Afternoon Tea Sandwiches, Cakes And Scones

 You don't have to be British to enjoy these recipes!

 


Recipe Index

Feel Free to browse the entire page of recipes or use these links to jump to a specific one.


Tea Sandwiches

Apple Boursin Cheese Tea Sandwiches 

Apple And Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches  

Cheddar Chutney Tea Sandwiches

Cherry And Pecan Cream Cheese Spread

Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches With Smoked Almonds

Cucumber And Avocado Tea Sandwiches  

Cucumber And Smoked Salmon Sandwiches With Horseradish Butter 

Cucumber Mint Chutney Tea Sandwiches

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Dried Tomato and Basil Tea Sandwiches

Deviled Ham And Pecan Tea Sandwiches 

Full House Tea Sandwiches

Ginger Carrot Tea Sandwiches

Goat Cheese And Watercress Tea Sandwiches

Ham And Apricot Preserve Tea Sandwiches

Herbed Vidalia Onion Tea Sandwiches

Lobster (or Crab or Shrimp) Sandwiches With Chive Cream Cheese

Minted Radish Tea Sandwiches With Lemon Mayonnaise 

Mozzarella, Prosciutto And Pesto Butter Tea Sandwiches 

Pear And Stilton Tea Sandwiches

Pineapple And Walnut Tea Sandwiches  

Potted Meat Sandwiches 

Prosciutto, Goat Cheese And Fig Sandwiches 

Pumpernickel And Salami Tea Sandwiches

Radish Poppy Seed Tea Sandwiches

Radish Chive Tea Sandwiches With Sesame And Ginger

Roquefort Butter And Red Pear Tea Sandwiches  

Sesame Crusted Crab And Mango Tea Sandwiches  

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels  

Smoked Turkey And Cranberry Tea Sandwiches

Smoked Turkey Tea Sandwiches With Arugula Mayonnaise  

Smoked Salmon Wasabi Tea Sandwiches

Tarragon-Caper Egg Salad Sandwiches With Smoked Salmon  

Tomato Sandwiches  

Turkey And Earl Grey Honey Butter Tea Sandwiches

Watercress and Egg Tea Sandwiches  


Scones and Pastry (Our Sweet Breads are also great for Tea)

Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake  

Buttermilk Cranberry Scones  

Candied Orange Oat Scones

Cherry Streusel Coffee Cake

Cherry Almond Coffee Cake 

Cheese and Sour Cherry Coffee Cake

Coffee Cake With Winter Fruits 

Cranberry Date Scones  

Dried Cranberry, Walnut And Lemon Scones  

Lemon Cranberry Scones

Lemon Lavender Coffee Cake

Lemon Walnut Scones 

Meyer Lemon Cherry Scones

Maple Walnut Pound Cake With Maple Glaze 

Orange Poppy Seed Scones

Orange Rosemary Pistachio Scones

Pistachio Pound Cake With Drippy Icing

Sour Cream Coffee Cake With Pears And Pecans  

Sour Cream Orange Coffee Cake With Chocolate Pecan Streusel

Squash Cardamom Tea Bread  

Toasted Coconut Macadamia Pound Cake

CHEDDAR CHUTNEY TEA SANDWICHES
Makes 24 tea sandwiches
One 9-ounce jar Major Grey's chutney (about 1/2 cup), 
pieces chopped
1/2 pound sharp Cheddar cheese (preferably white), 
grated coarse (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup sour cream
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
12 very thin slices homemade-type whole-wheat bread
1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro leaves
1/3 cup mayonnaise 

In a bowl stir together chutney, Cheddar, sour cream, cream cheese, and salt and pepper to taste until 
combined well.  Make 6 sandwiches with filling and bread, pressing together gently.  With a 1 1/2 inch 
round cutter cut 4 rounds from each sandwich.  Put cilantro on a small plate and spread edges of rounds 
with mayonnaise to coat well. Roll edges in cilantro.  Sandwiches may be made 2 hours ahead, wrapped in 
plastic wrap, and chilled.  

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MINTED RADISH TEA SANDWICHES WITH LEMON MAYONNAISE 
Makes 24 tea sandwiches
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons coarse-grained mustard
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste
24 very thin slices homemade-type white bread
1 cup mint leaves (from about 1 large bunch)
16 radishes, trimmed and sliced as thin as possible

In a small bowl stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, zest, mustard, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
  Spread bread generously with lemon mayonnaise. Top half of slices with a layer of mint and top mint 
with overlapping rows of radish.  Top radish with remaining bread and press together gently.  Trim crusts 
and Cut sandwiches in half diagonally.  Sandwiches may be made 2 hours ahead, wrapped in plastic wrap, and 
chilled. Makes 24 tea sandwiches

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HAM AND APRICOT PRESERVE TEA SANDWICHES
Makes 8 tea sandwiches
4 thin slices raisin-pumpernickel bread
2 tablespoons apricot preserves
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 pound Virginia ham, thinly sliced

Spread one bread slice with half of the preserves.  Spread another slice with half of the mustard.  Fill 
with half of the ham slices and close.  Repeat using the remaining bread, preserves, mustard and ham.  Trim 
the crusts from the 2 sandwiches.  Cut each into 4 finger sized sandwiches.  

