Afternoon tea is a very English tradition which became popular in the early 19th century. Traditionally served at around 4 o’clock in the afternoon, it is credited to Anna, wife of the 7th Duke of Bedford.
‘Taking tea’ provided the perfect interlude to stem the hunger while waiting for the main evening meal at around 8 o’clock.
It quickly became a fashionable social event where ladies of society enjoyed dainty sandwiches, sweet pastries and cakes. The tea was imported from India, China or Ceylon and poured from ornate silver tea pots into fine bone china cups. A tea-cosy to keep the pot warm was a must.
Recipes here are those that belonged to afternoon tea time when I was growing up – cakes and scones. Cookies and those easy-to-make delights that my children still bake today can be found in Family Favourites. Be sure to check it out!
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