A Par-Tea for the Ages
Brews and Bites
No party is complete without an impressive spread on the table and drinks to go around. Hosting a tea party is no different … only this affair might be a touch sweeter. Put those pinkies up, and don’t be afraid to go in for seconds—afternoon tea is all about indulging, enjoying, and savoring.
Steep and Pour. There are thousands of tea blends on the market, so how do you choose the right kinds for your soiree? Start by picking one from each main blend to avoid becoming overwhelmed by the choices. Like wine, learning about types of tea can be a lifelong process, so satisfy any palette by following this guide.
Black. The most popular type, black tea encompasses a wide range of unique flavors. English Breakfast, Irish Breakfast, and Earl Grey are bold blends that go well with sugar, milk, lemon, or honey—so you really can’t go wrong.
Green. Health fanatics will rejoice over this delicate brew, which is known for its low caffeine and high immunity-boosting qualities. Green tea has countless other health benefits, too, while also packing a range of light flavors.
Oolong. By being partially oxidized, oolong tea sits in the middle between the black and green tea families. Oolong has Chinese origins, and its flavor varies from region to region, making for a unique taste with a bounty of flavors, from floral to bold.
White. Spring is the perfect season to pour some white blends. Refreshing and often fruity, this option is sure to be welcomed by guests on a warm day. White teas are also considered some of the most premium, but the price is worth it for their myriad of flavors and health properties.
Time for treats.
Classic English Scones
Ingredients
Scones
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
Raspberry Drizzle
- 6 ounces raspberries
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups confectioner’s sugar
- Making the Scones: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Combine the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour in a bowl. In another bowl, add the lemon zest to the butter, and mix together.
- Using your fingers, work butter into the flour mixture. Make a well in the center, and add in the egg and heavy cream, mixing with a fork if necessary.
- Knead the mixture in the bowl until a dough forms. (Note: It may look dry.)
- Put the dough out onto a floured surface, and cut into triangular shapes. Bake until golden brown, about 20–30 minutes.
- Making the Drizzle: Puree fresh raspberries and milk in a blender. Strain liquid through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the raspberry seeds.
- Slowly whisk in confectioner’s sugar until a stiff glaze is formed. Drizzle over cooled scones.
Share the flavors of this tea party with loved ones for a grand old time!
