Oh, the magic of the holiday season! There’s something incredibly special about gathering with loved ones for a festive *Christmas high tea*. It’s like a cozy hug in the form of delicious food and heartwarming conversations. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen bustling with laughter and the smell of freshly baked scones wafting through the air. We’d all sit around the table, sipping fragrant teas while nibbling on dainty finger sandwiches and indulging in sweet treats. It’s such a delightful way to celebrate – a beautiful blend of flavors, warmth, and joy. Trust me, once you experience the charm of a *Christmas high tea*, it’ll become a cherished tradition in your home, too! So, let’s dive into the recipe and create some wonderful memories together!
Ingredients for Christmas High Tea
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted for lightness)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjustable to taste)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 cup milk (whole or your preferred type)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (for that perfect rise)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (just a pinch to enhance flavors)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a warm, inviting aroma)
- Assorted finger sandwiches (think cucumber, smoked salmon, and cream cheese)
- Mini scones (plain or with currants, your choice!)
- A variety of teas (like Earl Grey, peppermint, or chai)
- Seasonal fruits (fresh berries, citrus slices, or pomegranate seeds)
How to Prepare Christmas High Tea
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for getting that lovely golden color on your cake!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything’s evenly mixed.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes – trust me, it’s worth the effort!
- Now, add the beaten eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined. The aroma will make your kitchen feel festive!
- Next, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; we want to keep it light and airy. Slowly stir in the milk until just combined.
- Pour your batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean!
- While the cake is baking, prepare your finger sandwiches and mini scones. Think about different fillings for the sandwiches – variety is key here!
- Once the cake is done, let it cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This step helps keep it moist.
- Finally, serve your delicious cake alongside the assorted finger sandwiches, mini scones, and seasonal fruits, pairing it all with your favorite teas. Enjoy this delightful spread with your loved ones!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas High Tea
- It’s a festive way to celebrate the season with loved ones.
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Offers a delightful mix of sweet and savory treats.
- Visually stunning presentation that will impress your guests.
- Creates lasting memories and warm conversations around the table.
Tips for Success with Christmas High Tea
To make your *Christmas high tea* truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness of the cake to suit your taste. If you love it sweeter, add a touch more sugar, or for a less sweet option, dial it back a bit. Using seasonal ingredients can elevate your tea experience—think cranberries in your scones or spiced pear sandwiches for a festive twist!
Pairing your treats with the right teas can make all the difference. A classic Earl Grey complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully, while a zesty peppermint tea adds a refreshing contrast. And don’t forget to present everything nicely! A pretty table setting with festive decorations can turn your gathering into a magical experience. Trust me, your friends and family will love it!
Variations to Try for Christmas High Tea
Get creative with your *Christmas high tea*! For finger sandwiches, why not try different fillings like roasted turkey with cranberry sauce, or even a classic egg salad with dill? When it comes to scones, consider adding flavors like orange zest or dried cranberries for a holiday twist. You can also switch up your tea selection—how about a spiced chai for warmth or a fruity hibiscus tea for a refreshing touch? Each variation adds its own festive flair, making your tea truly unique and delightful!
Serving Suggestions for Christmas High Tea
To elevate your *Christmas high tea* experience, consider serving a selection of complementary dishes alongside your cake and scones. A vibrant charcuterie board filled with seasonal cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits can add a savory touch. Don’t forget to include a variety of festive jams, like cranberry or spiced apple, for spreading on your scones!
For beverages, offer a mix of hot and cold teas, including a rich chai or a fruity herbal blend. Present everything on a beautifully arranged tiered stand, garnished with fresh herbs or edible flowers for that extra wow factor. Trust me, your guests will be enchanted by the lovely display and delicious flavors!
Nutritional Information for Christmas High Tea
Each slice of this delightful *Christmas high tea* cake offers approximately 250 calories, along with 10g of fat and 5g of protein. You’ll also find around 35g of carbohydrates, including 15g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. It’s a delicious balance of flavors, perfect for a festive gathering without too much guilt!
FAQ Section about Christmas High Tea
Can I make this Christmas high tea recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Just prepare your finger sandwiches and scones closer to serving time to keep everything fresh and delightful.
What types of teas should I serve?
For a cozy *Christmas high tea*, I recommend classic options like Earl Grey, fragrant chai, or a refreshing peppermint tea. You can also offer a fruity blend for variety—anything that complements the sweetness of the cake and scones!
Can I customize the finger sandwiches?
Definitely! The beauty of finger sandwiches is their versatility. Try fillings like turkey and cranberry sauce, cucumber with cream cheese, or even smoked salmon with dill. Mix it up based on what you love or what’s in season!
How can I make my scones extra special?
Adding seasonal ingredients to your scones can take them to another level. Consider incorporating dried cranberries, orange zest, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch. Your guests will be raving about them!
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This *Christmas high tea* recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly. Just make sure to choose fillings for your sandwiches and scones that align with vegetarian preferences, and you’re all set for a delightful gathering!
Christmas High Tea: 7 Irresistible Treats to Share
- Temps Total: 1 hour
- Rendement: Serves 6-8 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A festive high tea experience perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Assorted finger sandwiches
- Mini scones
- Variety of teas
- Seasonal fruits
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then stir in milk.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Prepare finger sandwiches and mini scones.
- Serve with assorted teas and fruits.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness according to taste.
- Use seasonal ingredients for freshness.
- Pair with your favorite teas.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: British
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 5g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: christmas high tea