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PEAR AND STILTON TEA SANDWICHES
Makes 8 tea sandwiches

4 very thin slices honey-oat bread
1 tablespoon butter softened
1 ripe pear, halved and thinly sliced
lemon juice
2 tablespoons crumbled stilton cheese (about 1/2 ounce)

Spread each bread slice with the softened butter.  Sprinkle the sliced pears with the lemon juice.  Place 
1/2 of the pear slices in a single layer on one slice of bread.  Top with half of the crumbled cheese and 
the second bread slice.  Repeat using the remaining pear slices, cheese and bread.   Cut off crusts. Cut 
each into 4 finger sized sandwiches.  

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CHICKEN SALAD TEA SANDWICHES WITH SMOKED ALMONDS
Makes 24 tea sandwiches

3 cups chicken broth or water
2 whole boneless chicken breasts with skin (about 1 
1/2pounds) halved
I cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup minced shallot
1 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon leaves
24 very thin slices homemade-type white bread
1/2 cup finely chopped smoked almonds (about 2 ounces)

In a deep 12-inch skillet bring broth or water to a boil and add chicken breasts in one layer.  Reduce heat and 
poach chicken at a bare simmer, turning once, 7 minutes.  Remove skillet from heat and cool chicken in cooking 
liquid 20 minutes. Discard skin and shred chicken fine.  In a bowl stir together chicken, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 
shallot, tarragon, and salt and pepper to taste.  Make 12 sandwiches with chicken salad and bread, pressing 
together gently.  With 2 inch round cutter cut 2 rounds from each sandwich.  Put almonds on a small 
plate and spread edges of rounds with remaining 1/2 cup mayonnaise to coat well.  Roll edges in almonds.  
Sandwiches may be made 2 hour ahead, wrapped in plastic wrap, and chilled.  

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CHERRY AND PECAN CREAM CHEESE SPREAD
Makes about 3 cups.


1 cup dried sour cherries
1 cup water
two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated lime zest
scones or crackers as accompaniments

In a small heavy saucepan simmer cherries in water until liquid is reduced to about 1 tablespoon.  Remove 
pan from heat and cool mixture.  In a bowl whisk together cream cheese, pecans, lime juice, thyme, zest, 
cherry mixture, and salt and pepper to taste until spread is combined well.  Spread may be made 2 days 
ahead and kept chilled, covered.  Serve spread with scenes or crackers.  

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LEMON CRANBERRY SCONES
Makes about 16 scones with Lemon Curd, Jam and Double Devon or 
Clotted Cream  


2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest (from about 3 
lemons
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar plus 3 tablespoons additional if using 
fresh cranberries
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut 
into bits 
1 1/4 cups fresh cranberries, chopped coarse, or 1 
1/4 cups dried cranberries or dried cherries
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 cup heavy cream

Preheat oven to 400 F. and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. With a vegetable peeler remove 
the zest from lemons and chop fine, reserving lemons for another use.  In a food processor pulse flour, 1/2 
cup sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, and zest until mixture resembles coarse meal and transfer to a large 
bowl.  In a small bowl toss together fresh cranberries and 3 tablespoons sugar and stir into flour mixture.  
If using dried fruit, add to flour mixture. In another small bowl lightly beat egg and yolk and stir in cream. 
Add egg mixture to flour mixture and stir until just combined. On a well-floured surface with floured hands 
pat dough into a I-inch thick round (about 8 inches in diameter) and with a 2-inch round cutter or rim of a 
glass dipped in flour cut out as many rounds as possible rerolling scraps as necessary.  Arrange 
rounds about 1 inch apart on baking sheet and bake in middle of oven 15 to 20 minutes, or until pale golden.   
Serve scones with crème fraiche or whipped cream.  Scones keep individually in plastic wrap and foil, 
chilled, 1 day or frozen I week.   

