Homemade Afternoon Tea

 My sister has been very lucky she lives so close to me during lockdown and whilst I learn to bake as shes had a chance to taste them all. 

As it’s her 30th next week I wanted to make something special and I know she’s had lots of afternoon tea in her time but I thought I could do it with a twist of the bakes of mine she’s enjoyed over the last year. 

The afternoon tea was:

Smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich

Ham and cheese sandwich (classic)

Leek, potato and pancetta pasties

Sausage rolls  

Scone with clotted cream and jam

Chocolate cup cakes

Red velvet cookies

I had to do some serious planning to get this all baked whilst doing my full time job and not having two days off together but by spreading it out over the last couple of days and doing lots of evening baking, it worked out well and I was able to deliver it to her in time for lunch. 

I was nervous about doing the pasty again as the first ones were so good and I didn’t know if it was just a fluke but actually I feel like the pastry was even better this time, wonderfully golden, so flaky and utterly delicious!! Again the scones were something I’ve only baked once before and I found it hard to get the dough to the right consistency but these were a lovely light texture and perfect with the jam and clotted cream. 

Finally I used a Jane’s patisserie recipe (I just love her blog so much) for the chocolate cupcakes and after my chocolate cake fail a few weeks ago, this recipe was much better and gave a nicer chocolatey and moist cake. 

Overall I really enjoyed making the afternoon tea box and loved knowing she enjoyed all the different elements too. Definitely time for a nap now though 🤎