Heading: How to Plan the Perfect Father’s Day Afternoon Tea: Ideas and Recipes
Father’s Day is a great opportunity to show your appreciation for your dad, granddad, or the father figure in your life. What better way to celebrate Father’s Day than with an elegant and delicious afternoon tea? Planning the perfect Father’s Day afternoon tea can be easily achieved with a little bit of creativity, effort, and a few simple recipes. In this article, we will provide ideas and recipes for creating a Father’s Day afternoon tea that he will enjoy and remember for years to come.
Before we begin, it’s important to consider the following aspects when planning your Father’s Day afternoon tea:
1. Theme: It’s always fun to incorporate a theme into your afternoon tea. You can choose a theme that reflects your dad’s hobbies or interests, such as golf, fishing, or music. Alternatively, you can go for a classic British afternoon tea theme, complete with finger sandwiches, scones, and tea.
2. Venue: You can hold the afternoon tea at home or at a location special to your dad. Consider setting up a garden tea party, or renting a room in a local hotel or tea room.
3. Table decoration: Dress up the table with a tablecloth, flowers, and themed decorations if you choose to go with a specific theme. You can also provide personalized place cards, tea cups, and saucers to make the atmosphere extra special.
4. Food and drink: Make sure you have a selection of tea, coffee, and other beverages for your guests to enjoy. Plan your menu around finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes, pastries and biscuits.
Now that we’ve covered the key aspects of planning the perfect Father’s Day afternoon tea, let’s move on to the recipes.
English Breakfast Tea
To create the perfect cup of English breakfast tea, start by boiling water in a pot. Add one teaspoon of loose tea leaves for every 6 ounces of water you are using. Allow the tea to steep for three to five minutes and then pour it through a strainer into a teapot. Serve with a slice of lemon or milk and sugar to taste.
Finger Sandwiches
Finger sandwiches are a must-have for any afternoon tea. Keep the sandwiches small, with each slice cut into thirds or quarters. Here are a few ideas for sandwiches:
1. Classic cucumber sandwich: Spread softened butter onto a slice of white bread, and then top with thinly sliced cucumbers. Season with salt and pepper and cut into small pieces.
2. Egg salad sandwich: Boil eggs until they are hard boiled, peel and smash with a fork. Add in mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Spread the mixture onto a slice of bread and top with another slice to form the sandwich.
3. Smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich: Spread cream cheese onto a slice of rye bread. Top with smoked salmon and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Scones
Scones are a classic British afternoon tea item. They can be sweet or savory, and are traditionally served with clotted cream and jam. Here’s a recipe for delicious raisin scones:
Ingredients:
– 3 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup of sugar
– 2 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
– 1/2 cup of butter
– 1 egg
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1 cup of buttermilk
– 1 cup of raisins
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add in the butter and mix until it forms a crumb-like texture.
4. Add in the raisins.
5. Beat the egg and add to the bowl along with the buttermilk.
6. Mix until everything is well-combined.
7. Knead the mixture on a floured surface and then roll out to around 1 inch thickness.
8. Cut out 2-inch rounds of the mixture and place on a baking sheet.
9. Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle sugar on top.
10. Bake the scones in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Chocolate Brownies
Want to add a touch of sweetness to your afternoon tea? Chocolate brownies are perfect for a Father’s Day themed afternoon tea. Here’s a recipe for delicious chocolate brownies:
Ingredients:
– 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter
– 1 cup of sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/3 cup of cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup of chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Melt butter in a bowl, and add in sugar.
3. Add in the eggs and beat until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
5. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, and stir until combined.
6. Add in the vanilla extract and flour.
7. Mix in the chocolate chips.
8. Pour the mixture in a greased baking pan, and bake for around 25 minutes.
9. Allow to cool before cutting into small pieces.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a Father’s Day afternoon tea can be a fantastic way to celebrate the special man in your life. Put in effort in planning the event, incorporate a theme if you want to add some extra pizzazz, and provide guests with an array of finger foods, scones, cakes, and sweets. The accompanying recipes should give you a solid foundation, from which you can add your own twists.
Remember, the most important thing is to make it a memorable day for your dad by showing him how much you appreciate and love him.
