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English Teatime Treats: Delicious Traditional Recipes Made Simple
If you love baking and enjoying delicious treats, you might be interested in learning more about English teatime treats. These are the sweet and savory snacks that accompany a cup of tea in the afternoon, a tradition that dates back to the 19th century in England. In this article, you will discover the history, the types, and the recipes of English teatime treats, as well as how to host your own afternoon tea celebration. You will also find out where you can download a book that contains all these information and more.
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The History of English Teatime
The tradition of afternoon tea and teatime treats started in England in the early 1800s, when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, complained of feeling hungry between lunch and dinner. She decided to have a pot of tea and some light snacks in her private room around 4 pm, and soon invited her friends to join her. This became a fashionable social event among the upper class, who would dress up and enjoy tea, sandwiches, cakes, and other delicacies in their drawing rooms.
Later, the middle class adopted this custom as well, but they called it high tea instead of afternoon tea. High tea was served around 6 pm, after work or school, and consisted of more substantial food such as meat pies, cheese, bread, and butter. High tea was also eaten at a high table, such as a dining table, while afternoon tea was eaten at a low table, such as a coffee table.
Today, afternoon tea is still a popular way to celebrate special occasions or enjoy a relaxing break in England and other parts of the world. Many hotels, restaurants, cafes, and tearooms offer afternoon tea service with a variety of teatime treats.
The Types of English Teatime Treats
There are many different kinds of teatime treats that you can make and enjoy at home or at an afternoon tea party. They can be divided into five main categories:
Scones
Scones are one of the most quintessential English teatime treats. They are small, round, and slightly sweet breads that are usually made with flour, butter, milk, eggs, and baking powder. They can be plain or flavored with dried fruits, nuts, cheese, or herbs. Scones are best served warm from the oven, split in half, and spread with butter, jam, and clotted cream. Clotted cream is a thick, rich cream that is made by heating and cooling unpasteurized milk. It has a nutty flavor and a creamy texture that goes well with scones and jam.
To make scones, you will need:
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/3 cup of cold butter, cut into small pieces
3/4 cup of milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup of raisins or other dried fruits (optional)
To make scones, follow these steps:
Preheat oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the milk and egg until a soft dough forms. If using dried fruits, fold them in gently.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it briefly until smooth.
Pat the dough into a 9-inch circle and cut into 8 wedges.
Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
Transfer to a wire rack and let them cool slightly before serving.
Cakes
Cakes are another popular type of teatime treat. They are sweet baked goods that are made with flour, sugar, eggs, butter or oil, and leavening agents such as baking powder or baking soda. They can be flavored with various ingredients such as chocolate, vanilla, lemon, spices, nuts, fruits, or vegetables. Cakes can be simple or elaborate, depending on the occasion and the preference of the baker. Some of the most common cakes for afternoon tea are:
Pound cake: A dense and buttery cake that is made with equal amounts of flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. It can be plain or flavored with lemon zest, vanilla extract, or almond extract. It can be served plain or with whipped cream and fresh berries.
Sponge cake: A light and airy cake that is made with flour, sugar, eggs, and sometimes a little butter. It can be plain or flavored with lemon juice, orange juice, or cocoa powder. It can be served plain or with jam, whipped cream, custard, or fruit.
Fruit cake: A rich and moist cake that is made with dried fruits, nuts, spices, and sometimes alcohol. It can be dark or light in color depending on the type of fruits and sugar used. It can be served plain or with butter or cheese.
Carrot cake: A moist and spicy cake that is made with grated carrots, walnuts, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It is usually topped with cream cheese frosting and decorated with more walnuts or shredded carrots.
To make a simple sponge cake, you will need:
4 eggs
3/4 cup of granulated sugar
3/4 cup of all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon of salt
2 tablespoons of melted butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
To make a simple sponge cake, follow these steps:
Preheat oven to 350F and grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer until thick and pale yellow.
Gradually add the sugar and beat until fluffy and glossy.
Sift the flour and salt over the egg mixture and fold gently with a rubber spatula until well combined.
Fold in the melted butter and vanilla extract.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Cut into slices and serve plain or with whipped cream and fresh berries.
Biscuits (Cookies)
Biscuits are another type of teatime treat that are also known as cookies in some parts of the world. They are small, flat, and crisp or chewy baked goods that are made with flour, sugar, butter or oil, eggs, and various flavorings. They can be plain or decorated with icing, chocolate, nuts, or dried fruits. Some of the most popular biscuits for afternoon tea are:
Shortbread: A buttery and crumbly biscuit that is made with flour, butter, and sugar. It can be plain or flavored with vanilla, lemon, or almond. It can be cut into various shapes such as fingers, rounds, or wedges.
