menu and recipe index

Arranged Alphabetically within Categories

Menu Index

Tea Menu Basics: Sandwiches, Savories, Scones and Tea Breads
 
Sandwiches and Savories
Classic Cucumber Sandwiches
Best Summer Tomato Sandwiches
Watercress Sandwiches
Ribbon Sandwiches
Smoked Salmon Sandwiches
Peanut Butter Sandwiches
Basic Chicken Sandwich Filling with Variations
Ham Salad Sandwiches
Egg Salad Sandwich Filling
Roast Beef or Corned Beef Sandwiches
Cheese Sandwiches
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Cream Cheese-Chive Spread
Green Goddess Spread
Spinach Dip
Sour Cream Dill Dip

Scones and Tea Breads
Basic Butter Scones
Double Cherry Scones
Buttermilk Scones
Mock Devonshire Cream
Cream Scones
Blackberry Scones
Blueberry Scones
Raspberry Scones
Lemon Curd
American Buttermilk Biscuits
Hot Buttered Crumpets
Lemon Tea Bread
Banana Bread
Persimmon Bread
Ginger Butter
Zucchini Loaf
Honey Butter

Menu Index


Afternoon Tea and the Four Seasons

A Spring Tea

Beverages:
Earl Grey Tea, Chamomile Tea, Elderflower Cordial
 
Savories:
Individual Asparagus Flans Decorated with Pea Shoots
Egg Salad Sandwiches on Seedy Bread
Cream Cheese-Chive Spread atop Radish Slices and New Potato Halves and Stuffed in Pea Pods
 
Bread:
Spring Onion Brioche Rolls with Whipped Lemon Butter
 
Sweets:
Almond Madeleines
Strawberry Shortcakes with Crème Fraiche
Rhubarb Tarts
 

An Outdoor Summer Tea
 
Beverages:
English Breakfast Tea, Blackberry Sage Decaffeinated Tea, Raspberry Lemonade
Cucumber Water
 
Savories:
Best Summer Tomato Sandwiches on Buttermilk Bread
Open Faced Tri Tip on Focaccia
Pickled Beet Deviled Eggs
Gazpacho Shots with Sweet Pepper Miniature Corn Muffins
 
Scones:
Blackberry Scones with Mock Devonshire Cream
 
Sweets:
Apricot Ribbon Cookies
Russian Tea Cakes
Peach and Raspberry Trifle
Watermelon Cubes Sprinkled with Lime
 

An Autumn Afternoon Tea
 
Beverages:
Lapsang Souchong Tea, Cardamom Cinnamon Herb Tea, Warm Spiced Cider
 
Savories:
Miniature Corned Beef Sandwiches on Rye Bread
Warm Cheddar Scallion Rounds
Smoked Chicken, Fennel and Grape Salad in Petite Pastry Puffs
 
Scones and Tea Bread:
Maple Pecan Scones
Persimmon Bread with Ginger Butter
 
Sweets:
Apple Butter Bars
Pumpkin Cream Tartlets
Cinnamon Icebox Cookies
 
 
A Winter Afternoon Tea
 
Beverages:
Assam Tea, French Pressed Coffee, Decaffeinated Green Tea, Champagne, Hot Buttered Rum
 
Savories:
White Bean Pate on Crostini
Turkey, Brie and Crisp Pear on Fluffy Caraway Rolls
Truffled Potato Gratins
Rosemary Skewered Scallops with Lemon
 
Bread:
Hot Buttered Crumpets
 
Sweets:
Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies
 Chestnut Bavarian
Moist Chocolate Marble Cake
Classic Eclairs
Chocolate Grand Marnier Truffles with Gold Leaf

Menu Index

 
 
A Calendar of Tea Parties

​A Japanese New Year’s Tea

Beverages:
Green Tea, Genmai Cha, Calpico, Japanese Beer

Savories:
Japanese New Year’s Soup (Ozoni)
Sushi Assortment: Futomaki, Inarizushi, California Roll
Somen (Cold Noodle Salad)
Seasoned Spinach (Spinach no Oshitashi)
Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono)
Seasoned Burdock Root (Kimpira Gobo)
Pickled Cucumber Salad (Cucumber Namasu)
Cold Tofu Topped with Fresh Ginger and Bonito Flakes
Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki Salmon
Barbecued Spare Ribs

Sweets:
Flavored Gelatin Cubes (Kanten)
Assorted Manju (Japanese Pastries Filled with Sweetened Bean Paste)
Black Sesame Seed Shortbread Cookies
Green Tea (Matcha) Madeleines
Additional Purchased Shortbread Cookies or French Pastries

A Valentine’s Day Tea

Beverages:
Assam Tea, Decaffeinated English Breakfast Tea, Coconut Water, Champagne with Raspberries

Savories and Sandwiches:
Miniature Artichoke Quiches
Prociutto and Parmesan Pinched Heart Palmiers
Green Gables Inn Cream of Tomato Soup
Smoked Salmon Horns
Classic Cucumber Sandwiches

Scones and Tea Bread:
Hot Buttered Crumpets
Cream Scones with Raspberry Jam and Lemon Curd

Sweets:
Pink Stack Bars
Cherry Coconut Pom Pons
Pretty Pastels
Chocolate Heart Sandwich Cookies with Sour Cherry Filling
Battenberg Cake
Strawberry Charlotte

A St. Patrick’s Day Irish Tea

Beverages:
Irish Breakfast Tea, Decaffeinated Irish or English Breakfast Tea, Lemon-Lime Punch, Buena Vista Irish Coffee

Sandwiches and Savories:
Trio of Tea Sandwiches: Smoked Salmon, Cucumber and Watercress, Corned Beef
Miniature Potato Pasties
A Selection of Irish Cheeses with Apples, Pears and Oat Biscuits

Tea Breads:
Margaret Murdock’s Irish Soda Bread
Barm Brack with Marmalade

Sweets:
Shortbread Shamrock Cookies
Barbara’s Potato Fudge Cookies
Parkins (Ginger Oatmeal Cookies)
Honeycomb Steamed Pudding with Crème Anglaise

