High Tea....

Anna, the Duchess of Bedford (1788-1861) is credited as the creator of teatime. Because the noon meal had become skimpier, the Duchess suffered from "a sinking feeling" at about four o'clock in the afternoon. At first the Duchess had her servants sneak her a pot of tea and a few bread stuffs. Adopting the European tea service format, she invited friends to join her for an additional afternoon meal at five o'clock in her rooms at Belvoir Castle. The menu centred around small cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, assorted sweets, and, of course, tea. This summer practise proved so popular, the Duchess continued it when she returned to London, sending cards to her friends asking them to join her for "tea and a walk in the fields."



Re-creating this beautiful tradition is easy to do in your own home...bring out all things pretty, your fine china, tiered cake stands and of course a selection of Tea's and Champagne. This will add finesse, and elegance to the occasion!

Slices are also traditional fare and the one I like to serve, for High Tea is Coconut Meringue Strawberry Jam Slice.

The first time I had this, I was about 16 years old, a family friend had made it to bring along to a picnic. Well I was hooked, and had to know how to  make this! My obsession for harvesting recipes, started long ago. I scribbled down the recipe, and when we got home I belted away "Coconut Slice", down on my typewriter and have kept it ever since. Over the years, I have made a few adjustments to the recipe, and now, have adopted a more sophisticated name - as above.



Lets start from the top of this slice...the lovely meringue topping is more like a fluffy macaroon, laced with coconut, then strawberry or raspberry jam (either is perfect) spread over, the buttery base similar to a shortbread. Simple, and yet, it's delicious to say the least! Anyone for Tea?