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ORANGE POPPY SEED SCONES
Makes 12
2 1/2 CUPS all purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons poppy seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut 
into small pieces
2teaspoons grated orange peel
1 large egg
2 tablespoons orange juice

Preheat oven to 400F.  Lightly flour heavy large baking sheet.  Mix 2 1/2 cups flour, sugar, poppy seeds, 
cream of tartar, baking soda and salt in large bowl.  Add butter and rub in with fingertips until mixture 
resembles coarse meal.  Mix in 2 teaspoons grated orange peel.  Whisk egg and 2 tablespoons orange juice 
in medium bowl to blend.  Add to flour mixture; stir until just blended. Turn dough out onto lightly floured 
surface; knead gently until smooth. Divide dough in half. Pat each half into 3/4-inch-thick round.  Cut 
each round into 6 wedges. Arrange wedges on prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes. 
Serve warm with jam and Double Devon Cream.

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MAPLE WALNUT POUND CAKE WITH MAPLE GLAZE 
Makes 12 Servings
For the cake:
1 3/4 cups coarsely chopped walnuts (about 6 ounces), toasted
2 1/4 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/4 cups sugar
5 large eggs
1/2 cup pure maple syrup (B grade if possible)
3/4 teaspoon maple flavoring
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
1/4 cup(1/2 stick) unsalted butter
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (B grade if possible)
2 tablespoons whipping cream
6 tablespoons powdered sugar, sifted
12 walnut halves
Make the cake:
Preheat oven to 350F. Butter and flour 12-cup bundt pan. Finely grind walnuts in processor. Sift flour, 
baking powder and salt into a medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat butter and sugar in large bowl 
until light and fluffy. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in maple syrup, maple 
flavoring and vanilla extract (batter may look curdled). Mix in dry ingredients. Fold in ground walnuts. Pour 
batter into prepared pan. Bake cake until top is golden and tester inserted near center comes out 
clean, about 1 hour. Transfer pan to rack; cool cake 10 minutes. Using small knife, cut around sides 
and center of pan to loosen cake. Turn cake out onto rack and cool completely. (Can be prepared 2 days 
ahead. Wrap tightly in foil and store at room temperature.)
Make the glaze:
Melt butter with maple syrup and cream in heavy small saucepan. Add powered sugar and whisk until 
smooth. Cool glaze until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Drizzle glaze over pound cake. Arrange 
walnut halves decoratively on top of cake. Let cake stand until glaze sets, about 15 minutes.

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CUCUMBER TEA SANDWICHES 
1-2 European cucumbers
Salt and black pepper
White wine vinegar
Pumpernickel or wheat bread very thinly sliced
Butter at room temperature
Peel a European cucumber and slice it into transparent slices with a mandolin or very thin slicer (a potato 
peeler works well too). Sprinkle these thin slices with a little of white wine vinegar and salt and let drain
in a sieve for about 1/2 hour.  Drain away any excess water and pat dry with a paper towel.  Cover a slice
of lightly buttered thin brown bread with 2 layers of cucumber and a bit of black pepper and top with 
another slice of buttered bread.  Press firmly with the palm of your hand.  Cut off the crusts.
Cut into small rectangles or triangles.  Cover with plastic wrap until served.

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CRANBERRY DATE SCONES 
Makes 12 scones
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 
1/2 cup sugar
Grated zest of 1 large orange
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 sticks(6 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cut 
into small pieces
1 heaping cup fresh or frozen cranberries (5 ounces)
1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
1 cup cold buttermilk
2 tablespoons sugar mixed with 1/8 teaspoon each 
cinnamon, allspice and mace, for sprinkling
Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a 15-by-12-inch baking sheet with parchment paper In a medium bowl, combine 
the flour, the 1/2 cup of sugar; the orange zest, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in the 
butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the cranberries and dates and toss. Stir in 
the buttermilk until a stiff dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and 
knead gently just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half and pat each piece into a 
7-inch round about 3/4-inch thick. Sprinkle the tops with the spiced-sugar mixture. Using a knife, 
cut each round into 6 wedges. Arrange the wedges 1/2 inch apart on the baking sheet. Bake in the 
middle of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

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CUCUMBER AND SMOKED SALMON SANDWICHES WITH HORSERADISH BUTTER 
Makes 16 sandwiches
1/2 cup lightly salted butter at room temperature
1 tablespoon white prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 squares pumpernickel or wheat bread
1/2 medium English cucumber, sliced thin
4 ounces sliced smoked salmon
Combine butter, horseradish, chives, dill, and salt and mix well. Spread each piece of bread with 
1 tablespoon of the butter mixture Place 1 ounce of sliced salmon on four of the bread slices. 
Top with thinly sliced cucumber and another piece of bread. Press firmly and cut off crust around 
sandwiches. Cut each whole sandwich into four squares or triangles, or with a round, crescent or star cutter, 
if desired. Keep tightly wrapped until serving.