An Easter Tea

Beverages:
Darjeeling Tea, Chamomile Lemon Tea, Strawberry Lemonade

Sandwiches and Savories:
Deviled Eggs with Asparagus Tips
Ham or Turkey Biscuit Sandwiches with Mustard Chutney
Swiss Chard and Gruyere Tart
Green Goddess Spread with Watercress on Challah Bread
Relish Platter: Baby Vegetables, Green Olives, Celery, Dill Pickles

Scones and Tea Bread:
Hot Cross Buns
Double Cherry Scones with Mock Devonshire Cream

Sweets:
Thumbelina Panna Cottas with Raspberries and Raspberry Coulis
Golden Egg Cakelets
Lemon Ring Cookies
Russian Tea Cakes (Mexican Wedding Cookies)
Coconut Cake with Lemon Filling

A Mother’s Day Tea

Beverages:
Jasmine White Tea, Vanilla Almond Herbal Tea, Cucumber Water

Sandwiches and Savories:
Classic Cucumber Sandwiches
Lobster Salad in Pastry Puffs
Mushroom Turnovers
Spinach Frittata Squares

Scones and Tea Bread:
Banana Bread
Buttermilk Scones with Lemon Curd

Sweets:
The Queen’s Shortbread
Vanilla Bean Spritz Cookies
Apricot Custard Tartlets
Pink Champagne Cake

A Wedding Reception Tea

Beverages:
Lady Grey Hot Tea, White Tea Champagne Punch, Cucumber Water

Sandwiches and Savories:
Cheese Platter: Brie, Bleu, Cheddar with Assorted Crackers, Stuffed Dates and Fig Jam
Leek and Spinach Tarts
Open-faced Crab Salad Sandwiches on Dark Bread
Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups
Ribbon Tea Sandwiches:
Hummus and Roasted Red Pepper, Radish and Watercress, Peanut Butter and Apple
Iced Ribbon Sandwich Loaf
Poached Salmon with Dilled Cucumber Sauce and Yogurt Vegetable Sauce with Cumin

Scones:
Parmesan Scones with Onion Marmalade
Cream Scones with Raspberries and Lemon Curd

Sweets:
Lily of the Valley Sugar Cookies
Mexican Wedding Cookies
Lemon Verbena Madeleines
Cherry Thumbprint Cookies

Lemon Yogurt Wedding Cake with Fresh Flower Decorations 

A Picnic Tea

Beverages:
Iced Southern Sweet Tea, Minted lemonade, Sparkling Water, White Peach Coolers

Sandwiches and Savories:
Cold Fried Chicken Drumettes
Lobster Subs or Banh Mi Sandwiches (from a Vietnamese sandwich shop)
Deviled Eggs
Curried Carrot Raisin Salad
Garden Bean Bundles
Pete’s Coleslaw Cups

Scones:
Cream Scones with Blueberries and Honey Butter

Sweets:
Apricot and Plum Jam Bars
Brownies with Fudge Icing
Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies
Blackberry Slab Pie

A North American Family Reunion Tea

Beverages:
Iced Tea with Mint Sprigs, Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, Lemonade Iced Tea for a Crowd, Sparkling Water, Hot Tea

Savories:
Cheese Platter with Red and Green Seedless Grapes, Raspberries, Sesame Crackers, French Bread, Honey and Toasted Almonds
Corn and Red Pepper Frittata
Relish Tray: Dill Pickles, Bread and Butter Pickles, Sweet Gherkins, Cherry Tomatoes, Black Olives, Green Olives Stuffed with Pimientos, Blanched Broccoli and Cauliflower Flowerets
Spinach Dip

Sandwiches:
Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwiches on White Pullman Bread
Peanut Butter and Apple Sandwiches on Raisin English Muffins
Ham and Cheese Sandwiches on White and Brown Bread

Scones:
Cream Scones with Blackberries, Blackberry Jam, Orange Marmalade and Butter

Sweets:
Strawberry and Watermelon Cube Kabobs
Spiced Apple Gelatin
Triple Espresso Cake with Chocolate Icing
Peach and Raspberry Cobbler
Lemon Chess Pie
Cherry Pie
Basic Double Crust Pie Dough
Rice Krispy Bars
Snickerdoodles
Chocolate Chip Cookies

A Greek or Middle Eastern Family Reunion Tea

Beverages:
Hot Persian Tea, Hot Cardamom Tea, Greek Coffee, Lemon Water

Savories and Bread:
Cheese Platter with Feta and other Greek Cheeses
Mediterranean Appetizer Platter, Including:
            Hummus with Pita Triangles, Kalamata Olives
            Vegetarian Stuffed Grape Leaves
            Falafel Balls
Pita Bread
Greek Salad
Spanakopita (Spinach Pastry Squares)

Sweets:
Baklava
Kourabiedes (Greek Butter Cookies)
Greek Lemon Cake with Lemon Yogurt

A Scandinavian Family Reunion Tea

Beverages:
Hot English Breakfast Tea, Mineral Water, Schnapps, Danish Beer, Strawberry Lemonade

Sandwiches and Savories:
Cheese Platter: Danish Blue, Havarti, Norwegian Jarlsberg, Finnish Aura with Crispy Rye Crackers, Sliced Apples and Lingonberries
Open Faced Sandwiches on Buttered Dark Rye Bread:
            Chopped Boiled Eggs with Capers
            Smoked Salmon with Dill
Cold Cuts and Sausages with Mustard Sauce
Pickled Herring
Boiled Egg Halves with Gravlax
Summer Vegetable Platter with Sour Cream Dill Dip

Sweets:
Assortment of Scandinavian Cookies Including:
            Sandbakkelser (Swedish Sand Tarts)
            Cardamom Cookies
            Danish Butter Cookies
Platter of Fresh Strawberries with Sour Cream and Brown Sugar for Dipping
Swedish Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Sauce
Finnish Tiger Cake (Tiikerikkakku)
Norwegian Kransekake (Almond Ring Cake)

A Kosher Family Reunion Tea

Use the Greek or Eastern Mediterranean Family Reunion Tea Menu with the Following Variations:

