Teatime: A Modern Take on Tradition
Recipes by Chef Rachel Ponce
Photography by Hugo Martinez
Tea in the United States may not be quite the star that it is in many other countries such as China, England and India, but is still a delightful sip for any time of day. Add to that cuppa tea a miniature sandwich and any of the seemingly endless tea accessories and teatime truly feels like a ceremonious occasion. Here, we topple the traditional towers of sweets and cucumber tea sandwiches in favor of complex, modern flavors that pair nicely with vibrant tea blends crafted by Spice of Life in Paso Robles.
Lapsang Souchong Leaf Scones with Coconut Glaze
Makes 8 scones
These scones take on a twist, featuring hints of sweet, smoky and salty notes thanks to the infusion of sampled teas. It adds an indulgent touch, elevating this classic tea snack for a truly high tea.
INGREDIENTS
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons lapsang souchong loose-leaf tea (sourced from Spice of Life)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- Extra coconut cream, for brushing
For the coconut glaze:
- 2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon shredded toasted coconut
PREPARATION
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In medium pot, add cream and tea leaves. Bring to a simmer, then turn off heat and set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Add cold butter and combine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in cream mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove tea leaves. Add to mixing bowl with dry ingredients and butter; mix gently until combined. Do not overmix.
Step 2
Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently pat into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into triangles. Place on baking sheet, brush with coconut cream and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until scones are golden.
Step 3
To prepare coconut glaze, in a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, coconut cream and shredded coconut. Drizzle over cooled scones before serving.
Savory Tomato Basil Tartlets with Goat Cheese
Makes 12 tartlets (Serves 4)
For a light yet satisfying bite, these tomato and goat cheese tartlets are perfect for a spring
afternoon. With just two easy steps to prepare, this bite comes without the fuss.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 package of phyllo pastry or mini tartlet shells
- Olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
PREPARATION
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In medium pot, add cream and tea leaves. Bring to a simmer, then turn off heat and set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Add cold butter and combine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in cream mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove tea leaves. Add to mixing bowl with dry ingredients and butter; mix gently until combined. Do not overmix.
Step 2
Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently pat into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into triangles. Place on baking sheet, brush with coconut cream and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until scones are golden.
Step 3
To prepare coconut glaze, in a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, coconut cream and shredded coconut. Drizzle over cooled scones before serving.
Bourbon Maple Bacon Skewers
Serves 4
Just because it’s afternoon doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some spirits. These bourbon maple bacon skewers meld the soul-warming flavor of bourbon with the rich, earthy sweetness of maple. The protein from the bacon satiates long after the tea party ends.
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup bourbon
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
PREPARATION
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In bowl, whisk together bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper until well combined.
Step 2
Cut bacon strips in halves or thirds, depending on length of skewers. Thread bacon onto soaked bamboo skewers, folding as you go to create layered effect. Place skewers in shallow dish or a large zip-top bag and pour marinade over top. Allow to marinate at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in refrigerator for more flavor).
Step 3
Line baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Arrange skewers on rack and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and caramelized. Brush with extra marinade halfway through for added flavor. Once done, remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Mini Chia Seed Pudding with Tropical Fruits
Serves 4
Tea setups are all about aesthetics and this chia pudding combines visual appeal with refreshing flavor. Colorful fruits paired with the chia offer an interesting texture that entertains the mouth and the eyes.
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup chia seeds
- 2 cups almond milk
- 1½ tablespoons maple syrup
- Assorted tropical fruits like mango, dragon fruit, kiwi, passion fruit
- Slivered almonds, for garnish
PREPARATION
Step 1
In bowl, mix chia seeds, almond milk and maple syrup. Stir well and let sit for 10 minutes. Stir again to avoid clumping, then cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours, or overnight.
Step 2
Remove chia from refrigerator. In small jars or glasses, layer chia pudding with chopped fruits and top with slivered almonds. Make it even more fancy by adding edible flowers or herbs to the top.
Iced Tea with Edible Flowers
Makes 4 cups
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups brewed tea (black, green or herbal)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons honey or sweetener of choice, optional
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Edible flowers (like pansies or nasturtiums)
PREPARATION
Brew your choice of tea and let cool. If desired, stir in honey while tea is still warm, then cool completely. Pour into glasses filled with ice, add lemon slices and float edible flowers on top for presentation.
Presentation Tips
- Use tiered stands for scones and tartlets along with a touch of greenery like herbs to enhance visual appeal.
- Serve teas in decorative teapots with a variety of colorful teacups.
- Use small floral arrangements or fruits like berries to adorn tablescape.
- Have fun with it and be playful!