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WATERCRESS AND EGG TEA SANDWICHES 
Makes 24 to 36 sandwiches
6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and mashed
2 bunches of watercress, washed, stems removed, 
and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/2 cup (approximately) homemade or fine quality 
mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste
Tabasco sauce to taste
Fresh pumpernickel, sourdough, or whole-wheat 
bread, sliced thinly
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Additional watercress and chives, plus green olives for garnish, optional In a mixing bowl, combine the 
eggs, chopped watercress, and chopped chives with just enough mayonnaise to moisten and bind the mixture. 
Season with salt and pepper and Tabasco and mix well. Using one or several kinds of bread, cut the slices 
into interesting shapes, using whatever cookie cutters you have on hand. Spread the egg and watercress 
mixture onto half the bread shapes and top each with a matching shape. Lightly spread the outside edge of 
the sandwich with mayonnaise. Roll in the parsley and serve on a bed of additional watercress and chives, 
garnished with green olives, if desired. Decorate with edible (make sure they are organically grown) 
flowers (pansies are especially nice)

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POTTED MEAT SANDWICHES

Leftover roast beef
Pinch of ground mace
Softened butter
Thinly sliced white or brown bread
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Finely mince the beef in a food processor and add enough softened butter to bind together. Season with salt and pepper and a pinch of mace. Lightly butter the bread and spread the potted meat in an even, reasonably generous layer. Top with a second slice of bread, press lightly together, trim off the crusts and cut into neat fingers.

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TOMATO SANDWICHES   

Ripe, but firm tomatoes (Heirloom if you can get them)
Salt and pepper
Thinly sliced, buttered white or brown bread

Put the tomatoes, stalks removed, into a basin, cover with boiling water, let stand for I minute then slide off the skins. Pat dry with kitchen paper, then cut the tomatoes into thin slices, and arrange on slices of buttered bread. Season with a little salt and pepper, cover with a second slice of bread and press down firmly. Trim off the crusts and cut into triangles. Pile neatly onto a sewing plate and cover with a slightly dampened tea-cloth until ready to serve. You cam also put one thicker slice on the buttered bread, salt and pepper, add the top slice, and cut with a round cookie cutter big enough for the tomato slice.

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SMOKED SALMON PINWHEELS

5 or 6 thin slices of soft brown bread, crusts removed
1 tablespoon very finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon very finely chopped watercress
6 ounces low fat cream cheese
Black pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
Pinch cayenne pepper
1/2 pound very thinly sliced smoked salmon

Using a rolling pin slightly flatten and stretch the bread. Cream the cheese, lemon juice, parsley and watercress together, mixing in the seasonings. Spread the mixture evenly over the bread, cover with the slices of smoked salmon and very carefully roll up firmly. Wrap each roll in foil, or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) to chill well. Remove the wrapping and cut each roll using a sharp or serrated knife into 5-6 slices. to serve arrange the pinwheels on a plate and garnish with a generous sprig of watercress and a twisted lemon.

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LEMON WALNUT SCONES
Makes 12 scones

1 1/3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon double-acting baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into bits
2/3 cup whole-wheat flour
1/3 cup miller's bran (available at natural foods stores and some supermarkets)
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
2/3 cup raisins
1 /2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon rind
1 large egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
An egg wash, made by beating 1 large egg yolk with 1 teaspoon water
Softened butter as an accompaniment
Assorted jams, lemon curd and clotted or double Devon cream as accompaniments

Into a bowl sift together the unbleached flour, the brown sugar, the baking powder, the baking soda, and the salt, blend in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal, and stir in the whole-wheat flour, the bran, the walnuts, and the raisins until the mixture is combined. In a small bowl whisk together the rind, the egg, and the buttermilk, add the mixture to the hour mixture, and stir the mixture with a fork until it just forms a sticky but manageable dough. Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface for 30 seconds and pat it gently into a 3/4-inch-thick round. Cut out rounds with a 2- to 2 1/4-inch cutter dipped in flour and arrange them on a buttered baking sheet. Form the scraps into a ball, pat the dough into a 3/4-inch-thick round, and cut out rounds in the same manner. Arrange the rounds on the baking sheet, brush the tops With the egg wash, and bake the scenes in the middle of a preheated 400F oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until they are golden. Serve the scones warm with the jams or curd and clotted or double Devon cream.