Savories:
Cheese Platter with Fresh Fruit and Crackers (Do not use cheeses that contain rennet.)
Lox, Bagels, Cream Cheese and Sliced Tomatoes

Sweets:
Kathleen’s Prize Winning Virgin Cheesecake
Kugel with Pineapple and Raisins

An Ozark Farm Harvest Tea

Beverages:
Hot Lipton Tea, Cold Milk, Apple Cider, Ice Water, Root Beer

Savories:
Deviled Eggs
Pigs in Blankets
Baked Mushrooms Stuffed with Corn Relish
Individual Cups of Navy Bean Soup
Corn Bread

Sandwiches:
Peanut Butter and Honey Sandwiches on Roman Meal Bread
Pimento Cheese Sandwiches on Wonder Brad

Sweets:
Blackberry Cobbler
Ozark Pudding
Pumpkin Bread
Chocolate Fudge

A Tea to Honor Our Ancestors (Dia de Los Muertos)

Beverages:
Orange Spice Tea, Mexican Hot Chocolate, Horchata (Cold Rice Beverage,) Mexican Sodas: Lemon or Tamarind

Savories:
Mini Fish Tacos
Pickled Carrots and Jalapenos, Fresh Radishes

Muffins and Bread:
Sweet Pepper Miniature Corn Muffins with Chili-Cumin Butter
Pan de Muertos (Day of the Dead Bread) with Butter and
Dulce de Leche (Mexican Milk Caramel)
Pumpkin Empanadas (Sweet or Savory)

Sweets:
Tres Leches Cake
Mexican Wedding Cookies
Mexican Chocolate Cookies with Chili
Molded Sugar and Chocolate Skulls

A Post-Thanksgiving Tea

Beverages:
Assam Tea, Decaffeinated Chai, French Press Coffee, Mulled Wine

Savories and Sandwiches:
Ham and Scallion Strata Squares
Turkey, Cranberry and Cream Cheese Sandwiches on Baguette
Arugula and Pear Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

Scones and Tea Bread:
Pecan Sweet Potato Scones
Raisin Bread with Honey Butter

Sweets:
Best Friend Lemon Bars
Assorted Danish Butter Cookies
Toffee Brownies or Blondies
Rum Bundt Cake or
Even Easier Rum Bundt Cake
Gingerbread Trifle

A Christmas Tea

Beverages:
Hot Spiced Cider, Earl Grey Tea, Cranberry Herbal Tea

Sandwiches and Savories:
Corned Beef Sandwiches with Spicy Mustard
Mascarpone Sandwiches with Red and Green Pepper Jelly on Baguette
Cheese Tray with Dried Fruits and Nuts and Whole Meal Almond Biscuits
Suggested Cheese Selections: Cotswold, Leyden with Cumin, Brie, Manchego with Quince Paste, Gorgonzola, Fourme D’Ambert

Christmas Breads:
Stollen (German Christmas Bread, Purchased at a Bakery)
Danish Pastry Christmas Wreath

Sweets:
Caramel Toffee Yule Log
Christmas Trifle with
Vanilla Custard
Aged Raisin Ginger Fruitcake with Hard Sauce
Steamed Pumpkin Pudding with Candied Cranberries
Assorted Christmas Cookies, Including:
            Spritz Cookies
            Orange Ginger Cookies
            Chocolate Meringues

Special Fruitcake Recipes

Kathleen’s Fruitcake Without Candied Fruit
Country Christmas Cake with Marzipan and Royal Icing
Easy Orange Pound Cake with Candied Cranberries

Candied Fruits
 Candied Ginger
Candied Cherries
Candied Citrus Peel
Ambrosia (Tropical Fruit Salad)

 

Menu Index

A World of Tea Parties

A Chinese Dim Sum Tea
 
Beverages:
Green Tea, Jasmine Tea, Chrysanthemum Tea
 
Savories:
Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gao)
Steamed Pork Dumplings (Shumai)
Savory Turnip Cake or Taro Cake
Tea Smoked Eggs
Steamed Chinese Broccoli with Hoisin Sauce
Steamed Barbecued Pork Buns (Cha Shu Bao)
 
Sweets:
Steamed Egg Custard Buns
Deep Fried Sesame Balls Filled with Sweetened Bean Paste
Mini Mochi Balls with Liquid Black Sesame Filling
Steamed Sponge Cake
 

A Portuguese Tea
 
Beverages:
Cha de Limao (Portuguese Lemon Tisane,) Espresso, Port
 
Savories:
Assorted Canapes on Wheat Crackers: Sardines in Hot Sauce, Slices of Linguica
Portuguese Cheese with Portuguese Honey (Sao Jorge with Mel Puro de Portugal)
Mini Cups of Caldo Verde, (Portuguese Potato and Kale Soup)
 
Bread:
Portuguese Sweet Bread
 
Sweets:
Portuguese Egg Yolk Cream Tarts (Pastel de Nata)
Malasadas (Portuguese Doughnuts)
Sugar Coated Almonds (Almendoas de Pascoa)
Spanish Almond Cake (Pastel de Almendras)
 
 
A Classic British Afternoon Tea
 
Beverages:
English Breakfast or Earl Grey Tea, Sherry
 
Savory:
Stilton with Wheat Meal Biscuits and Branson Pickle Relish
 
Sandwiches:
Classic Cucumber Sandwiches on Buttered White Bread
Egg Salad Sandwiches on Buttered Brown Bread
Tomato Sandwiches on Buttered Bread, White or Brown
 
Scones:
Cream Scones with Mock Devonshire Clotted Cream and Strawberry Jam
 
Sweets:
Shortbread Cookies
Almond Tea Cakes
Bakewell Tart
Victoria Sponge with Lemon Curd
Chocolate Biscuit Cake
 

An Indian Chai Party
 
Beverages:
Hot Chai (Masala Chai), Sweet Lassi, Mango Lassi
 
Savories:
Vegetable Samosas (Savory Fried Pastries with Potato and Pea Filling)
Papadum (Lentil Crackers) with Tamarind Chutney
 
Additional Condiments:
Green Chutney
Raita (Savory Yogurt with Cucumbers)
 
