H1: Cheers to Dad: Indulge in Delicious Delights with These Father’s Day Afternoon Tea Recipes
Father’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about how to celebrate the most important man in your life – your dad. While you can’t take him out on a fancy dinner date or plan a trip to his favourite destination this year, you can still make the day special by treating him to a fancy afternoon tea at home. We have curated some easy-to-make yet indulgent recipes that will impress your dad and make him feel loved and cherished. So, let’s get started!
H2: Earl Grey Tea Cake
What’s a tea party without a cake? This Earl Grey tea cake is infused with the flavours of bergamot and vanilla and is perfect to serve alongside a hot cup of tea. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 3/4 cup of unsalted butter (room temperature)
– 1 1/2 cups of sugar
– 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 2 Earl Grey tea bags
– 1 tablespoon of hot water
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. In a small bowl, steep the Earl Grey tea bags in 1 tablespoon of hot water for about 5 minutes.
3. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time, mixing well.
6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition.
7. Remove the tea bags from the steeped tea and add it to the batter. Mix well.
8. Pour the batter into the greased pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
9. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Slice and serve with a hot cup of tea.
H2: Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Sandwiches
Sandwiches are a quintessential part of any afternoon tea, and this smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich is a perfect addition to your Father’s Day spread. It’s a classic flavour combination that is sure to please your dad’s taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 8 thin slices of smoked salmon
– 8 slices of whole-grain bread
– 8 tablespoons of cream cheese
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– Capers (optional)
– Fresh dill for garnish
Directions:
1. Lay out the bread slices and spread 1 tablespoon of cream cheese on each slice.
2. Place a thin layer of smoked salmon on four of the bread slices.
3. Top the salmon with thinly sliced red onion and capers if desired.
4. Place the remaining bread slices on top of each sandwich to make a sandwich.
5. Cut off the crusts and cut each sandwich into four small triangles or squares.
6. Garnish each sandwich with fresh dill.
H2: Maple Bacon Scones
Scones are another quintessential element of afternoon tea, and these maple bacon scones will take your Father’s Day tea experience to the next level. Perfectly flaky and savoury with a hint of sweetness, this will be your dad’s favourite treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 cup of unsalted butter (cold and cut into small pieces)
– 3/4 cup of whole milk
– 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup
– 4 strips of crispy bacon, chopped
– 1 tablespoon of maple sugar
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Mix in the chopped bacon.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the milk and maple syrup.
6. Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
7. Place the dough on a floured surface and knead it gently until it comes together.
8. Form the dough into a circle that is 1 inch thick and cut it into eight triangles.
9. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle the maple sugar on top of the scones.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
H2: Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Cookies
No afternoon tea is complete without some delicate and delicious shortbread cookies. These buttery cookies are perfect for dipping in a hot cup of tea and are elevated with the addition of chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup of cornstarch
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1 cup of unsalted butter (room temperature)
– 1/2 cup of icing sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, and salt.
3. In a larger bowl, cream the butter and icing sugar together until fluffy.
4. Beat in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and stir until it comes together.
6. Roll out the dough to a 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
7. Cut the dough into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes or until they are light golden brown in colour.
9. Allow the cookies to cool completely before dipping them in chocolate.
10. Melt the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until melted.
11. Dip the cooled cookies halfway into the chocolate mixture and let it dry on a wire rack.
H2: Cucumber and Mint Tea Sandwiches
Tea sandwiches are light, delicate, and perfect for a Father’s Day tea party. These cucumber and mint tea sandwiches are refreshing, flavourful, and easy to make.
Ingredients:
– 8 slices of white bread
– 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter (room temperature)
– 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
– 4-5 sprigs of fresh mint leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Cut off the crusts of the bread slices and spread a thin layer of butter on each slice.
2. Layer the cucumber slices on four of the bread slices.
3. Tear the mint leaves into smaller pieces and sprinkle it over the cucumber slices.
4. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
5. Put the remaining bread slices on top of each sandwich to make a sandwich.
6. Cut each sandwich into four small triangles or squares.
H2: Perfectly Brewed Tea
Let’s not forget about the star of the show, a perfectly brewed cup of tea. Follow these steps to ensure that your tea is brewed to perfection:
Ingredients:
– Water
– Loose tea or tea bags
– Milk (optional)
– Sugar (optional)
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Directions:
1. Boil the water and let it cool slightly, the temperature should be around 180-190°F for green tea and 200-212°F for black tea.
2. Add your desired amount of tea or tea bags to a tea pot or cup.
3. Pour hot water over the tea and let it steep for 3-5 minutes for green tea and 5-7 minutes for black tea.
4. Remove the tea bags/clean the strainer.
5. Add milk (optional) and sugar (optional) to taste.
6. Serve with a slice of lemon (optional)
Conclusion
Father’s Day is a special occasion to shower your dad with love and appreciation. This Father’s Day, treat your dad to an indulgent afternoon tea with these easy and delicious recipes. From savoury sandwiches to sweet treats and perfectly brewed tea, these recipes are sure to make your dad feel appreciated and loved. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Father’s Day tea party now!
