Grated cheddar cheese and grated apple bound with mayonnaise
Nips of warm bacon, avocado slices, rocket and a splash of French dressing
Ham with a touch of Dijon mustard
Chicken, spring onion and a flick of black pepper
Thinly sliced tomato, a dash of balsamic and a sprinkle of coarse salt
Smoked salmon and cream cheese
Tuna and finely chopped red onion
Tuna and very thin slices of cucumber
Prawn, Marie-Rose sauce, shredded iceberg lettuce
And there HAS to be egg mayonnaise and cress!
Middle Plate Sweets and Savouries
This layer should be a wonderful mix of flavours and textures appealing to all the senses
I do like something warm and savoury here – maybe triangles of quiche, filled flaky pastry rolls or mini cheese and chive scones
As for the sweet . . .
Bites of carrot cake
Squidgy macaroons (chocolate is my favourite if you are asking)
Crispy buttery pastry cases filled with Chantilly cream and a teaspoonful of glazed summer fruit
Mini cheesecakes (Scoop out the middle of some large strawberries, fill with a mix of whipped cream, mascarpone cheese, a pinch of icing sugar to sweeter, a few vanilla seeds from a pod and then dip the top in digestive crumb)
Traditional butterfly buns
Top Plate Scones
The crowning glory of any afternoon tea should be the scones. Plain always – maybe offer currant or cherry too. Split but not assembled because some people prefer them buttered, some creamed – some (i.e. me) both.
On the table there should be accompaniments of good quality strawberry jam, clotted cream with a crust (never that aerated squirty stuff that vanishes in seconds) and butter curls. To make these, make sure your butter block is fridge-hard. Dip the butter curler in cup of hot water, draw it along the butter and then drop the curl into a bowl of cold water bearing ice cubes to set them. Remove and place on a dish to serve.
Bon Appetit!
Why not come along to Milly’s Teashop at www.millyjohnson.co.uk where you’ll find news, recipes, photos, videos, competitions, giveaways – and all sorts of afternoon tea-related accoutrements.
Milly x