I’m typically not a lemon dessert fan; something about the lemony-tartness encroaching on the sweet flavors bothers me. Why intentionally ruin a good thing? But, in my culinary journeys I’m always willing to try new things, especially if they’re part of an authentic meal or cultural tradition. So, during my first afternoon tea, I dutifully tried lemon curd with my scones. Overwhelmed by all the sensual delights at the time, it didn’t strike a chord with me one way or the other.
I’ve recently participated in several teas, first at The Drake Hotel in Chicago, then an afternoon tea in Florida. You can’t blame me for indulging my tea obsession; it’s quite addictive and fun! Last weekend, my neighbor Annie and I created a lovely afternoon tea menu, which featured:
Pagan Alms Tea
Egg Salad Sandwiches with Dill
Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches
Ham Sandwiches with an Apricot-Mustard Spread
I had my first afternoon tea a few months ago at The Drake Hotel in Chicago, and words don’t do it justice–it truly is an event that needs to be experienced. A live harpist performs while you’re served traditional English tea fare, presented on gorgeous china and silver. Ever since going there, I’ve wanted to hold my own afternoon tea party.
Last week, I finally got to host an English afternoon tea. It was a wonderful day. Three generations—my sister and I, my mother, and my grandmother—worked together: my grandmother, the decorator of the family, set the table with china, hand-embroidered napkins, and Easter accoutrements, while the rest of us cooked.