When we think of indulgence and relaxation, afternoon tea often comes to mind, doesn't it, Lykkers?

Imagine gathering with friends, sipping aromatic tea, and savoring delicious treats in the warm afternoon sun. Today, we're excited to share our delightful journey into the world of afternoon tea and show you how to create this elegant experience at home.

The Essence of Afternoon Tea

Originating in the early 19th century, afternoon tea was introduced by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, who found herself craving a light meal between lunch and dinner. This charming custom quickly evolved into a social event, where people enjoyed tea along with a variety of pastries, finger sandwiches, and scones. The tradition remains popular today, offering a wonderful way to catch up with loved ones.

Setting the Scene

To create the perfect afternoon tea experience, we need to set an inviting atmosphere. Start by choosing a lovely tablecloth or a decorative tray to serve your treats. Elegant teacups and saucers can add a touch of sophistication. Don't forget fresh flowers to brighten the setting and perhaps some soft music to create a soothing ambiance.

Making the Tea

The heart of any afternoon tea is, of course, the tea itself. Here’s a simple method to brew a delightful pot of tea:

Choose Your Tea:Popular options include black teas like Earl Grey or Darjeeling, green tea, or herbal blends.

Boil Water: Bring fresh water to a boil and let it cool for about a minute for black tea (or to about 80°C for green tea).

Steep: Place one teaspoon of loose tea leaves (or one tea bag) for each cup into the teapot. Pour the hot water over the tea and steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your preference.

Serve: Strain the tea into your cups and add milk, sugar, or lemon as desired.

Preparing Tasty Treats

Now for the fun part—preparing delicious snacks to accompany our tea! Here are some classic items to include:

Finger Sandwiches: We can use cucumber, smoked salmon, or egg salad. To make them, spread a thin layer of cream cheese on slices of bread, add your filling, and cut the sandwiches into small triangles or rectangles.

Scones: A must-have for afternoon tea! Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients: 225g self-raising flour, 100g butter, 25g sugar, 150ml milk, and a pinch of salt.

Instructions: Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C for fan ovens). In a bowl, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in sugar and salt, then add milk gradually until the dough forms. Roll out to about 2cm thick and cut into circles. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.

Pastries and Cakes: We can also include mini pastries or slices of cake, such as Victoria sponge or chocolate cake, for an added treat.

Enjoying the Experience

Once everything is prepared, we can arrange the treats on a tiered stand or a decorative platter for a beautiful presentation. As we sit down with our friends, it’s time to savor the flavors and enjoy delightful conversations. Afternoon tea is not just about the food and drink; it’s about taking a moment to pause and connect with those we cherish.

So, Lykkers, let’s embrace this lovely tradition and create our own memorable afternoon tea experience! Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy get-together, we can make every moment special.