Celebrate Dad with a Delicious Afternoon Tea on Father’s Day: Tips and Recipes

Introduction

Father’s Day is just around the corner and we have the perfect way to celebrate your dad- by treating him to a delicious afternoon tea! Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British tradition where one can enjoy a cup of tea, sandwiches, cakes, and scones- all in one sitting. This year, why not surprise your dad with a homemade afternoon tea spread that is both scrumptious and thoughtful? Listed below are some tips and recipes that will help you put together an unforgettable Father’s Day afternoon tea experience.

Plan ahead

The key to a successful afternoon tea is the planning ahead. Make a list of all the items you need to purchase for the menu, including the ingredients for the recipes that you plan to include.

Consider the number of people attending and plan accordingly. Having too much food may overwhelm the guests and lead to wastage, while serving too little will leave your guests unsatisfied. Plan to have at least one sandwich, a cake or pastry, a scone, and a dessert per person.

Create the perfect ambiance for your dad by setting the table with a teapot, teacups, plates, and napkins. You could even add decorations that match your dad’s personality to make the atmosphere even more special.

Sandwiches – A Classic Afternoon Tea Item

Sandwiches are a must-have item at any afternoon tea party. Here are some classic sandwich recipes that are sure to impress your dad.

Egg and cress sandwich: A popular afternoon tea classic, this sandwich is easy to make and is sure to please. Start by boiling a few eggs and mashing them in a bowl. Add in a tablespoon of mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to taste. Grind in some cress and mix well. Spread the egg mixture onto a slice of bread and layer another slice on top. Cut the sandwich into bite-sized pieces and serve.

Smoked salmon sandwich: For this sandwich, use soft brown or white bread. Spread cream cheese on a slice of bread. Add thinly sliced smoked salmon and a few capers. Cover with another slice of bread and serve.

Cucumber sandwich: Thinly slice a cucumber and season it lightly with salt and pepper. Spread unsalted butter on a slice of bread and layer the cucumber slices. Cover with another slice of bread and cut into bite-sized pieces before serving.

Cakes and Pastries – Indulge Your Dad’s Sweet Tooth

No afternoon tea is complete without a selection of cakes and pastries. Here are some ideas that are sure to impress your dad.

Scones: These are a classic afternoon tea item and are easy to make. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add in cold, diced butter and rub into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the beaten eggs, milk, and dried fruit. Mix well until it forms a soft, sticky dough. Roll the dough out onto a floured surface and cut into rounds using a cutter. Bake in the oven and serve with jam and clotted cream.

Lemon drizzle cake: This tangy, zesty cake is sure to liven up your dad’s taste buds. Start by creaming together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and fold in flour and baking powder. Stir in lemon zest and juice. Pour the mixture into a greased loaf tin and bake in the oven. Make a lemon drizzle by mixing icing sugar and lemon juice. Once the cake is out of the oven, prick it with a fork and pour over the drizzle. Serve and watch your dad’s face light up with joy.

Shortbread biscuits: These crumbly biscuits are easy to make and require only a few ingredients. Mix together butter, sugar, and flour until it forms a soft dough. Shape the dough into a log and chill in the fridge. Once the dough has hardened, cut it into slices and bake in the oven. Serve as is, or drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent touch.

Drinks – A Cup of Tea or Two

No afternoon tea is complete without a pot of hot tea. Use loose leaf tea if possible for the best flavor. Alternatively, coffee or cold beverages like lemonade or iced tea can be served.

Choose teas that complement the menu. For example, fruity teas go well with cakes and pastries, while robust teas pair well with sandwiches.

Conclusion

Celebrating Father’s Day with an afternoon tea is a thoughtful and personalized way to show your dad how much you appreciate him. By planning ahead and using the recipes and tips listed above, you can create a memorable and enjoyable experience that your dad will cherish for years to come. Happy Father’s Day!