It’s fall once again. (how did that happen?) Fall is the perfect time for cozy tea parties devoted to harvest related foods. This post is dedicated to afternoon tea recipes that work with a simple fall tea party menu. Below is my suggestion for an easy to follow menu. In addition to the afternoon tea menu I give you full access to the afternoon tea recipes and suggestions on activities. Pour yourself a cup of harvest tea and let’s dig in!
Menu Suggestions:
Tea Recommendations: British Keemun Tea
Harvest House Salad with Gorgonzola
Classic Cream Scone with Apple Butter
Roasted Butternut Squash Tea Sandwiches
Pumpkin Pie Tarts
British Keemun Tea
British Keemun by Fortnum and Mason is a black Keemun that is a perfect companion to nearly all afternoon tea recipes. In fact, it’s perfect at any time of the day! The rich tea can be served straight or with milk or lemon depending on your guest preferences. Want to add a little pizzaz during the dessert course? Add some French Vanilla syrup to the tea served with the Pumpkin Pie tarts. Yum. You can buy Fortnum & Mason British Keemun here. Vanilla syrup is available here (sugar free is at this link)
Fortnum & Mason British Keemun Tea
Harvest House Salad with Gorgonzola
This is one unusual salad that will have your guests raving for days! It combines the beauty of fall with the taste of fresh, crisp greens. The recipe is available on the Taste of Home site (you will find the link HERE). I would adapt this when using it for an afternoon tea recipe. Here’s how: First, if you are in a hurry you can find prepared beets in many areas at your produce section near lettuce. Check it out. Not everyone will have an hour to cook the beets prior to the gathering. (it is pretty easy though). Second, if you are not a fan of any one of the ingredients you can replace it with something else fall related. Herbed Feta would be a great replacement for Gorgonzola. Romain could replace Spring Salad. Customize to your guests tastes! Third, this is a recipe for 6. Don’t forget to cut it down if you are doing a tea for two!
Roasted Butternut Squash Tea Sandwiches
When I originally thought about this idea I decided to search Google for ideas. I ran into a great recipe that combines roasted butternut with maple syrup and the recipe is a real winner. The blog post (you will find link HERE) features a full size sandwich which I would adapt into tea sandwiches with a few simple changes. First off, cut off the crusts of the bread. You may like to toast the bread to make it firmer for a soft filling. Second, when creating the sandwich cut the bread (after you have filled it) in diagonal so that you get 4 small triangles. Garnish and serve on the plate with your Harvest House salad. You can place a triangle on each corner of the plate. Super cute and super easy!
Classic Cream Scone with Apple Butter
There are a million recipes for cream scones. Below I have included a step by step video I really like. I also include how to make a simple apple butter in your crockpot (oh yah!). If you don’t have time for either I recommend using Sticky Fingers scone mix available on Amazon (here). Simply add cream. Also, apple butter is available in a jar (click here).
Sticky Fingers scone mix
Pumpkin Pie Tarts
Last but not least (and most important to afternoon tea) is dessert. Today I am featuring an easy pumpkin pie tart. Pumpkin can’t be beat in the harvest season but if you are like me, simple is best because I am very busy. I was pleased to see that the blog, Taste of Home, features a variation on one of my favorite easy tart recipes. You can find the recipe here. Afternoon tea recipe adaptation: avoid cool whip when possible and use real heavy whipping cream. The final taste will be so much better and your body will thank you. If low calorie is a priority or there are dairy issues then stick to the cool whip.
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What are your favorite Fall afternoon tea recipes? Please share.