Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford invented afternoon tea in the early 19th century, because she was getting too hungry between lunch and late dinner [which was served as late as 9 pm!]. Here, at Glamorable headquarters, my husband Mike and I are big fans of afternoon tea time, too, and while I don’t have any fancy-schmancy porcelain to serve them in, delicious tea and tiny tea sandwiches are still my favorite treats during a midday break.
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| I found Hellmann’s mayo right across Lipton tea in the tea aisle at Walmart. |
As much as I love fussing with whole leaves, and brewing my tea to perfection, I usually don’t have the time to do all that in the afternoon, and that’s where Lipton tea bags come to the rescue. Lipton Tea is a staple in many households, and you can find it sold pretty much everywhere, but I get mine from Walmart, because it’s cheaper and more convenient.
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| Here are all of the ingredients to make both kinds of sandwiches. |
A proper British afternoon tea includes sandwiches with both white and black breads, usually with crusts removed. I feel like cutting off those sides really improves the flavor! My two favorite recipes are actually very simple, and they both use a mayo-based sauce. If any of you are on a diet you can always replace it with lighter versions, but I use Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise here.
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| Turkey Breast Tea Sandwiches |
Turkey Breast Tea Sandwiches
Makes 6 mini-sandwiches, adjust the quantities as needed.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tbsp finely chopped baby arugula + a dozen of whole arugula leaves
1 tsp finely minced shallots
1 tsp finely chopped parsley
6 slices of white sandwich bread, crusts removed
5 oz thinly sliced turkey breast
salt
pepper
Directions:
Mix mayonnaise, shallots, arugula, and parsley in a small mixing bowl, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread this mix evenly over 3 bread slices, add turkey slices and whole arugula leaves, and top with the remaining 3 bread slices, mayo side down. Cut the sandwiches diagonally.
And here’s another really easy tea sandwich recipe that I love.
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| Cucumber Tea Sandwiches |
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Makes 6 mini-sandwiches, adjust the quantities as needed.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp finely chopped cilantro
1 tsp finely chopped parsley
1 tsp finely chopped chives
6 slices of dark sandwich bread, crusts removed
2-3 small salad cucumbers
salt
pepper
Directions:
Mix mayonnaise, cilantro, chives, and parsley in a small mixing bowl, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cut cucumbers diagonally to create thin large slices [learned that trick from my mom!]. Spread the mayo mix evenly over 3 bread slices, add cucumbers, and top with the remaining 3 bread slices, mayo side down. Cut the sandwiches diagonally. Not sure what I mean by that? Take a look at the picture below.
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| A trick I learned from my mom. No more cucumbers falling out of your sandwiches! |
These light sandwiches pair perfectly with hot and iced tea, and make delicious Summer snacks both kids and adults will enjoy.
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| I set up a small table with tea and snacks on the porch and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon break 🙂 |
Done with your tea? Don’t throw away those used tea bags just yet! Keep them in the fridge and apply in the morning to closed eyelids for 10 minutes to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
For more delicious recipe ideas check out Lipton #TEArifficPairs Pinterest board.
I love afternoon teas! The turkey sandwiches look yummy!!
Beauty & The Bird | Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle
Ahh, a fellow tea drinker 🙂 Those sandwiches are really delicious and so easy to make!
What a lovely tea! That looks like such fun. I’ll be right over!
How fun is this!! I tend to have tea in the afternoon but since I’m at work it’s not as nicely done as what you’re showing here.
I love tea! Such cute sandwiches!
This looks so fun. An afternoon tea. I have only done afternoon tea once, in London and this soooo reminds me of it. Those sandwiches look yummy!!! Great recipes, totally going to try them!
Yum! Can you make my lunch for me? 🙂
Um, can we do lunch? SO cute!
I’m totally coming over
I never did afternoon tea until I tried it in the UK, you did amazing on those sandwiches. HUNGRY!
When I visited England several years ago, I was treated to a real English tea–nothing better!
I am fairly certain that you need to invite me over the next time this happens! #kthanksbye!
This is so adorable! I love your tea time idea and those tea sandwiches are awesome!
I’d love to have afternoon tea w/ you!
So that’s how tea time started! Who knew?
Well, it’s just not tea without cucumber sammies, is it? I’ll grab my pinafore and pearls, and be right over! 🙂
Those little sandwiches look delicious! I love tea bags – I´m just too lazy for brewing my tea.
Your sandwiches look amazing~