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SMOKED TURKEY TEA SANDWICHES WITH ARUGULA MAYONNAISE
Makes 6 servings

1/2 CUP mayonnaise
1/3 cup (packed) coarsely chopped arugula leaves plus 30 whole arugula leaves (about 4 large bunches total)
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
12 thin slices firm white sandwich bread, crusts trimmed
10 ounces thinly sliced smoked turkey

Mix mayonnaise, chopped arugula, shallot, parsley and lemon peel in small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Place bread slices on work surface. Spread mayonnaise mixture on each slice, dividing equally. Top 6 bread slices with turkey, dividing equally. Place 5 arugula leaves on top of turkey on each sandwich. Top with the remaining 6 bread slices, mayonnaise side down, pressing to adhere. Cut each sandwich diagonally into quarters.

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TARRAGON-CAPER EGG SALAD SANDWICHES WITH SMOKED SALMON
Makes 6 sandwiches

6 hard-boiled large eggs, peeled
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh tarragon
2 tablespoons drained capers, rinsed and finely chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
6 (4 to 5-inch) soft round seeded rolls, split
18 watercress sprigs, tough stems discarded
1`/4 pound sliced smoked salmon

Mash eggs coarsely with a fork. Then stir in shallot, tarragon, capers, mayonnaise, and salt and pepper to taste. Make sandwiches with rolls, egg salad, watercress, and salmon.

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PROSCIUTTO, GOAT CHEESE AND FIG SANDWICHES
Makes 6 sandwiches

6 oz soft mild goat cheese (3/4 cup) at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons butter, softened
6 (4- to 5-inch) soft round seeded rolls, split
6 fresh figs, trimmed and sliced lengthwise 1/4 inch thick
1/2 pound paper-thinly sliced prosciutto
12 arugula leaves, tough stems discarded

Stir together the goat cheese and pepper with a fork. Spread butter on cut sides of the rolls. Make sandwiches with rolls, peppered goat cheese, figs, prosciutto, and arugula.

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SQUASH CARDAMOM TEA BREAD
Makes eight servings

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup cooked winter squash Puree (e.g., acorn, butternut, etc.--frozen squash puree can be used)
1/4 cup buttermilk

Preheat the oven to 350F. Coat a 9 by-5-by 4-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Sift the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon and salt. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter at high speed until fluffy. Gradually beat in the sugar. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating between additions. Beat in the vanilla. At low speed, beat in the flour mixture, alternating with the squash puree and buttermilk. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Turn it out onto a rack and let cool completely

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GOAT CHEESE AND WATERCRESS TEA SANDWICHES
Makes 8 Servings

2 5 1/2-ounce logs soft fresh goat cheese (such as Montrachet), room temperature
1/2 cup chopped watercress leaves
16 thin slices cinnamon-raisin, date or whole wheat sandwich bread, crusts trimmed
5 tablespoons (about) unsalted butter room temperature
3/4 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
Watercress sprigs (for garnish)

Mix cheese and chopped watercress in medium bowl. Season with salt. Spread mixture evenly over 8 bread slices. Top with remaining bread. Butter edges of sandwiches. Cut sandwiches diagonally in half. Place pecans on plate. Dip buttered edges of sandwiches into pecans. Arrange sandwiches on platter. Garnish with watercress sprigs. (Can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover sandwiches tightly and chill.)

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TOASTED COCONUT MACADAMIA POUND CAKE

For the cake:
2 cups sweetened flaked coconut (about 6 ounces
a 7-ounce jar macadamia nuts (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 sticks (l cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
For the glaze:
1/4 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup amber or dark rum

Preheat oven to 350F, and butter and flour a l0-inch (3-quart) bundt pan.
Make pound cake:
Spread coconut in a shallow baking pan and toast in middle of oven, stirring occasionally and watching carefully to avoid burning, until golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer coconut to a bowl and cool. Spread nuts in pan and toast in middle of oven until pale golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool nuts and chop coarse. In a bowl with an electric mixer beat together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy and beat in cream cheese. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition, and beat in vanilla. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into bowl and beat just until combined well. Stir in coconut and chopped nuts. Spread batter evenly in pan and bake in middle of oven 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on a rack 5 minutes and invert onto rack.
Make the glaze:
In a small heavy saucepan bring water with sugar to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Stir in rum. Brush hot glaze evenly over outside of warm cake until absorbed. Cool cake completely.

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CRANBERRY BUTTERMILK SCONES
Makes 16

3 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons sugar
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
3/4 cup dried cranberries
l/2 cup buttermilk
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon water

Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 375F. Butter two 9-inch-diameter cake pans. Combine flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Add butter; rub in with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add cranberries. Whisk buttermilk and 2 eggs in small bowl. Stir into dry ingredients. Turn out onto floured surface. Knead gently just until soft dough forms. Divide dough into 2 pieces. Form each piece into ball. Transfer each ball to 1 prepared pan. Press out dough into 8-inch-diameter round. Using sharp knife, score top of each round into 8 wedges. Whisk remaining egg with 1 teaspoon water in small bowl. Brush mixture over scones. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons sugar. Bake scones until golden, about 30 minutes. Cool 5 minutes. Invert scones onto platters. Turn right side up. Cut along score marks. Serve warm.

