Okay, so I had this idea to throw a tea party, not just any tea party, but one with a bit of a twist. I wanted to focus on the savory side of things because, let’s face it, sometimes you just crave something a bit salty with your cup of tea. So, I went ahead and started planning.
First things first, I made a list of what I thought would be good. I remembered reading somewhere that matching the food with the tea is key. Something about the intensity of the tea and the food. So I thought about lighter teas like green or white teas and figured they’d go well with lighter dishes. Then there are the stronger teas like black tea, which I figured could handle richer foods.
I decided to go with a variety. For the lighter side, I made some mini salmon croquette canapes. They were a bit of a hassle to make, but totally worth it. I added a bit of lemon juice and dill to give them a fresh kick. I also thought about those who might want something a bit more substantial, so I whipped up some mini quiches. You know, the usual, with a flaky crust and a cheesy, eggy filling.
- Mini Salmon Croquette Canapes: a bit of a hassle but delicious.
- Mini Quiches: always a crowd-pleaser.
- Finger Sandwiches: a must-have for any tea party.
Of course, no tea party is complete without finger sandwiches. I made a few different kinds: cucumber, because it’s classic, smoked salmon, for a bit of luxury, and some with a simple ham and cheese filling for those who like to keep it simple. I also included some biscuits and cookies on the side because, even though I was focusing on savory, a little sweet never hurt anyone. Butter cookies and shortbread mainly, as I read somewhere they complement most teas.
Getting Everything Ready
The day before the party, I spent most of the day in the kitchen. I baked the quiches and prepared the fillings for the sandwiches. I also made sure I had enough tea. I picked out a selection: a delicate white tea, a fragrant green tea, and a robust black tea for those who like something stronger.
On the day of the party, I laid everything out on a big table. I used my best tablecloth and some nice plates I save for special occasions. I arranged the sandwiches and quiches on platters, and put the cookies and biscuits in a basket. I also added a bowl of fresh fruit for a pop of color and a refreshing touch.
When the guests arrived, they were pleasantly surprised by the spread. Everyone enjoyed the savory options, and the salmon croquettes were a big hit. We spent the afternoon chatting, sipping tea, and nibbling on the food. It was a great success, and I was really happy with how everything turned out. It was a nice change from the usual sweet-heavy tea parties, and I think I might just make this a regular thing.