Afternoon Tea (Part 1 Finger Sandwiches)
I always wanted to open a little cafe that specialized in soup, sandwiches and pastries. On Sundays, I would feature an Afternoon Tea.
Afternoon Tea is a tradition that began in 1840 by the Seventh Duchess of Bedford, Anna Russell. Dinner in her home wasn’t served until 8 pm. Due to the long period between the meals, the Duchess experienced a “sinking feeling” between 3 and 4 o’clock. One afternoon she requested some light food and tea to be brought to her room. This meal probably consisted of bread, butter, and perhaps biscuits (cookies). She became accustomed to this habit and invited her friends to join her.
Eventually, it grew to become a more elaborate social event. Society women would change into long gowns, gloves and hats for their afternoon tea. The light food gradually evolved to include more elaborate offerings…crustless finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a final course of sweets and pastries. The idea was to provide easy-to-manage portions suitable for entertaining in a sitting room at a low table (coffee table). Additionally, during this time, the Earl of Sandwich invented the sandwich (adding a filling between two slices of bread), enhancing the overall experience of Afternoon Tea.
The Duchess was a friend to Queen Victoria. She introduce the idea to the Queen. The trend gained popularity, and it soon became a fashionable pastime of the upper classes. English china manufacturers, linen makers, and silversmiths began turning out fine accoutrements to be used in the service of afternoon tea.
What should be served with Afternoon Tea? Typically there is a 3 tiered serving tray. Crustless finger sandwiches cut into triangles or finger portions are placed on the bottom tier. Scones or a small tea cake with clotted cream and jam in the middle and sweets and pastries on top.
Of course, tea is served. Traditionally, an English Afternoon Tea would accompany the service. Today, a variety of teas are offered. As well as, Chai Tea, Coffee and even Mimosas or Champagne.
What is high tea? High tea is associated with the working class and is offered between 5 pm and 7 pm. High Tea typically consists of a heartier hot dish, followed by cakes and bread, butter and jam. Workers needed something more substantial after a hard day at work. Cold cuts and ham salad may also be served. It is called “High” Tea as it was served on a high dining table.
Since this is Afternoon Tea – Part 1, I will focus on the finger sandwiches for this post. Please see below. These crustless finger sandwiches and savories would be perfect for any special occasion or Mother’s Day.
If you like my Afternoon Tea – Part 1 (Finger Sandwiches) please comment below. If you made it, post your wonderful images on Instagram and tag me. Don’t forget to go back to the The Finished Dish’s Home Page, scroll down on the right side and subscribe. You will be emailed each time I post a new recipe.
Finger Sandwiches
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Curried Chicken
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Roast Beef, Red Dragon Ale and Mustard Cheese
Ham, Apple, Gruyere
Smoked Salmon on Pumperknickel
Sage Derby Cheese and Tomato
Radish Rounds
