Celebrate Father’s Day with a Decadent Afternoon Tea

Father’s Day is a special occasion to honour the men who play a crucial role in our lives. They offer us guidance and provide us with unconditional love throughout our lives. What better way to show gratitude than by treating them to a delicious afternoon tea to celebrate Father’s Day?

What is Afternoon Tea?

Afternoon Tea is a quintessentially British tradition that dates back to the early 1840s. It was introduced by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, who often found herself feeling peckish during the late afternoon. She began requesting a light snack with tea and invited her friends to join her. As the tradition grew, it became more elaborate and started to include sandwiches, cakes, scones, and, of course, tea.

Why is Afternoon Tea a Perfect Way to Celebrate Father’s Day?

Afternoon tea is a great option for father’s day because it is a relaxed, yet sophisticated way to spend time with your dad. You get to enjoy each other’s company while indulging in delicious treats and, most importantly, bonding over your shared love for food.

How to Prepare for Father’s Day Afternoon Tea?

When it comes to afternoon tea, preparation is essential. The key is to create a relaxing atmosphere that your dad will appreciate. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the perfect Father’s Day afternoon tea:

Choose the perfect setting

You want a setting that is comfortable and cozy. Consider hosting the tea in your backyard or on your patio. If it’s too hot, you could have it inside with the AC on.

Choose the perfect tea set up

The perfect tea set up involves having all the necessary equipment and utensils close at hand. Ensure you have a teapot, teacups and saucers, teaspoons, milk jug, sugar bowl and tongs are necessary for the perfect tea setup. If you don’t have a matching set, you could always rent one or buy an inexpensive set online.

Choose the perfect tea

The tea is the star of the show, so choose wisely. Consider your dad’s taste preferences, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavours. You could try black tea, green tea, herbal tea, fruit tea, or even specialty tea blends. Ensure you have a variety to choose from.

Choose the perfect snacks

The snacks you choose for father’s day afternoon tea should be tasty and indulgent. This is the perfect opportunity to showcase your baking skills. You can serve sandwiches, scones, cakes, tarts, and biscuits.

Recipe Ideas for Father’s Day Afternoon Tea

Recipes are endless when it comes to Afternoon Tea. Here are a few recipes that will make your Father’s Day Afternoon Tea unforgettable:

Scones

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter using a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Stir into dry ingredients until the mixture forms a ball. Fold in raisins, if desired.
4. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead briefly. Roll or pat dough into a 3/4 inch thick round.
5. Cut into 8 wedges and place them on a prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake in a preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Egg Salad Sandwiches

• 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 8 slices of bread

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together eggs, mayonnaise, celery, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread mixture onto a slice of bread and top with another slice.
3. Cut the sandwich into triangles or squares and serve.

Lemon Puffs

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Lemon curd or jam for filling

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the lemon zest and salt and mix well.
3. Add the flour and mix until a dough forms.
4. Using a cookie press, pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in small rounds about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
7. Fill with lemon curd or jam and serve.

Conclusion

Celebrating Father’s Day with an Afternoon Tea is a great way to show your Dad how much you care. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the food options are endless. With these recipe ideas, you’re sure to have an unforgettable afternoon with your father.

Happy Father’s Day and Happy Baking!