Breads:
Kabuli Nan (Flat Bread with Raisins and Cashews)
Onion Kulcha with Chole (Round Leavened Wheat Bread with Chickpea Curry)
 
Sweets:
Gulab Jamun (Round Dumplings Soaked in Syrup)
Keer ((Indian Rice Pudding)
Gajar Ka Halwa (Pakastani-Style Carrot Pudding)
 

A California Tea
 
Beverages:
Orange Ginger Mint Tea by Republic of Tea, Sparkling Mineral Water, Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider, Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
 
California Wine Suggestions:
California Champagne Schramsberg; Markham or Hanna Sauvignon Blanc; J. Lohr or Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay; Chalone, J. Rochioli or Acacia Pinot Noir
 
Sandwiches and Savories:
Shrimp, Vegetable and Herb Summer Rolls
Crab Salad Sandwiches on Sourdough Bread
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Pinwheels on Tortillas
Avocado and Roasted Vegetable Sandwiches on Focaccia
Artichoke Frittata Wedges
Cheese Trio: Cowgirl Creamery Brie, Point Reyes Blue and Humboldt Fog by Cypress Grove with Fresh Figs, Toasted Almonds and Pomegranate Seeds
 
Scones:
Basic Butter Scones with Golden Raisins with Mock Devonshire Cream and Fresh Raspberries in Cabernet Gelee
 
Sweets:
Queen of California Cake (Dark Chocolate Torte with Apricots and Ground Almonds)
Gosby House Gingerbread
Orange Bavarian Cream
Almond Butter Cookies
Flan
 
 
A Hawaiian Tea
 
Beverages:
Iced Hibiscus Tea, Hot Ginger Tea, Iced Kona Coffee, Almost Shave Ice: Pineapple and Coconut Granita
 
Sandwiches and Savories:
Spam Musubi (Seaweed Wrapped Rice Rectangles with Spam Filling)
Fried Poke (Spiced and Seared Ahi Tuna Cubes)
Cream Cheese and Guava Jelly Sandwiches on Hawaiian Sweet Bread
Pulled Kalua Pig Sandwiches on Taro Rolls
 
 Tea Bread:
Hawaiian Banana Bread
 
Sweets:
Fresh Pineapple Chunks
Haupia (Coconut Gelatin Pudding Cubes)
Kona Coffee Shortbread Cookies
Dark Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Truffles
 

An Italian Tea
 
Beverages:
English Breakfast Hot Tea, Chamomile Hot Tea, Espresso, Sweet Marsala or Prosecco
 
Savories:
Antipasti Platter: Olives, Fresh Fennel, Sliced Yellow and Red Bell Peppers, Baby Carrots, Marinated Mushrooms and Celery
Polenta and Roasted Pepper Timbales
Eggplant Roll-Ups
Artichoke Heart Focaccia
Caprese Salads
 
Sweets:
Pistachio and Golden Raisin Biscotti
Amaretti (Almond Macaroons)
Sammartini (Cuccidati) Spiced Fig Cookies
Almost Classic Cannoli
Panforte (Italian Fruitcake)
Cassata alla Siciliana (Golden Layer Cake with Sweet Cheese and Fruit Filling)
 

An American Southern Tea
 
Beverages:
Iced Southern Sweet Tea, Lemon Pineapple Punch with Citrus Sherbet, Hot English Breakfast Tea, Chicory Coffee, Café au Lait, Mint Juleps
 
Sandwiches and Savories:
Ham Salad Sandwiches on American Buttermilk Biscuits
Barbecued Chicken Sandwiches on Sally Lunn Bread
Fried Green Tomatoes
Hoppin’ John Frittata Squares
Celery Stalks Stuffed with Peanut Butter
 
Tea Breads:
Beignets with Sweet Pepper Jam
Cornbread Muffins with Sorghum Butter
 
Sweets:
Ellen’s Fabulous Coconut Cake
Pecan Tartlets
Sweet Potato Tartlets
Iced Chocolate Brownies
Old English Fruitcake with Hard Sauce
 

A Russian Tea
 
Beverages:
Russian Caravan Tea, Decaf English Breakfast Tea, Flavored Vodkas
 
Sandwiches and Savories:
Borscht Shots
Charlotte’s Marinated Mushrooms
Open-faced Smoked Salmon Sandwiches on Swirled Rye
Piroshki
Caviar Platter with Blini with Sour Cream, Chopped Red Onions and Chopped Egg
 
Breads:
Kulich with Paskha Cheese Spread
 
Sweets:
Russian Cheese Tartlets
Russian Tea Cakes
Poppy Seed Cookies
Walnut Crescents
Charlotte Russe
 

A French Afternoon Tea
 
Beverages:
Assam Hot Tea, Orange Tisane, French Press Coffee, Champagne, Calvados
 
Savories:
French Onion Soup with Gruyere Toasts
Quiche Lorraine (Savory Bacon and Cheese Pie)
Salade Nicoise (Vegetable, Tuna and Anchovy Salad)
 
Breads and Cheeses:
Selection of French Cheeses (Roquefort, Brie, Fourme D’Ambert) with Baguette, Brioche, Toasted Almonds and Apricots
 
Sweets:
Chocolate Mousse (Rich Chocolate Pudding)
Madeleines (Shell Shaped Mini Sponge Cakes)
Tarte Tatin (Apple and Caramel Tart)
 

A Kosher Tea with Traditional Jewish Foods
 
Beverages:
Hot Black Tea, Fresh lemonade, Sparkling Apple Juice
 
Sandwiches and Savories:
Kosher Tea Sandwiches: Corned Beef on Dark Rye with Sauerkraut, Beef Brisket with Mustard on Light Rye (No butter on the bread)
Kosher Dill Pickles
Chopped Liver with Bagel Crisps or Matzo
Cups of Matzah Ball Soup
 
Bread:
Challah with Charoset
 
Sweets:
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Kosher Oatmeal Cookies
Pareve Chocolate Cake with Divine Chocolate Sauce
Apple Cake

