Ever thought you might like to host your very own high tea? Well now is your chance, as we at The Tea Collective (who specialise in High Tea) thought we would give you a rundown on everything you need to become the hostess with the mostess of your own high tea!

FIRST OF ALL, TEA!

Organic English Breakfast: The classic tea that is a staple for every High Tea. Our blend is organic and full bodied and rich - perfect with a scone! View HERE

Wild Earl Grey: This is the perfect black tea for a High Tea with beautiful floral notes accompanied with flavours of bergamot and pink grapefruit - yum! View HERE 

Mon Coeur: Another gorgeous black tea with a twist! This blend will take you straight to summer with sweet juicy pieces of apricot and hints of vanilla bean. View HERE 

 

LEMONADE SCONES 

A High Tea must have the classic fluffy scone with lashings of jam and cream. So, why not try this easy scone recipe with a twist!

Ingredients: 

3 1/2 cups self raising flour , plus extra for dusting

1 cup thickened cream (heavy cream), not whipped!

1 cup lemonade

Method:

Preheat oven to 180°C fan. Line tray with baking paper. Combine the flour, cream and lemonade in a bowl and mix until flour is mostly combined. Do not over mix, it will make the scones dense! Turn out onto a floured surface, and knead gently 3 - 5 times to bring dough together, then gently pat into a disc shape 2.5cm thick. Use a 6cm round cutter to cut rounds - press straight up and down, flour cutter in between. Use a knife or similar to scoop up and place on tray. Bake for 15 minutes until golden on top. Place on rack to cool. Serve with copious amounts of cream and jam, and of course tea!

 

LEMON BERRY CUPCAKES

Another must have for a good High Tea is a selection of cakes and sweet treats to enjoy with your tea. This Lemon Berry cupcake recipe is a gorgeous gluten and dairy free recipe. They present the perfect touch of citrus and tartness to cut through the sweetness of all the delicious treats you will have on offer, while being equally as yummy!

Ingredients:

3/4 cup almond flour

3/4 tsp baking soda

4 large eggs

1/4 cup melted coconut oil (or butter)

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp honey

1 cup of berries

Icing:

1/2 cup Coconut Oil

3 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

3 Tbs lemon

1 lemon and half a cup of berries for garnish

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180°C fan and line a muffin tray. In a bowl combine the flour and baking soda. Add in the eggs, coconut oil, vanilla, lemon juice and honey and stir until well mixed.Add in the berries and gently stir them through the batter. Fill each muffin cup to the top with batter and then place them in the oven to bake for 20-22 minutes or once golden.Remove and allow to cool. For frosting, Cream coconut oil and sugar in a large bowl, adding the sugar 3/4 cup at a time to fully incorporate with vanilla and lemon juice.

 

CUCUMBER SANDWICHES

A High Tea must also include a savoury sandwich to enjoy. The cucumber sandwich is the classic that everyone loves!

4 slices good quality soft bread

2 tbsp cream cheese

¼ cucumber

¼ tsp salt and pepper

 2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp dill, (or mint)

Spread butter on half the slices of bread, and cream cheese on the other half. Peel and slice the cucumber thinly. Layer the cucumber slices on the buttered side. Dash a little salt & pepper onto the cucumber. Sprinkle over the dill or mint leaves. Place cream cheese bread on top of cucumber bread and serve cut into fingers and crusts removed.

 

HAM & CHIVE QUICHES

Having a warm item to your selection of you High Tea is also great. How about these lovely quiches for a little bite of cheesy goodness.

Ingredients:

100 g leg ham, diced

50 g grated cheddar

2 eggs

1/3 cup cream

½ cup milk

1 tablespoon snipped chives

2 sheets of puff pastry

Method:

Preheat oven to 180°C fan. Place eggs and cream in a large mixing bowl and whisk until well combined. Add chives, cheeses, ham and mix well. Roll out pastry and with a circular cookie cutter cut out circles from the pastry. Press each pastry circle into the mini muffin pans and overlap the edges of the wedge you cut out. Press to seal. Fill each mini pie with the quiche filling to just below the top of the pie crust Bake for 20-25 minutes.Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.

 

ADDITIONAL TOUCHES

A High Tea is all about the finer details and small touches that make it a little more special than your regular afternoon tea. Make sure to take your best China - because any day is a good excuse to bring them out - we only live once! Why not also roll up some linen napkins and get yourself a lovely bunch of flowers to add some colour and flair to your table. If you are feeling like it, why not also bring out some bubbles to add a little extra fun to your afternoon! But most importantly, always ensure to use high quality and beautiful tasting tea. So, make sure to check out our entire range HERE.