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The high tea
When the day was at an end, the victorian ladies assembled and sat down at their sofas with their finest. These special social gatherings for tea were called High Tea. The gatherings produced the most beautiful table settings which were considered the status of these leisurely ladies and were high society rituals. At the suggestion of King Carles the II, Katharine, his wife began to set the tea trend. Many artists began designing tea cups that are considered some of the best all over the world. It was years later that demand for tea sets grew. When Queen Victoria appointed Richard Twinnig II she continued the tradition of high tea. Lemon was sampled in his tea which became as popular as milk.
Are you enthousiastic now to make your own high tea. Then please use these typical Victorian recipees to make your high tea even more special. First you will learn how to make the perfect cup of tea. This will be followed by side dishes for your tea. May you enjoy your high tea!
The perfect cup of tea
Victorians spent a lot of time on creating the Perfect Cup of Tea. Perfect tea required only a few simple elements. You had to pour hot water into a ceramic teapot and let it sit until time to use. Using cool, fresh tap water, filling the kettle and bringing it to a boil. As the water in the kettle was about to boil, you had to empty the teapot, dry it and measure into it 1 teaspoonful of tea per cup plus "one for the pot." Just as the water had come to a full, rolling boil, one had to bring the "pot to the kettle" and place it next to the stove. If the water continued to boil, it would become flat and decrease the flavor of the tea. So, immediately ladies poured water over the tea leaves. They put a lid on the teapot, cover it with a tea cozy and let it steep for 5 minutes. Stir once during the steeping process.
Cream scones
Cut butter into sifted dry ingredients. Combine eggs and cream and add. Pat to 3/4-inch thick. Cut in squares or triangles, sprinkle with sugar and bake at 375° until lightly brown, about 20 minutes. Serve hot with any jams, preserves or Traditional Tea Spreads.
Snowballs
Cream butter and sugar. Add nuts and vanilla. Work in flour and salt; blend well. Form small balls and bake on ungreased sheet at 300 F oven for 8-10 minutes until barely brown. Coat thoroughly in icing sugar while hot. (These look nice in bon-bon size candy cups).
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