Menu Index

Afternoon Tea for Special Occasions

An Afternoon Tea for Children
 
Beverages:
Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows, Apple Juice, Orange Juice with Maraschino Cherries

Sandwiches and Savories:
Trio of Finger Foods: Pitted Black Olives, String Cheese, Seedless Red Grapes
Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly Sandwiches on White or Brown Bread
Fried Egg Sandwiches on English Muffins
Grated Carrot and Cream Cheese Sandwiches on Raisin Bread

Sweets:
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Vanilla Custard with Sliced Bananas and Vanilla Wafers
S’ Mores

A Tea for Our Elders
 
Beverages:
English Breakfast Tea, Hot Coffee, Orange-Cranberry Juice

Sandwiches:
Peanut Butter and Apple Jelly on White Bread
Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches on Whole Grain Bread
Chicken Salad Sandwiches on Brioche

Scones:
Cream Scones with Butter, Whipped Cream and Strawberries

Sweets:
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Lemon Pound Cake with Strawberries and Chocolate Sauce
Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel Sauce
Chocolate Chip Cookies

A Honey Bee Tea in the Garden
 
Beverages:
Darjeeling Tea, Chamomile Tea, Bee Keeper’s Punch

Sandwiches and Savories:
Chicken-Almond Salad in Butter Lettuce Cups with Honey Dijon Dressing
Lemon Cucumber and Watercress Sandwiches
Mushroom and Marmite Toasts Garnished with Chive Blossoms
Crudités Platter: Baby Carrots, Baby Radishes and Cherry Tomatoes with Avocado Dip

Scones and Tea Bread:
Zucchini Loaf with Honey Butter
Citrus Scones with Lemon Curd

Sweets:
Beehive Shaped Whole Meal Cookies with Marzipan Bees
Lavender Shortbread Fingers
Almond Baklava
Bee Sting Cake with Cream Filling

An Urban Tea on the Go
 
Beverages:
Assam Tea, Decaffeinated English Breakfast Tea

Sandwiches and Savories:
Roasted Egg Plant, Red Pepper and Caramelized Onion Sandwiches on Baguette
Assorted Cold Cuts
Chevre, Arugula and Fig Jam Sandwiches on Raisin Nut Bread
Cucumber, Artichoke Heart and Grape Tomato Salad with Herb Vinaigrette
Spiced Almonds

Sweets:
Chocolate Shortbread Petticoat Tails
Cherry-Berry Hand Pies
Lemon Tea Bread

Tea for One
 
Teatime, for and by ourselves, might be our best idea yet.

Location:
 
Flowers and Decorations:
 
Table Setting
 
Beverages:
 
Sandwiches and Savories:
 
Scones or Tea Breads:
 
Sweets
 

Afternoon Tea for a Large Group
 
Beverages:
English Breakfast Tea, Lemon Herbal Tea, Lemonade Iced Tea for a Crowd, Citrus Sherbet Punch, Sparkling Waters, Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee

Sandwiches and Savories:
Deviled Eggs
Classic Cucumber Sandwiches on Buttered White Bread
Turkey and Cranberry Sandwiches on White Pullman Bread
Ham and Swiss Cheese Sandwiches on Seeded Twelve-Grain Bread
Waldorf Salad
Caesar Salad
Spinach, Candied Almond and Raspberry Salad

Scones:
Buttermilk Scones with Orange Marmalade and Raspberry Jam

Sweets:
Iced Sugar Cookies
Dark Chocolates
Chocolate Trifle with Variations
Warm Bread Pudding with Lemon Sauce
Hummingbird Cake

A Vegan Tea
 
Beverages:
Earl Grey Tea, Ginger Mint Herb Tea, Basil-Cucumber Water

Sandwiches and Savories:
Deb’s Tempeh Mango Lettuce Cups
Shallot and Onion Tart
Cucumber Sandwiches with Creamy Soy Dill Spread

Scones:
Lemon Scones with Raspberry Curd

Sweets:
Mini Mocha Cakes
Almond Biscotti
Green Tea Cake Squares with Kiwi and Strawberries

A Rose Tea
 
Beverages:
Rose Petal Tea, White Jasmine Tea, Kir Royale

Sandwiches and Savories:
Radish Petal Sandwiches with Chive Butter on Challah
Deviled Eggs Dusted with Sweet Paprika
Roses in Clover (Smoked Salmon Rosette Sandwiches)

Scones:
Almond Scones with Rose Hip Jam

Sweets:
Pink Velvet Rosette Cakelets
Mini Napoleons with Piped Rosebuds
Rosewater Shortbread
Butter Mints in Rose and Leaf Shapes
Rose Gelee Tarts
Victoria Sponge with Sugared Rose Petals

Recipe Index

SAVORY FOODS
Spreads, Sandwiches, Savory Pastries and Sandwich Fillings
Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups
Avocado Dip
Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwiches
Basic Chicken Sandwich Filling with Variations
Barbequed Chicken Sandwiches on Sally Lunn Bread
Best Summer Tomato Sandwiches
Cheese Sandwiches
Classic Cucumber Sandwiches
Chopped Liver with Bagel Crisps
Cream Cheese-Chive Spread
Creamy Soy Dill Spread
Creamy Shrimp Sandwich Filling
Crudité Platter with Avocado Dip
Egg Salad Sandwich Filling
Fried Egg Sandwiches on English Muffins
Grated Carrot and Cream Cheese Sandwiches on English Muffins
Green Goddess Spread
Beef Brisket Sandwiches on Light Rye with Mustard
Corned Beef Sandwiches on Dark Rye with Sauerkraut
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches on Whole Grain
Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
Ham Salad Sandwiches on Buttermilk Biscuits
Hummus with Pita Triangles
Iced Ribbon Sandwich Loaf
Lemon Cucumber and Watercress Sandwiches
Mascarpone Sandwiches with Red and Green Pepper Jelly
Miniature Corned Beef on Rye
Mushroom and Marmite Toasts
Corned Beef Sandwiches with Spicy Mustard
Open-faced Tri Tip on Focaccia
Peanut Butter Sandwiches
Peanut Butter and Apple Sandwiches on Raisin English Muffins
Peanut Butter and Honey Sandwiches
Pimiento Cheese Sandwiches
Piroshki (Russian Meat Turnovers)
Portuguese Canapes: Sardines in Hot Sauce on Whole Wheat Crackers
Polenta and Roasted Pepper Timbales
Pulled Kalua Pig Sandwiches on Taro Rolls
Pumpkin Empanadas
Radish Petal Sandwiches with Chive Butter on Challah
Relish Tray with Spinach Dip
Ribbon Tea Sandwiches: Hummus and Roasted Red Pepper; Radish and Watercress; Peanut Butter and Apple
Roast Beef or Corned Beef Sandwiches
Roasted Egg Plant, Red Pepper and Caramelized Onion Sandwiches on Baguette
Sliced Linguica on Whole Wheat Crackers
Summer Vegetable Platter with Sour Creamy Dill Dip
Smoked Chicken, Fennel, and Grape Salad in Petit Pastry Puffs
Smoked Salmon Horns
Smoked Salmon Sandwiches
Sour Cream Dill Dip
Spam Musubi
Spinach Dip
Turkey, Brie and Crisp Pear on Fluffy Caraway Rolls
White Bean Pate
 
