(All images from What’s Cooking America)
Yes, the Royal Wedding is happening within hours or has already happened, depending on what time you are reading this post. If you’re like me, you’re not getting up at 3:00 a.m. to start watching all the proceedings. Thankfully, everything will be repeated for us. And repeated. And repeated. And repeated.
So, I thought for this edition of Food Porn Friday, afternoon tea would suit me and a lot of people much better. And, we can have our tea and watch the wedding at a time that is more convenient for us. The Royal Channel on YouTube will be live streaming the wedding. And we know we will be able to watch video at a later time from a variety of sources. Here is a pdf file of the Official Programme so you can follow along at home as well as some of the most frequently asked questions about the wedding.
I found a history of afternoon tea on the web site What’s Cooking America.
History of High Tea – History English Afternoon Tea
High Tea is often a misnomer. Most people refer to afternoon tea as high tea because they think it sounds regal and lofty, when in all actuality, high tea, or “meat tea” is dinner. High tea, in Britain, at any rate, tends to be on the heavier side. American hotels and tea rooms, on the other hand, continue to misunderstand and offer tidbits of fancy pastries and cakes on delicate china when they offer a “high tea.”
Afternoon tea (because it was usually taken in the late afternoon) is also called “low tea” because it was usually taken in a sitting room or withdrawing room where low tables (like a coffee table) were placed near sofas or chairs generally in a large withdrawing room. There are three basic types of Afternoon, or Low Tea:
Cream Tea – Tea, scones, jam and cream
Light Tea – Tea, scones and sweets
Full Tea – Tea, savories, scones, sweets and dessert
In England, the traditional time for tea was four or five o’clock and no one stayed after seven o’clock. Most tea rooms today serve tea from three to five o’clock. The menu has also changed from tea, bread, butter and cakes, to include three particular courses served specifically in this order:
Savories – Tiny sandwiches or appetizers
Scones – Served with jam and Devonshire or clotted cream
Pastries – Cakes, cookies, shortbread and sweets
They also have a wonderful variety of recipes for afternoon tea staples such as scones, sandwiches, cakes, quick breads and teas.
So, no matter when you choose to watch the wedding or if you plan on buying or making the food on your menu, enjoy the celebration.
sunshine and chaos 