Gingerbread: A spicy and aromatic biscuit that is made with flour, butter, sugar, molasses, and ginger. It can be plain or decorated with icing or candies. It can be cut into various shapes such as men, women, animals, or houses.
Chocolate chip: A chewy and chocolatey biscuit that is made with flour, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and chocolate chips. It can be plain or flavored with nuts, oatmeal, or peanut butter.
Jammy dodgers: A sandwich biscuit that is made with two shortbread biscuits filled with jam. It can be plain or decorated with a heart-shaped hole in the top biscuit to reveal the jam.
To make shortbread biscuits, you will need:
1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
To make shortbread biscuits, follow these steps:
Preheat oven to 325F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Add the flour and salt and mix well until a smooth dough forms. If using vanilla extract, stir it in.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
Cut out shapes using a cookie cutter of your choice and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
Transfer to a wire rack and let them cool completely before serving.
Exotic Teatime Treats
If you want to add some variety and excitement to your afternoon tea menu, you can try some exotic teatime treats inspired by other cuisines and cultures. These are some examples of teatime treats that are not traditionally English but are equally delicious and easy to make:
Baklava: A sweet and sticky pastry that is made with layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and soaked in honey syrup. It can be flavored with rose water, orange blossom water, cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves.
Madeleines: A delicate and buttery cake that is shaped like a scallop shell. It can be plain or flavored with lemon zest, orange zest, vanilla extract, or almond extract. It can be served plain or dusted with powdered sugar.
Macarons: A colorful and elegant sandwich cookie that is made with almond flour, egg whites, sugar, and food coloring. It can be filled with various types of buttercream, ganache, jam, or curd. It can be flavored with chocolate, vanilla, coffee, caramel, pistachio, raspberry, lemon, or any other flavor you like.
peas, carrots, onions, and spices. It can be fried or baked and served with chutney or yogurt.
Churros: A crispy and sugary pastry that is made with a dough of flour, water, butter, and salt. It is piped into long strips and deep-fried until golden and crunchy. It can be sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and served with chocolate sauce or dulce de leche.
To make samosas, you will need:
For the dough:
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon of salt
4 tablespoons of oil or ghee
6 tablespoons of water
For the filling:
2 tablespoons of oil or ghee
1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
1/4 teaspoon of asafoetida (optional)
1/4 teaspoon of turmeric
1/4 teaspoon of salt
2 cups of boiled potatoes, mashed
1 cup of green peas, cooked
1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon of garam masala
1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
1/4 teaspoon of amchur (dried mango powder) or lemon juice
Oil, for frying
To make samosas, follow these steps:
To make the dough, mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the oil or ghee and rub it into the flour with your fingers until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Gradually add the water and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20 minutes.
To make the filling, heat the oil or ghee in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cumin seeds and asafoetida and fry for a few seconds until they sputter. Add the turmeric and salt and stir. Add the potatoes and peas and mix well. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is dry. Add the cilantro, garam masala, chili powder, and amchur or lemon juice and stir. Turn off the heat and let the filling cool slightly.
To make the samosas, divide the dough into 10 equal portions and roll them into balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball into a thin circle about 6 inches in diameter. Cut each circle in half to form two semicircles.
Taking one semicircle at a time, wet the straight edge with water and fold it over to form a cone shape. Press the edges together to seal. Fill the cone with about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture. Wet the open edges with water and press them together to seal. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
To fry the samosas, heat oil in a deep-fryer or a large pot over medium-high heat. Carefully drop a few samosas at a time into the hot oil and fry for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and serve hot or warm with chutney or yogurt.
Pikelets
Pikelets are small, thin pancakes that are similar to crumpets but lighter and fluffier. They are made with flour, milk, eggs, baking powder, sugar, and butter. They can be eaten plain or topped with butter, jam, honey, whipped cream, or fruit. They are usually served for breakfast or as a teatime snack.
To make pikelets, you will need:
1 cup of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 egg
3/4 cup of milk
2 tablespoons of melted butter
To make pikelets, follow these steps:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and butter.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well until a smooth batter forms.
Heat a lightly grereased griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Drop tablespoonfuls of batter onto the griddle and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip and cook for another minute or until golden brown on both sides.
Transfer to a plate and keep warm while you make the rest of the pikelets.
Serve with your choice of toppings.