Salads, Soups and Vegetable Dishes
Arugula and Pear Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
Baked Mushrooms with Corn Relish
Borscht (Russian Beet Soup)
Caesar Salad
Caldo Verde (Portuguese Potato and Kale Soup)
Caprese Salads
Charlotte’s Marinated Mushrooms
Chicken- Almond Salad in Butter Lettuce Cups with Honey Dijon Dressing
Cold Tofu with Ginger and Bonito Flakes
Eggplant Roll-Ups
Falafel Balls
French Onion Soup with Gruyere Toasts
Fried Green Tomatoes
Gazpacho Shots
Greek Salad
Green Gables Cream of Tomato Soup
Japanese New Year’s Soup (Ozoni)
Miniature Potato Pasties
Matzo Ball Soup
Mushroom Turnovers
Navy Bean Soup
Pickled Cucumber Salad (Namasu)
Salade Nicoise
Spinach, Raspberry and Candied Almond Salad
Seasoned Burdock Root (Kimpira Gobo)
Seasoned Spinach (Spinach no Oshitashi)
Spanikopita (Spinach Pastry Squares)
Spiced Almonds
Thai Summer Rolls
Truffled Potato Gratins
Vegetable Samosas
Vegetarian Stuffed Grape Leaves
Waldorf Salad
Watercress Sandwiches
 
Egg and Cheese Dishes
Blini (Thin Russian Pancakes)
Cheese Tray with Dried Fruits and Nuts
Corn and Red Pepper Frittata
Deviled Eggs
Deviled Eggs with Asparagus Tips
Ham and Scallion Strata Squares
Hoppin’ John Frittata Squares
Individual Asparagus Flans
Miniature Artichoke Quiches
Pickled Beet Deviled Eggs
Proscuitto and Parmesan Pinched Heart Palmiers  
Quiche Lorraine
Spinach Frittata Squares
Swiss Chard and Gruyere Tart
Tea-Marbled Eggs with Soy Balsamic Mayonnaise
Warm Cheddar Scallion Rounds
 
Seafood
Crab Salad Sandwiches on Sourdough
Fried Poke (Seared Ahi Tuna Cubes)
Lobster Salad in Pastry Puffs
Mini Fish Tacos
Portuguese Canapes: Sardines in Hot Sauce
Rosemary Skewered Scallops with Lemon
Roses in Clover (Smoked Salmon Rosette Sandwiches)
Salade Nicoise
Shrimp, Vegetable and Herb Summer Rolls
 
SCONES, CRUMPETS, MUFFINS, QUICK BREADS and YEAST BREADS
Almond Scones
American Buttermilk Biscuits
Banana Bread
Barm Brack
Basic Butter Scones
Beignets
Blackberry Scones
Blueberry Scones
Buttermilk Scones
Citrus Scones
Challah Bread
Corn Bread
Cornbread Muffins with Sorghum Butter
Cream Scones
Currant Scones
Danish Christmas Wreath
Double Cherry Scones
Hawaiian Banana Bread
Herbed Focaccia
Hot Buttered Crumpets
Hot Cross Buns
Irish Soda Bread
Kulich with Paskha Cheese Spread
Lemon Tea Bread
Maple Pecan Scones
Pan de Muertos (Day of the Dead Bread)
Parmesan Scones
Pecan Sweet Potato Scones
Persimmon Bread
Pigs in Blankets
Portuguese Sweet Bread
Pumpkin Bread
Sally Lunn Bread
Spring Onion Brioche Rolls with Whipped Lemon Butter
Sweet Pepper Miniature Corn Muffins
Vegan Lemon Scones
Wheat Meal Biscuits
Zucchini Loaf
 
SWEETS
Cakes
Traditional Fruit Cakes
Country Christmas Cake with Marzipan and Royal Icing
Old English Fruitcake
Kathleen’s Fruitcake without Candied Fruit
Aged Raisin Gingerbread with Hard Sauce
Panforte
 
Cakes with Fresh Fruit
Green Tea Cake Squares with Kiwi and Strawberries
Strawberry Shortcakes with Crème Fraiche
Swedish Strawberry Cake
 
Pound Cakes
Ellen’s Fabulous Coconut Cake
Finnish Tiger Cake
Lemon Pound Cake
Moist Chocolate Marble Cake
Easy Orange Pound Cake with Candied Cranberries
Even Easier Rum Bundt Cake
Pastel de Almendras (Spanish Almond Cake)
Triple Espresso Cake with Chocolate Icing
 
Chocolate Cakes
Chocolate Biscuit Cake
Iced Chocolate Mocha Cake
Pareve Chocolate Cake
Queen of California Cake
 
Iced Layer Cakes
All-Purpose White Cake
            Dark Chocolate Frosting
Coconut Cake with Lemon Filling
             Lemon Cream Cheese Icing
Hummingbird Cake
            Cream Cheese Icing
Lemon Yogurt Wedding Cake
            Butter Cream Icing
Pink Champagne Cake
            Cream Cheese Champagne Icing
Swedish Strawberry Cake
            Cream Cheese Icing
 
