Top 10 recipes for afternoon tea

Those who have visited England probably have experienced the wonderful tradition of afternoon tea. Even outside of the United Kingdom, people globally enjoy this custom. Taking a break in the mid-afternoon for some warm tea, fresh scones and other treats is a lovely way to rest after a busy morning and before a long evening.

This tradition, however, did not begin by itself. Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford, was the founder of afternoon tea. As trading with Asia grew, tea become more common in Great Britain. According to Afternoon Tea Company, Russell felt ill in the later afternoon hours between the two meals most people ate. Because of this, she began having tea with a bit of food like bread. When she invited some friends to join her, the idea gained popularity. This then became a time to socialize while enjoying dainty but sophisticated dishes, according to HighTea.com.

Some historians have debated the authenticity of this story of the history of afternoon tea. Yet, many continue to believe the Duchess of Bedford as the creator of this fancy snack. Whatever the case, her legacy lives on with the British and tea lovers.

In honor of the Duchess’ birthday on September 3, here is a list of scrumptious recipes to enjoy with a hot drink for afternoon tea. This includes sandwiches, baked goods, and various other items that are typically served at teatime.

[ new page = 10. Chessmen Cookies ]
10. Homemade Chessmen Cookies from Cupcake Project

Simple but delicious, these small, buttery cookies are great with a cup of black tea. Most commonly made by Pepperidge Farms, this recipe can be followed at home with normal ingredients. To add a classy touch, an image is imprinted on each cookie before it bakes.

[ new page = 9. BLT Roll Ups ]
9. BLT Roll Ups from Mostly Homemade Mom

Afternoon tea is not simply scones with a hot beverage. Many people have little sandwiches or savory tidbits at this time. These roll ups are a wonderful source of tasty protein in the middle of the day.

[ new page = 8. Cranberry Sour Cream Pound Cake ]
8. Cranberry Sour Cream Pound Cake from Our Table for Seven

Clotted cream on a plain scone is a common treat with tea. If one desires something a bit tangier, this pound cake is delicious. Smeared with butter or eaten plain, it is a great addition to this tradition.

[ new page = 7. Citrus Sandwich Cookies ]
7. Citrus Sandwich Cookies from Blogging Over Thyme

For those who like sandwich cookies, this recipe will be a winner. Not only is there a fruity flavor with orange and lemon zest, an orange-chocolate filling is between two thin cookies. Enjoy nibbling these while sipping herbal mint tea.

[ new page = 6. Avocado, Blue Cheese, and Bacon on Toast ]
6. Avocado, Blue Cheese, and Bacon on Toast from Fish Fingers for Tea

When looking for a bit more nourishment during the day, this open-face sandwich is a good idea. Health benefits from avocado on multi-grain bread with a cup of green tea are immense as is the deliciousness of the taste.

[ new page = 5. Strawberry Lemon Poppy Seed Scones ]
5. Strawberry Lemon Poppy Seed Scones from Sally’s Baking Addiction

Scones are an essential part of afternoon tea. This sweet recipe is great especially in the summer months when the strawberries are fresh. To make these scones even better, a glazed topping adds sugary goodness.

[ new page = 4. Smoked Salmon Potato Tartine ]
4. Smoked Salmon Potato Tartine from Blogging over Thyme

Looking for a classy and savory treat with a pot of tea? Here is a tart with toppings like goat cheese, chives, smoked salmon, garlic and red onions. Filling and yet dainty, this recipe is great for even those who are not fish-lovers.

[ new page = 3. Clotted Cream ]
3. Clotted Cream from The Culinary Life

Simply add clotted cream (or Devonshire cream) to a plain scone or piece of toast, and it transforms into a scrumptious snack. Having this spread at afternoon tea is very common. Plus, knowing this recipe is helpful because it can be used for desserts, baking, and more.

[ new page = 2. Mozzarella and Blueberry Balsamic Sandwich ]
2. Mozzarella in Carrozza (Fried Mozzarella Sandwich) with Blueberry Balsamic Jam from Half Baked Harvest

Mixing the savory and the sweet, this sandwich has the best of both worlds. Cut up into little triangles, it would serve as a lovely snack with oolong tea. Fresh mozzarella cheese and blueberries would be best in the summer for this recipe.

[ new page = 1. Blueberry Pavlovas ]
1. Blueberry Pavlovas from SugarHero

This dessert is light but still delicious. For those looking for a smaller snack with afternoon tea, these pavlovas are a good idea. Then, more sandwiches and other treats can be comfortably enjoyed.