There’s something magical about a *Christmas high tea* that just warms my heart! Growing up, my family would gather around the table, laughter filling the air as we sipped tea and nibbled on delicious treats. It was a cherished tradition that brought us all together, and every year, I looked forward to the stunning array of finger sandwiches, beautifully decorated Christmas cookies, and seasonal fruits that made our spread so special. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a slice of cake while savoring the cozy ambiance of the holidays. So, let’s dive into this delightful experience and create our own festive memories with this charming assortment of treats!
Ingredients List
For the perfect *Christmas high tea*, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- Assorted finger sandwiches (think cucumber, smoked salmon, or egg salad!)
- Christmas-themed cookies (like gingerbread or peppermint bark!)
- Seasonal fruits (pomegranate, berries, or mandarin oranges work great!)
- Your choice of tea (Earl Grey, chai, or even a festive spiced blend!)
Gather these delightful ingredients, and you’re all set to create a memorable high tea experience filled with festive cheer!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully. While that’s happening, grab your cake pans and grease them up—trust me, you don’t want your delightful cake to stick! I usually use butter, but cooking spray works just as well. A little preparation goes a long way in making this process smooth and enjoyable!
Mixing the Batter
Now for the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This is where the magic starts! Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. It’s all about that creamy texture. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined; we want to keep that batter light and airy!
Baking the Cake
Once your batter is ready, pour it evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—no sticky batter allowed! Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time is essential, so resist the urge to dive in just yet!
Arranging the High Tea
While the cake is cooling, it’s time to think about presentation! Arrange your assorted finger sandwiches on a lovely platter, mixing and matching fillings for a colorful display. Next, add your Christmas-themed cookies around the sandwiches—think about the shape and color to make it festive! Finally, fill in the gaps with seasonal fruits for a burst of freshness. I love to use pomegranate seeds and berries for that pop of color. Remember, we eat with our eyes first, so have fun with it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Ideal for holiday gatherings, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- A delightful variety of flavors that cater to everyone’s taste buds.
- Great for all ages—kids and adults alike will love these festive treats!
Nutritional Information Section
When enjoying your delightful *Christmas high tea*, it’s good to have an idea of the nutritional values. Here’s a breakdown per serving, though keep in mind that values may vary depending on the specific ingredients you choose:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
So as you gather around the table with your loved ones, you’ll know just how deliciously satisfying each bite of this festive spread can be! Enjoy every moment and every taste!
Tips for Success
To make your *Christmas high tea* a delightful success, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that I absolutely swear by!
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, you can swap half of the butter for applesauce or yogurt. It keeps the moisture while reducing the fat! You can also use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them mix better, resulting in a fluffier cake. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and airy!
- Decorative Touches: For a festive flair, dust your cooled cakes with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk. A sprinkle of edible glitter or seasonal sprinkles can also add a fun touch!
- Tea Selection: Choose a variety of teas to suit different tastes—maybe a classic Earl Grey, a fruity herbal blend, or a spiced chai for something cozy. Having options makes it more special!
- Presentation Matters: Use cake stands or tiered platters to elevate your display. Arrange your finger sandwiches, cookies, and fruits in a way that’s visually appealing—color and height can really enhance the festive spirit!
- Timing is Key: Plan your prep so everything is fresh when served. Bake the cake the day before, and just assemble the tea spread on the day of your gathering. This way, you can enjoy the party too!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress your guests and create a magical *Christmas high tea* experience they’ll remember! Happy baking!
Variations
One of the best things about a *Christmas high tea* is how customizable it can be! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up and make your spread even more festive:
- Finger Sandwich Fillings: Get creative with your finger sandwiches! Try classic combinations like roast beef with horseradish cream, turkey with cranberry sauce, or even a delightful cream cheese and cucumber sandwich. For a touch of elegance, you could add smoked salmon with dill or a savory egg salad with chives.
- Alternative Seasonal Fruits: While pomegranates and berries are fantastic, consider adding sliced star fruit or kiwi for a pop of color! You could even use roasted chestnuts for a unique twist that screams holiday cheer. Pears or apples can also add a lovely crunch.
- Unique Tea Selections: Play around with your tea choices! Instead of just the usual suspects, why not try a festive chai spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg? A peppermint tea can also be wonderfully refreshing. If you want something extra special, consider a holiday blend that includes hints of vanilla or cranberry!
- Festive Cookies: Besides Christmas-themed cookies, you could include some seasonal treats like peppermint bark or chocolate-dipped biscotti. Gingerbread men are always a hit, and they add a charming touch to the table!
- Mini Desserts: If you want to amp up the dessert game, consider adding mini pastries or tarts. Think about bite-sized fruit tarts or éclairs filled with spiced cream. They’re fancy, delightful, and sure to wow your guests!
With these variations, you can tailor your *Christmas high tea* to suit your taste and impress your guests! Mix and match as you like, and most importantly, have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about storing those delightful leftovers from your *Christmas high tea*! First things first, if you have any cake left, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, you can pop it in the fridge for about a week, but trust me, it might not last that long!
As for the finger sandwiches, they’re best enjoyed fresh, but if you have some leftovers, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate them. Try to eat them within a day or two for the best taste and texture. For those cookies, you can store them in an airtight container as well, and they’ll keep well for up to a week. Just make sure they aren’t in the same container as the sandwiches, or you might end up with a soggy surprise!
If you want to reheat the cake, just pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up—oh, the smell will be heavenly! For a fancier touch, you can serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Just be careful not to overheat it; nobody wants a rubbery cake!
So, whether you’re enjoying your *Christmas high tea* leftovers right away or savoring them a few days later, just remember to store them properly to keep that festive spirit alive. Happy indulging!
FAQ Section
What types of finger sandwiches work best?
When it comes to finger sandwiches, the sky’s the limit! I love classic combinations like cucumber with cream cheese, smoked salmon with dill, and egg salad with a sprinkle of chives. Turkey with cranberry sauce adds a festive touch, too! Feel free to mix and match—variety is key for an impressive high tea spread!
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend baking the cake a day or two in advance. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap once it’s cooled, and store it at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, you can decorate it or slice it up fresh for your guests!
What teas pair well with this menu?
Choosing the right tea can elevate your *Christmas high tea* experience! I love pairing a classic Earl Grey or a fragrant chai with the sweet and savory treats. A light herbal tea like peppermint adds a refreshing contrast, while a spiced blend can really enhance the festive vibe. Offering a few options lets everyone find their perfect match!
Christmas High Tea: 7 Joyful Treats for Festive Cheer
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A delightful Christmas high tea experience with festive treats.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- Assorted finger sandwiches
- Christmas-themed cookies
- Seasonal fruits
- Tea of your choice
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Pour batter into greased cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving with tea.
- Arrange finger sandwiches, cookies, and fruits on a platter.
Notes
- Use seasonal fruits for a festive touch.
- Prepare sandwiches with various fillings.
- Choose a selection of teas to complement the treats.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: British
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 20g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 9g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 50g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterin: 80mg
Keywords: christmas high tea, festive treats, finger sandwiches, seasonal fruits