Cheese Cakes
Kathleen’s Prize Winning Virgin Cheese Cake
Pumpkin Cheese Cake
 
Spice Cakes
Gosby House Gingerbread
 
Cakes for Holidays and Special Occasions
Bee Sting Cake with Cream Filling (Birthdays)
Caramel Toffee Yule Log
Coconut Cake with Lemon Filling (Easter)
Country Christmas Cake
Golden Egg Cakelets (Easter)
Hummingbird Cake (Birthdays, Thanksgiving)
Kosher Apple Cake (Passover)
Lemon Yogurt Wedding Cake
Norwegian Kransekake: Almond Ring Cake (Anniversaries, Baptisms)
Pink Champagne Cake (Mother’s Day)
Pink Velvet Rosette Cakelets (Valentine’s Day)
 
International Cakes
Battenberg Cake
Cassata alla Siciliana (Italian Sponge Cake with Ricotta Filling)
Glazed Almond Tea Cakes
Greek Lemon Cake
Rum Bundt Cake
Tres Leches Cake
Victoria Sponge with Lemon Curd Filling
Victoria Sponge with Sugared Rose Petals
 
Edible Cake Decorations
Piped Rosebuds
Sugared Rose Petals
 
Icings, Cake Toppings and Fillings
Butter Cream Icing
Caramel Icing
Chocolate Icing
Chocolate Glaze
Cream Cheese Icing
Cream Cheese Champagne Icing
Cream Filling
Dark Chocolate Frosting
Hard Sauce
Lemon Cream Cheese Icing
Lemon Curd
Lemon Filling
Marzipan Topping for Fruitcake
Shiny Chocolate Glaze
Royal Icing
 
Pies, Tarts and Tartlets
Apricot Custard Tartlets
Bakewell Tart
Blackberry Cobbler
Blackberry Slab Pie
Cherry Berry Hand Pies
Cherry Pie
Egg Yolk Cream Tarts (Pastel de Nata)
Lemon Chess Pie
Peach and Raspberry Cobbler
Pecan Tartlets
Pumpkin Cream Tartlets
Rose Gelee Tarts
Rhubarb Tart
Russian Cheese Tartlets
Sweet Potato Tartlets
Tarte Tatin (French Apple and Caramel Tart)
 
Cookies and Bars
Almond Butter Cookies
Almond Madeleines
Almond Biscotti
Almost Classic Cannoli
Amaretti
Apple Butter Bars
Apricot and Plum Jam Bars
Apricot Ribbon Cookies with Variations
Barbara’s Potato Fudge Cookies
Beehive Shaped Whole Meal Cookies with Marzipan Bees
Best Friend Lemon Bars
Black Sesame Seed Shortbread Cookies
Brownies with Fudge Icing
Cherry Coconut Pom Poms
Cherry Thumbprint Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Heart Sandwich Cookies with Sour Cherry Filling
Cinnamon Icebox Cookies
Coconut Macaroons
Danish Butter Cookies
Green Tea Madeleines
Iced Chocolate Brownies
Iced Sugar Cookies
Kona Coffee Shortbread Cookies
Kourabiedes (Greek Butter Cookies)
Kosher Oatmeal Cookies
Lavender Shortbread Fingers
Lemon Cardamom Cookies
Lemon Ring Cookies
Lemon Verbena Madeleines
Madeleines (Golden Shell Shaped Cakes)
Mexican Wedding Cookies*
Mexican Chocolate Cookies with Chili
Orange Ginger Cookies
Parkins (Ginger Oat Cookies)
Pink Stack Bars
Pistachio Golden Raisin Biscotti
Poppy Seed Cookies
Poppy Seed Shortbread
Pretty Pastels
Rice Krispy Bars
Rosewater Shortbread
Russian Tea Cakes*
Sandbakkelser (Swedish Sand Tarts)
Sammartini (Cuccidati) Spiced Fig Cookies
Shortbread Shamrocks
S’ Mores
Snickerdoodles
Spritz Cookies
The Queen’s Shortbread
Toffee Blondies
Toffee Brownies
Vanilla Bean Spritz Cookies
Walnut Crescents
* We use these recipes interchangeably
 
Candies
Butter Mints in Rose and Leaf Shapes
Chocolate Fudge
Chocolate Grand Mariner Truffles with Gold Leaf
Dark Chocolate Macadamia Nut Truffles
Japanese Gelatin Cubes (Kanten)
Marzipan Bees
 
Pastries
Baklava
Almond Baklava
Classic Éclairs
Malasadas (Portuguese Doughnuts)
Mini Napoleons with Piped Rosebuds
Danish Pastry Christmas Wreath
 
Puddings
Basic Pastry Cream
Christmas Trifle
Chocolate Trifle
Chocolate Mousse
Haupia (Coconut Pudding)
Honeycomb Steamed Pudding with Crème Anglais
Kugel with Raisins and Apples
Leftover Pie Gingerbread Trifle
Ozark Pudding
Peach and Raspberry Trifle
Steamed Pumpkin Pudding with Candied Cranberries
Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel Sauce
Vanilla Custard
Vanilla Custard with Sliced Bananas and Vanilla Wafers
Warm Bread Pudding with Lemon Sauce
 
Gelatins and Molded Desserts
Charlotte Russe
Chestnut Bavarian
Orange Bavarian Cream
Raspberry Thumbelina Panna Cottas
Spiced Apple Gelatin
Strawberry Charlotte
 
Fruit Desserts
Ambrosia
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Strawberry and Watermelon Cube Kabobs
Stuffed Dates
 
