Posts Tagged ‘cake’
Afternoon Tea – The Great Tradition
The Great Tradition of Afternoon Tea
Almost anyone who drinks tea has their own idea about the tea tradition of Afternoon Tea. It’s an event celebrated through decades of British poetry, books, and movies, and is an event known around the world as a result. However, few Americans understand the history of this experience and its origins, and therefore they understand little of its true significance.
The History
The 7th Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria, is reputed to have begun the tradition. Because Victorian dinners were often served “fashionably late” she would begin to feel hunger pains around five in the afternoon. Rather than waiting until dinner to satisfy her hunger, she asked her butler to have tea served in the late afternoon accompanied by bread and butter and a few cakes or biscuits. It satisfied her to the degree that she soon made it a habit, even inviting her friends to join her in the sitting room for the event. When Queen Victoria herself adopted the practice, the tradition became even more popular. As tea eventually became more affordable, the middle class was able to join in on this ritual dessert tea as well, and when that occurred, the event quickly became an activity enjoyed by all.
Of course, this is a well known and respected tradition in the United Kingdom, and it is really a light meal. References to low tea and high tea have little to do with the elegance of this popular tea service. The terms low tea and high tea have more to do with the height of the surface on which tea is served than whether it is elegant or inelegant.
In fact, Afternoon tea can be very elegant. It is traditionally served between two and five in the afternoon and may include finger sandwiches, scones, jams, cakes, and even assorted pastries. It might very well be served on a low table in the sitting room or even the bedroom, hence the term “low tea.” Traditionally, only loose tea is served in a china teapot, possibly accompanied by milk and sugar. Occasionally, even more elaborate desserts such as trifle, a multi-layered cake, are served as well. Afternoon Tea is usually served in the more formal rooms of the house rather than the kitchen, and this elegant treat is accompanied by the best linens, fine china and silver teapots.
High Tea
As I mentioned, high tea is a different tea service. High tea is really an early evening meal, and generally occurs between the later hours of 5 and 6 o’clock. It typically consists of cold meats, eggs, cakes and sandwiches and is a more formal event. Because of the type of foods served tends to be served on the table regularly used for meals, a higher table, and hence the term “high tea.”
Which Type of Tea?
When it comes to what tea should be served at Afternoon Tea, there are many choices. Often, the hostess makes the tea using an electric kettle to boil the water. Because the water is just off the boil when it is poured over the tea more flavor is extracted. It also effectively reduces the time it takes to actually brew the tea.
The longer you brew tea, the more the tannin will be dissolved, and the tea will taste less bitter. Full leaf tea will also taste better because full leaf loose tea is not as broken as some of the the tea you might find in teabags which often include finely ground tea dust called fannings. Keep in mind that if you do use loose tea, you will need to use a tea strainer to keep from getting tea leaves in your cup. On the other hand, tea leaves in your Afternoon Tea cup gives you the opportunity to give a tea leaf reading, but that’s for another article. Tea is a delicious beverage that is enjoyed around the world and in many cultures. Why don’t you brew a nice steaming “cuppa” today.
About the Author
Jerry Nielsen is the publisher of the blog, Tea and Scones Vermont,
http://www.tea-and-scones-vermont.com
and the proprietor of Rose Arbour Tea Room in Chester, VT where his daughter Suzanne serves a truly elegant and delicious Full Afternoon Tea (by reservation only).
http://www.rosearbour.com
Come For Tea #27: Glazed Gingerbread Tea Cake
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Yedi Houseware Classic Coffee and Tea French Garden Cake Plate $16.00 The French Garden is a fan favorite! Consumers love this product because it carries a distinguished manner about itself. The French Garden all come in a pretty yellow body with beautiful miniature flower arrangements on the outline of the product. Comes in its own Satined-lined hatbox with elegant and pretty artwork. Fine Porcelain. Dessert Serving Plate. Elegantly Packaged…. |
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ALESSI Espresso Press Gift set…with 2 cups, saucers & spoons $119.00 Alessi’s great espresso gift set. Comes with espresso press, 2 cups, saucers & spoons…. |
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Eat Cake Tea for One Sundae/cupcake Teapot and Mug $24.95 This whimsical “Let them Eat Cake” Teapot Gift Set is no ordinary way to enjoy afternoon tea. Get a taste of the sweet life with this decadent cupcake teapot and tea cup…. |
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Ujinotsuyu Matcha Hagoromo (All Natural Green Tea Powder) Twin Pack – 2x 1.41 Oz (40 G) $17.99 Kyoto has been holding the reputation as the birthplace of high quality of tea. The plant is flourishing especially in Uji, which is located on the south in Kyoto, for the reasons: “Rich nature and environment suited to the cultivation” and ” Tradition rooted on this area “. Ujinotsuyuseicha Co., Ltd. is an Uji-based manufacture, having the aim at spreading our tradition through tea to all over th… |
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The Ya-Hoo! Baking Co. Pound Cake, Brunch Bread and Tea Cake Set, (Pack of 4) $14.89 … |
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Traditional Taiwanese All Natural Vegetarian Sweet Mini Green Bean Cakes with Red Bean Paste – 15 Pieces (5.3 Oz) $6.99 One of most beloved traditional Chinese tea cakes. Healthy and Nutrition. Contains the only natural vegetable ingredients. It is Suitable for vegetarian. Taste great after cooling in refrigerator. Enjoy them with a cup of tea, or eat right out of box! Great for any time. Pack in a beautiful box and paper bag…. |
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White Filigree Cupcake Wrappers (1 dz) Use these white filigree cupcake wrappers at tea parties, garden parties, or girl birthday parties. Pretty wrappers are great for any occasion. Cupcake wrappers are laser cut and look like pretty lace.WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts. Not for children under 3 years…. |
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White Basket Cupcake Wrappers (1 dz) $10.95 These white basket cupcake wrappers make a dainty decoration that dresses up your cupcakes. Laser-cut wrappers come in two pieces, but are easily assembled to look like pretty spring baskets. These make lovely decorations and pretty favors at garden parties, tea parties and any occasion. Baskets measure 3 1/4″ around and 4 1/4″ tall with handle. 1 dozen.WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts. Not f… |
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Blush Teapots Cupcake Wrappers (1 dz) $10.95 Use these blush teapot cupcake wrappers at garden parties or girl birthday parties. And what could be more perfect for a tea party than a sweet-colored teapot cupcake wrapper?WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts. Not for children under 3 years…. |
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Tea for You Deluxe Party Kit (8 guests) $43.66 … |