Want a stylish but easy way to entertain new friends? Have them over for a traditional British tea on Sunday afternoon. Culinary expert Margaret Pennell explains how. In England tea is served at 4 p.m. (issue the invitations for 4 to 6 p.m. so that guests know dinner won't be served). Along with tea, offer light sandwiches such as chicken curry, cucumber or egg and watercress. Pastries, petit fours, teacakes and, of course, scones are standard fare (figure A). Pouring the tea is an honor awarded to the guest of honor or the hostess. You might want to invite someone who is a little shy to have the honors. The tea pourer -- also called the mother (or father, if it's a man) -- clusters the cups in front of her and is the only one who pours. Milk (whole, never skim) goes into the cup before the tea for better flavor. Use sugar cubes and tongs, not loose sugar. Use small silver spoons or demitasse spoons (figure B) for stirring the tea. Cake should be served with special forks (figure C), which have two tines that are joined together. Scones are served with jam and whipping cream (the British call it "clotted cream"). Put the jam on the scones first, then the cream. Afternoon tea is a wonderful opportunity to get to know a new neighbor, visit with people you haven't seen in a long time or simply have a relaxed and easy afternoon get-together with old friends. Enjoy!
RESOURCES :
Pick a Party: The Big Book of Party Themes and Occasions
Model: 0671521233
Author: Patty Sachs
(September 1997); 204 pages
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