And is there anything MORE English than the Brits and their tea?
Actually the British got their first experience with tea from Portugal with King Charles II's new bride Catherine of Braganza. It went over so well that there are certain times and rituals now for it.
First up is "Elevenses" also known as Cream Tea and is usually served between breakfast and lunch at 11:00. Cream Tea is traditionally served with scones, muffins, or sweet bread with clotted cream and jam on the side. Observation of Cream Tea began in the early 1900's and continues to this day.
The Tea we are most familiar with is Afternoon Tea.
Afternoon Tea is served between 3 PM and 4 PM. Since lunch is early and dinner was generally served after 7:30 PM this was a way for hungry Brits to nibble before dinner. Afternoon Tea is the tea we associate with finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes and scones. Afternoon Tea is also commonly known as "Low Tea"
"High Tea" despite its name was actually for the working class (think miners) who did not get the mid-afternoon break after an early lunch...and therefore had tea straightaway with a larger heavy meal in the evenings. Usually with Pies, Meats and Cheeses.
Many people now use the term High Tea to describe Afternoon Tea. This is a misnomer.
The most sought out place for Afternoon Tea in England these days is the Palm Court at The Ritz Hotel
And a sample of their Afternoon Tea menu can be seen here
https://www.theritzlondon.com/dining-drinks/afternoon-tea-menus/
Where the Afternoon Traditional Tea starts at 52 Pounds Sterling or 68 Euro. About 75 USD.
Even making tea in England is a ritual. Water is boiled and poured in the tea cup. Then additional water is boiled. The cup thoroughly warmed from the boiling water and the water discarded...then the cup is refilled with boiling water, and the tea ball or bag is steeped for the required time. Sugar or cream or both is added after the tea has been served.
And one of the Traditional Finger Sandwiches to accompany Afternoon Tea.
English Cucumber Sandwiches
1 English Cucumber thinly sliced.
1 package of cream cheese.
1/4 cup real mayonnaise.
1/4 teaspoon of (both) garlic powder and onion salt
1 dash Worcestershire Sauce
1 pinch lemon pepper
1 loaf white bread with crusts removed
Place sliced cucumber between paper towel to drain/absorb moisture.
Mix together all ingredients.
Spread Mixture evenly over sliced bread and top each slice with a layer of cucumber slices.
Top with slice of bread and cut into finger sandwiches.
Garnish with Dill Sprig.
May have to create a Palm Court Ritz Afternoon Tea for friends at home soon!
More anon...