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MEYER LEMON CHERRY SCONES
Makes About 16 Scones

These scones are lighter than most, and will spread slightly during baking.

2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest (from about 3 lemons; preferably "Meyer")
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar plus 3 tablespoons additional if using fresh cranberries
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into bits
1 1/4 cups dried cherries (could also use 1 1/4 cup dried cranberries or dried 1 1/4 cups fresh cranberries, chopped coarse)
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 cup heavy cream
Accompaniment: crème fraiche or whipped cream

Preheat oven to 400F, and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. With a vegetable peeler remove the zest from lemons and chop fine, reserving lemons for another use. In a food processor pulse flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, and zest until mixture resembles coarse meal and transfer to a large bowl. Add dried fruit to flour mixture. (If using fresh cranberries, in a small bowl toss together fresh cranberries and 3 tablespoons sugar before stirring into flour mixture.)   In another small bowl lightly beat egg and yolk and stir in cream. Add egg mixture to flour mixture and stir until just combined. On a well-floured surface with floured hands pat dough into a 1-inch-thick round (about 8 inches in diameter) and with a 2-inch round cutter or rim of a glass dipped in flour cut out as many rounds as possible, rerolling scraps as necessary. Arrange rounds about 1 inch apart on baking sheet and bake in middle of oven 15 to 20 minutes, or until pale golden. Serve scones warm with crème fraiche or whipped cream. Scones keep, individually wrapped in plastic wrap and foil, chilled 1 day or frozen 1 week.

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HERBED VIDALIA ONION TEA SANDWICHES
Makes 24

2/3 cups mayonnaise
1 cup minced fresh curly parsley
2 tablespoons minced fresh tarragon
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon Tabasco, or to taste
12 very thin slices firm white sandwich bread
2 Vidalia or other sweet onions, e.g., Walla Walla (1 pound total) cut into 1/8-inch-thick rounds

Stir together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup parsley, tarragon, lemon juice, salt, pepper and Tabasco in a bowl. Cut 4 rounds from each slice of bread with a 1 5/8-inch round cookie cutter, and arrange in 1 layer on a tray. Spread rounds evenly with herbed mayonnaise. Cut out 2 or 3 rounds from each onion slice with the cutter. Top half of the bread rounds with the onion rounds, transferring onion rounds carefully with a spatula so the rings don't separate, Invert remaining bread rounds on top of onions. Lay 2 12-inch squares of wax paper on a work surface. Spread remaining 1/3 cup mayonnaise in a very thin layer over one wax paper square and spread remaining 3/4 cup parsley evenly over the other square. Carefully roll the edges of each sandwich first in mayonnaise to coat lightly, then in parsley, and arrange sandwiches on a serving platter (Sandwiches may be made up to 2 hours ahead, and refrigerated covered with plastic wrap.)

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SMOKED SALMON WASABI TEA SANDWICHES
Makes 24

Look for wasabi powder in the spice aisle or the Asian foods section of the market.
 

2 tablespoon wasabi powder
3 teaspoons water
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
12 very thin slices whole wheat bread
8 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
 
Mix wasabi powder and 3 teaspoons water in medium bowl to form paste. Add cream cheese; using electric mixer, beat until well combined. Place all bread slices on work surface. Spread each with wasabi cream cheese, dividing equally. Top 6 bread slices with smoked salmon, dividing equally. Sprinkle lemon peel, then cilantro over salmon. Top with remaining bread slices, cheese side down. (Make Ahead: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Wrap sandwiches individually in paper towels and refrigerate.)  Trim crusts. Cut each sandwich into 4 triangles. Transfer to platter cut side up.

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You will need a coffee grinder to grind the tea leaves here.
 
1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Earl Grey tea (1 bag), finely ground
Pinch of salt
1/2 Granny Smith apple, peeled and coarsely shredded
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
16 thin slices pumpernickel bread
3/4 pound sliced smoked turkey
 
In a mini food processor or in a bowl, blend the butter, honey, ground tea and salt. In a medium bowl, toss the apple with the lemon juice. Squeeze out any excess liquid and pulse or mix the apple into the honey butter.  Spread a scant 1/2 tablespoon of the apple butter onto each slice of pumpernickel bread. Top half of the slices with the smoked turkey and close the sandwiches. Using a sharp serrated knife, trim off the bread crusts. Cut the sandwiches into 4 triangles, transfer to a plate and serve. (MAKE AHEAD The uncut sandwiches can be covered with a lightly moistened paper towel and plastic wrap and refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving.)