CONDIMENTS AND SAUCES
Branson Pickle Relish
Buttermilk Dipping Sauce (for Fried Green Tomatoes)
Candied Cranberries
Candied Cherries
Candied Ginger
Candied Citrus Peel
Caramel Sauce
Champagne Jelly
Chili-Cumin Butter
Chocolate Whipped Cream
Charoset
Crème Anglaise
Crème Fraiche
Warm Chocolate Sauce
Dilled Cucumber Sauce
Divine Chocolate Sauce (Non-Dairy)
Dulce de Leche (Mexican Milk Caramel)
Ginger Butter
Green Chutney
Honey Butter
Hard Sauce
Lemon Curd
Lemon Sauce
Marmite
Mock Devonshire Cream
Mustard Chutney
Olive Tapenade
Onion Marmalade
Pear and Ginger Jam
Ponzu Sauce
Quince Paste
Raita (Indian Yogurt Cucumber Sauce)
Raspberry Coulis
Raspberry Curd
Sorghum Butter
Soy-Balsamic Mayonnaise
Sugar Coated Almonds
Sugared Rose Petals
Sweet Pepper Jam
Tamarind Chutney
Whipped Cream
Whipped Lemon Butter
Yogurt Vegetable Sauce with Cumin
 
BEVERAGES
Hot Teas

Assam Tea
Cardamom Tea
Darjeeling
Earl Grey Tea
English Breakfast Tea
Indian Chai
Genmai Cha
Green Tea
Irish Breakfast Tea
Lapsang Souchong Tea
Lipton Tea
Orange Spice Tea
Orange Tisane
Persian Tea
Tea Concentrate for Lady Grey Tea
 
Decaffeinated Hot Teas
Blackberry Sage Tea
Cardamom Cinnamon Herb Tea
Chai, Decaf
Chamomile Tea
Cranberry Herbal Tea
Decaffeinated Green Tea
Ginger Mint Herb
Hot Ginger Tea
Portuguese Lemon Tea (Cha de Limao)
Rose Petal Tea
Vanilla Almond Herb Tea
 
Iced Teas
Iced Hibiscus Tea
Iced Southern Sweet Tea
 Lemonade Iced Tea for a Crowd
 
Fruit Drinks and Punches
Almost Shave Ice: Pineapple and Coconut Granita
Apple Cider
Apple Juice
Bee Keeper’s Punch
Calpico
Citrus Sherbet Punch
Cucumber Water
Lassi, Sweet or Mango
Lemonade
Lemon-Lime Punch
Lemon Pineapple Punch with Citrus Sherbet
Lemon Water
Orange-Cranberry Juice
Orange Juice with Maraschino Cherries
Raspberry or Strawberry Lemonade
Sparkling Apple Juice
Hot Spiced Cider
 
Coffees
Café au Lait
Chicory Coffee
French Pressed Coffee
Greek Coffee
Hot Kona Coffee
Espresso

Special Beverages
Cha de Limao (Portuguese Lemon Tisane)
Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Horchata (Mexican Rice Beverage)
 
Cordials and Spirits
Buena Vista Irish Coffee
Champagne
Calvados
Danish Beer
Framboise
Japanese Beer
Kirsch
Elderflower Cordial
Flavored Vodkas
Grand Marnier
Hot Buttered Rum
Kir Royale
Marsala
Mint Juleps
Mulled Wine
Port
Prosecco
Schnapps
Triple Sec
White Tea Champagne Punch

THE TEA BOOK
The Road Back to Civilization
A Brief History of Tea
  Philosophy of Tea
     Harmony
     Humility
     Respect
     Creativity

Guidelines for the Host/Hostess

  Gathering and Greeting
  Sharing Stories
  Sharing Food
  Sending the Guests Home

Guidelines for the Guest

  Respect your Hostess/Host
  Bring a Gift if You Wish
  Practice Humility
  Monitor Your Conversation
  Arrive With a Grateful Attitude
  Help if Help is Needed
  Do Not Criticize
  Leave Gracefully
  Send a Thank you Note

A Checklist for Planning a Tea Party
Teas of the World and How to Make Tea

  A Sampling of Teas
  Herbal Teas and Tisanes
  How to Make Tea
  Making Iced Tea
  Tea Concentrate
  Brewing Tea for a Crowd

Tea Utensils and Accessories

  Tea Kettle
  Tea Pot
  Tea Cozy
  Teacups
  Plates
  Silverware
  Teacart
  Tea Strainer
  Tea Infuser
  Three-Tiered Server
  Cream Pitcher and Sugar   Bowl
  Cake Pedestal
  Trifle Bowl
  Jam Pots
  Serving Dishes, Platters, and Trays
  Silver Tea Set or Silver Tray
  Linens
  Kitchen Equipment for Food Preparation

Tea Menu Basics

  Sandwiches and Savories
  Savory Spreads and Dips
  Scones and Tea Breads

About Lemons

  Afternoon Tea and the Four Seasons

     A Spring Tea
     An Outdoor Summer Tea
     A Winter Afternoon Tea
     An Autumn Afternoon Tea

A Calendar of Tea Parties

  January:A Japanese New Year’s Tea
  February:Valentine’s Day Tea
  March:A St. Patrick’s Day Irish Tea
  April:An Easter Tea
May:Mother’s day Tea
  June:A Wedding Reception Tea

Lemon Yogurt Wedding Cake

  July:A Picnic Tea
  AUGUST:A FAMILY REUNION TEA

A North American Family Reunion Tea
  An Eastern Mediterranean Family Reunion Tea
  A Kosher Family Reunion Tea
  A Scandinavian Family Reunion Tea

  September:An Ozark Farm Harvest Tea
  October:A Tea to Honor   Our Ancestors(Dia de los Muertos)
  November:A Post Thanksgiving Tea
  December: A Christmas Tea

  In Defense of Fruitcake:Fruitcakes and Candied Fruit

A World of Tea Parties

  A Chinese Dim Sum Tea
  A Portuguese Tea
  A Classic British Afternoon Tea
  An Indian Chai Party
  A California Tea
  A Hawaiian Tea
  An Italian Tea
  An American Southern Tea
  A Russian Tea
A French Afternoon Tea
  A Kosher Teawith  Traditional Jewish Foods

Afternoon Tea for Special Occasions

An Afternoon Tea for Children
  A Tea for Our Elders
  A Honey Bee Tea in the Garden
  An Urban Tea on the Go
  Tea for One
  Afternoon Tea For a Large Group
  A Vegan Tea
  A Rose Tea