill with a mix of whipped cream, mascarpone cheese, a pinch of icing sugar to sweeter, a few vanilla seeds from a pod and then dip the top in digestive crumb)
Traditional butterfly buns
Top Plate Scones
The crowning glory of any afternoon tea should be the scones. Plain always – maybe offer currant or cherry too. Split but not assembled because some people prefer them buttered, some creamed – some (i.e. me) both.
On the table there should be accompaniments of good quality strawberry jam, clotted cream with a crust (never that aerated squirty stuff that vanishes in seconds) and butter curls. To make these, make sure your butter block is fridge-hard. Dip the butter curler in cup of hot water, draw it along the butter and then drop the curl into a bowl of cold water bearing ice cubes to set them. Remove and place on a dish to serve.
And there’s nothing like a bit of sparkle on the side – so feel free to pour out a glass of Prosecco as well – with a big fat fresh raspberry dropped in the bottom.
Bon Appetit!
Why not come along to Milly’s Teashop at www.millyjohnson.co.uk where you’ll find news, recipes, photos, videos, competitions, giveaways – and all sorts of afternoon tea-related accoutrements.
Milly x
Afternoon Tea at the Sunflower Café Page 43