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SOUR CREAM ORANGE COFFEE CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE PECAN STREUSEL
Makes 12 servings

The streusel here is both a filling and a topping — for twice the crunch and flavor.

For the Streusel:
1 1/2 cups (packed) golden brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) chilled salted butter, diced
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
For the Cake:
3 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/3 cups sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) salted butter, room temperature
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons grated orange peel
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1/4 cup orange juice
Powdered sugar
 

Make the streusel:
Whisk brown sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl to blend. Add butter and rub in with fingertips until mixture holds together in small, moist clumps. Mix in pecans and chocolate chips. (Can be made up to 3 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Make the cake:

Preheat oven to 350F. Butter and flour 13x9x2-inch metal baking pan. Sift flour, baking soda, and baking powder into medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat sugar and butter in large bowl until blended and smooth. Beat in eggs 1 at a time, then orange peel and vanilla extract. Mix in flour mixture in 4 additions alternately with sour cream in 3 additions. Mix in orange juice. Spread half of batter in prepared pan. Sprinkle with half of streusel. Drop remaining batter over by heaping tablespoonfuls; carefully spread batter to make even layer. Sprinkle with remaining streusel. Bake cake 30 minutes. Lay sheet of foil loosely over pan to keep topping from browning too quickly. Continue baking until tester inserted into center of cake comes out clean, about 35 minutes longer. Remove foil. Cool cake in pan on rack 20 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar; serve warm or at room temperature. (Make Ahead: Can be made 2 days ahead. Cool completely. Store airtight at room temperature.)

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CANDIED ORANGE SCONES
Makes 8 SCONES
 
These flaky scones are particularly good because the oats are toasted first, adding a pleasantly nutty flavor.
 
1 1/2 cups rolled oats (not instant)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces and chilled
1/4 cup finely chopped candied orange peel (1 1/2 ounces)
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1 tablespoon demerara or turbinado sugar, for sprinkling (Brown sugar can be substituted, but it will not have the nice crunchy texture)
Softened butter and marmalade, for serving
 
Preheat the oven to 375F and position a rack in the center. In a medium skillet, toast the oats over moderately high heat, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool completely.  In a large bowl, combine the flour with the granulated sugar, baking powder and salt. Using 2 knives or a pastry blender, cut in the butter until the pieces are the size of small peas. Stir in the rolled oats and candied orange peel. Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Stir with a wooden spoon just until the dough is evenly moistened. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and pat it into an 8-inch round about 1/2 inch thick. Pinch together any cracks around the edges.  Brush the dough with the heavy cream and sprinkle it with the demerara sugar. Cut the round into 8 wedges and transfer them to a baking sheet. Bake the candied orange-oat scones for about 25 minutes, or until golden on top and bottom. Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve with softened butter and marmalade. (MAKE AHEAD: The scones can be stored in an airtight container overnight.)

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SOUR CREAM COFFEE CAKE WITH PEARS AND PECANS
Makes 12 servings

This cake has a crunchy pecan-brown sugar topping and a layer of pears in the middle.

For the Topping:
1 1/2 cups pecans (about 6 ounces)
1/3 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
For the Cake:
2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1 1/2 cups 1/2-inch cubes peeled pears
 

Make the topping:
Blend first 4 ingredients in processor until nuts are coarsely chopped. Add butter; using on/off turns, blend until coarse crumbs form.
Make the cake:
Preheat oven to 350F. Butter and flour 13x9x2-inch metal baking pan. Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda into medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until fluffy. Gradually add both sugars and beat until well blended. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, then lemon peel and vanilla. Blend sour cream and milk in small bowl. Beat in sour cream mixture alternately with dry ingredients in 3 additions each. Spread half of cake batter in prepared pan. Sprinkle half of topping over; cover with pears. Spread remaining batter over; sprinkle with remaining topping. Bake until top is brown and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Cool cake completely in pan on rack. (Make Ahead: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and store at room temperature.)

