Father’s Day Afternoon Tea: Indulge in Savory and Sweet Treats While Sharing Memories with Dad
Father’s Day is celebrated to honor fathers and father figures for their contributions, love and sacrifices. This year, instead of the usual gift of ties or socks, how about treating your dad to a delightful afternoon tea? An afternoon tea is a perfect way to relax, indulge in scrumptious food, and spend quality time with dad. Let’s explore some tips on how to plan the perfect Father’s Day afternoon tea, along with some delicious savory and sweet treats to indulge.
Plan a Memorable Father’s Day Afternoon Tea
Start by selecting a location for the tea. You can choose to host the tea at home or look for a local tearoom. Tearooms offer a more traditional afternoon tea experience and usually have a charming ambiance. If hosting at home, prepare a lovely table setting, complete with floral arrangements and some thoughtful touches like personalized place-cards.
Next, select the tea. You will need to consider the type of tea that your dad would enjoy. There are various types of teas available that range from black, green, herbal, and fruit, to name a few. Remember, if you are not sure, you can always seek advice from a tea vendor or your nearest tearoom.
Prepare a variety of sandwiches, both savory and sweet. You can opt for classic finger sandwiches like egg salad, cucumber, and cream cheese and salmon. For a twist, try mini grilled cheese sandwiches with bacon or ham, roast beef sliders, and curried chicken. For the sweet selection, prepare scones, macarons, mini cakes, and fruit tarts. Ensure that you have enough for everyone to indulge.
Finally, share your thoughts and memories with dad over tea. It’s a perfect time to reflect on the love and care he has given you over the years. You can also share stories about your childhood, listen to dad’s life lessons, and acknowledge the impact he has made in your life.
A Guide to the Perfect Afternoon Tea Menu
Afternoon tea is not complete without the perfect menu. Below are some delicious savory and sweet treats that you can include in your Father’s Day afternoon tea.
Savory Treats
Finger Sandwiches
Finger sandwiches are a staple in the English afternoon tea. They are small, triangular-shaped sandwiches, with crusts removed, and are usually eaten in two bites. The sandwiches are buttered and filled with an assortment of fillings. Here are some classic and unique fillings that you can consider.
Classic Egg Salad Sandwich
Egg salad sandwiches are a timeless classic and are easy to prepare. To make the perfect egg salad sandwich, you will need eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, and salt and pepper. Take eight eggs boiled to the firm yolk and run them through a food processor, blender or mash with a fork. Add a tablespoon of mayonnaise per egg and half a teaspoon of mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix, spread on bread slices, and top with another slice.
Smoked Salmon Sandwich
Smoked salmon sandwiches are a favorite for seafood lovers and are perfect for an afternoon tea. To prepare, you will need thinly sliced smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and bread. Spread cream cheese, then layer the salmon, and sprinkle capers on top. Cover with another slice of bread and cut into small triangles.
Prosciutto and Mozzarella Sandwich
Prosciutto and mozzarella sandwiches offer an Italian twist to the classic finger sandwiches. You will need prosciutto, mozzarella cheese, pesto sauce, and bread. Spread the pesto on each side of the bread, then add sliced prosciutto, and the sliced mozzarella cheese. Place between two slices of bread and cut into small triangles.
Sausage Rolls
Sausage rolls are delicious savory pastries that are simple to make. To prepare, you will need sausage meat, puff pastry, and egg wash. Roll out the puff pastry and cut into long strips. Place a layer of sausage meat in the center of the strip, then roll to cover it up and cut into small portions (1 roll per person). Brush with the egg wash and bake until golden brown.
Sweet Treats
Scones
Scones are a classic in afternoon tea and can be prepared in various flavors. The traditional scone is usually plain or with raisins; however, you can opt for lemon, raspberry, or even chocolate. To prepare, you will need flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, butter, milk, and any flavors you would like to add. Mix the dry ingredients, add the butter, and mix until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add milk and knead until the dough is formed. Cut into small portions and bake.
Macarons
Macarons are a French delicacy that will add a touch of elegance to your afternoon tea. They are small, meringue-based cookies with a crispy shell and a soft, chewy center. Macarons can be prepared in various flavors — from raspberry to chocolate to rose. To prepare, you will need almond flour, powdered sugar, egg whites, and sugar. Mix the almond flour and powdered sugar, whip the egg whites, add sugar and beat until glossy. Fold in the almond flour mix carefully. Pipe and bake.
Mini Cakes
Mini cakes are perfect for a sweet treat on Father’s Day. They are a bit more time consuming to make, but the result is worth it. You can prepare classic vanilla sponge cakes or go for something different, like carrot, lemon, or chocolate. Ensure that the cakes are bite-sized and can be easily eaten with fingers.
Fruit Tarts
Fruit tarts are healthy and scrumptious, perfect for a fresh addition to an afternoon tea. You can opt for the classic fruit tart with custard and mixed fruits or go for something different, like lemon curd or even chocolate. You will need tart shells, custard or filling of your choice, and fresh fruits. Fill the tart shells with custard, top with fresh fruits, and enjoy.
In conclusion, Father’s Day is a special day to honor fathers and father figures. Instead of going for the usual gifts this year, surprise your dad with a delightful afternoon tea. The simple act of sharing memories and stories over a cup of tea and indulging in savory and sweet treats will make the day even more memorable. Remember to prepare a delicious and varied menu, and select the perfect tea to make it an unforgettable experience for your dad.
