making the perfect cup of earl grey & cucumber sandwiches

If you have ever made tea by squishing your tea bag in an ugly mug & pouring your long life milk over the tea bag, then listen up. Here’s your chance to learn the art of tea making – right in time for Mother’s Day.  Of course most moms love gifts & treats, but a simple home made cup of afternoon tea & something to nibble on will certainly be appreciated.

I love my tea – especially if it is made in the proper English way. So I popped in at the Crabtree & Evelyn Tea Room where Adele & Best gave me a personal ‘how to’ on Afternoon Tea (an English tradition that dates back to the 18th century).

Here are their best tips & secrets:

To brew the perfect cup of (Earl Grey) tea

• Start off by warming your tea pot with boiling water to ensure that your tea stays hot for longer.
• Choose your preferred tea (in my case it is almost always Earl Grey).
• Boil the water, rinse your tea cups (no ugly mugs allowed) with boiling water to heat them up.
• Now pop your tea bag in the pot & add the water.
• Let it stand for 2-3 minutes. Remember that this makes it even more delicious.
• Now add your fresh milk (yes, it goes in first) or lemon, then the tea & sugar if you prefer.
• Keep your tea pot warm with a tea cosy.

Of course your tea experience is not complete without a yummy slice of cake (try this one or even this) or a traditional cucumber sandwich….

Cucumber & Mint Sandwiches, serves 1

• Take 2 slices of white bread.
• Butter one side of each of the slices with softened unsalted butter.
• Smear a thick layer of cream cheese on one of the slices.
• Now peel your cucumber into thin slithers & lay onto the sandwich.
• Tear the mint leaves & sprinkle on top.
• Season with salt & pepper.
• Cut into triangles & remove the crusts.
• Garnish with parsley & serve upright!

Want to take mom out for a special cuppa? Then book now for the Mother’s Day High Tea at the Crabtree & Evelyn Tea Room (Design Quarter, Jozi) for R200 pp – includes a gift for mom & daughter. Call 011 792 – 7572 to book.

Happy tea drinking!

Yolandi ♥