Savories
If you prefer something savory rather than sweet for your afternoon tea, you can also make some savory teatime treats that are easy and delicious. These are some examples of savory teatime treats that you can enjoy with a cup of tea:
Cheese straws: A crispy and cheesy pastry that is made with puff pastry, grated cheese, egg wash, and seasonings. It can be cut into thin strips and twisted before baking or cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
Egg salad sandwiches: A simple and satisfying sandwich that is made with hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley or dill. It can be served on white or whole wheat bread with the crusts trimmed off and cut into triangles or fingers.
Mini quiches: A bite-sized and savory custard that is made with eggs, cream, cheese, bacon, onion, and seasonings. It can be baked in muffin tins lined with pastry dough or without crust for a gluten-free option.
Deviled eggs: A classic and creamy appetizer that is made with hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper, and paprika. It can be garnished with chopped chives, parsley, bacon bits, or caviar.
To make cheese straws, you will need:
1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese
1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water
Salt and pepper to taste
To make cheese straws, follow these steps:
Preheat oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 10 by 12 inch rectangle.
Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese and half of the cheddar cheese evenly over the pastry. Fold it in half to enclose the cheese.
Roll out the pastry again into a 10 by 12 inch rectangle. Brush it with some of the egg wash and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Cut the pastry into thin strips using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife. Twist each strip and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Transfer to a wire rack and let them cool slightly before serving.
How to Host an English Afternoon Tea Celebration
If you want to host your own afternoon tea celebration at home or at a venue of your choice, you will need to plan ahead and prepare some essentials. Here are some tips on how to host an English afternoon tea celebration that will impress your guests:
The Essentials of an Afternoon Tea Party
An afternoon tea party usually consists of three courses: sandwiches, scones, and cakes. These are served on a three-tiered stand or separate plates along with tea. Here are some basic elements of an afternoon tea party and how to arrange them:
The Tea
The tea is the star of the show at an afternoon tea party, so you will need to choose, brew, and serve it properly. Here are some tips on how to do that:
Choose a variety of teas to suit different tastes and preferences. You can offer black, green, white, oolong, herbal, or flavored teas. Some of the most popular teas for afternoon tea are Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Darjeeling, Assam, Jasmine, Chamomile, and Mint.
Brew the tea in a teapot using loose leaf tea or tea bags. Use fresh, filtered water and bring it to a boil. For black tea, pour the boiling water over the tea and steep for 3 to 5 minutes. For green or white tea, let the water cool slightly before pouring over the tea and steep for 2 to 3 minutes. For herbal or flavored tea, follow the instructions on the package.
Serve the tea in a teacup with a saucer and a teaspoon. You can also provide a small jug of milk, a bowl of sugar cubes or granulated sugar, a lemon wedge, and a honey pot for your guests to customize their tea. Pour the tea first, then add milk or lemon as desired. Stir gently and enjoy.
The Tableware
The tableware is another important aspect of an afternoon tea party, as it adds to the elegance and charm of the occasion. Here are some tips on how to select, set, and use the tableware:
Select a matching or coordinating set of china or porcelain tableware that includes a teapot, a creamer, a sugar bowl, a cake stand, plates, cups, saucers, teaspoons, forks, and knives. You can also use silverware or glassware for a more sophisticated look.
Set the table with a tablecloth and napkins that match or complement the tableware. You can also use placemats and coasters if you prefer. Place a centerpiece of flowers or candles in the middle of the table for decoration.
Use the tableware properly and politely. Hold the teacup by the handle and sip from the same spot to avoid staining the rim. Place the teaspoon on the saucer after stirring and never leave it in the cup. Use the fork and knife to cut and eat the sandwiches and cakes. Use the napkin to dab your mouth and place it on your lap when not in use.
The Food
The food is the final and most delicious element of an afternoon tea party, as it provides a variety of flavors and textures to enjoy with the tea. Here are some tips on how to arrange, present, and enjoy the food:
Arrange the food on a three-tiered stand or separate plates according to the courses. Place the sandwiches on the bottom tier or plate, the scones on the middle tier or plate, and the cakes on the top tier or plate.
the crusts. Arrange them in neat rows or stacks on the plate. Split the scones in half and place them on the plate with a small bowl of clotted cream and jam. Cut the cakes into bite-sized pieces and place them on the plate with some fresh berries or nuts.
Enjoy the food in the proper order and etiquette. Start with the sandwiches and eat them with your fingers. Move on to the scones and eat them with a fork. Spread some clotted cream and jam on each half and eat them separately. Finish with the cakes and eat them with a fork. Take small bites and chew with your mouth closed.
The Etiquette of an Afternoon Tea Party
An afternoon tea party is not only a delightful way to enjoy some delicious food and drink, but also a social occasion that requires some etiquette and manners. Here are some dos and don'ts of attending or hosting an a