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2 grated carrots
2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon sweet ginger paste (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slices multi-grain bread
4 teaspoons butter
Alfalfa sprouts

In a medium bowl, combine carrots, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and ginger paste; add salt and pepper. Spread one side of each piece of bread lightly with butter. Top the buttered side of 2 slices of bread with carrot/ginger mixture (about 1/4-inch thick). Top with alfalfa sprouts and top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side down. Carefully cut the crusts from each sandwich with a sharp knife. Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally and then

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RADISH POPPY SEED TEA SANDWICHES
Makes 16 Quarters

1 cup minced radishes
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
1 cup cream cheese, softened
8 slices best-quality white bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 teaspoon salt
24 leaves of young arugula, spinach, or radicchio

In a medium bowl, combine minced radishes, poppy seeds, cream cheese, and salt; blend well. Spread one side of each piece of bread lightly with butter. Top the buttered side of 4 slices of bread with radish mixture (about 1/4-inch thick). Top with arugula, spinach, or radicchio leaves and top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side down. Carefully cut the crusts from each sandwich with a sharp knife. Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally and then cut in half again.

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LOBSTER TEA SANDWICHES WITH CHIVE CREAM CHEESE
Makes 40 Quarters

Shrimp or crab may also be used in this tea sandwich recipe, or any combination thereof.

3/4 cup soft butter or cream cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped chives
20 slices bread of your choice
2 cups finely chopped cooked lobster meat (or cooked crab or shrimp)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine the butter and chives and spread the mixture onto 1 side of each slice of bread. Mix the remaining ingredients together in a small bowl, then evenly spread the mixture over 10 of the bread slices. Top with the other 10 slices, remove the crusts, and cut. Makes 40 quarters or 30 fingers.

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SMOKED TURKEY AND CRANBERRY TEA SANDWICHES
Makes 24 Quarters

Butter
12 slices pumpernickel or other favorite bread
1 bunch watercress
¾ pound very thin sliced smoked turkey
Cranberry sauce, prepared or homemade

Butter bread. On each of the 6 slices of bread, arrange watercress and turkey. Spread with cranberry sauce. Close sandwiches with remaining bread. Cut into quarters.

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LEMON LAVENDER COFFEE CAKE
Makes 8 Servings

For the cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lavender buds, crushed
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup butter, soft
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 Tablespoon lemon zest
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup sour cream
For the streusel:
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup toasted almonds, chopped

Preheat the oven to 350F. Butter and sugar a 9-inch round cake pan. Stir together the flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and lavender in a large bowl. Cream butter and sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs 1 at a time until combined. Mix in vanilla extract, lemon zest and lemon juice. Starting with the dry mixture, mix into the batter in 3 additions alternation with the sour cream, beating at low speed just until combined. To make the streusel, combine all ingredients in a large bowl and blend with hands until combined and moistened. Divide the batter into 2 equal portions. Put one half into the baking pan, top with half of the streusel, then pour the remaining batter on top of the streusel. Sprinkle the remaining streusel on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until risen and streusel is crisp and golden brown.

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CHERRY STREUSEL COFFEE CAKE
Makes One 9 Inch Tube Cake

For the cake:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
1 cup frozen sour cherries, thawed and drained well
For the streusel (makes more than you need):
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed light-brown or confectioners' sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon coarse salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
For the milk glaze:
1 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons milk

Make the streusel:
In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt; cut in butter using a pastry blender, until large, moist clumps form. Streusel can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Make milk glaze:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar and milk until completely smooth. Immediately drizzle glaze over cake.
Make the cake;
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-inch tube pan; set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.  In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla on medium speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream and beginning and ending with the flour. Beat until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.  Spoon about half the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange the cherries in a single layer on top of the batter; avoid placing any cherries against the pan's edge, as they may stick or burn if not fully encased in batter. Top with the remaining batter, making sure it is evenly distributed, and smooth with an offset spatula. Sprinkle streusel evenly over the top of the batter.  Bake until cake is golden brown and springs back when touched, 40 to 45 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and let cake cool 10 to 15 minutes. Invert cake onto rack, then re-invert (so streusel side is up), and let cool completely. Spoon glaze over the cake, letting it drip down sides. Let cake sit until glaze is set, about 5 minutes, before serving. Cake can be kept at room temperature, wrapped well in plastic, for up to 4 days.

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PISTACHIO POUND CAKE WITH DRIPPY ICING
Makes 120-12 Servings

For the cake:
Vegetable-oil cooking spray
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup (6 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup salted shelled pistachios, ground to a paste in a food processor
3 cups sugar
6 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon coarse salt
3/4 cup coarsely chopped salted pistachios
For drippy icing (makes enough for 2 cakes):
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
For garnish:
1 1/2 cups unsalted pistachio slivers

Make the icing:
Whisk all ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Pour through a sieve into another bowl. Use immediately.
Make the cake:
Preheat oven to 325F. Coat two 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch loaf pans with cooking spray. Line with parchment; spray parchment, and dust with flour, tapping out excess.  With an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter, cream cheese, and pistachio paste until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to medium-low. Gradually add sugar; beat until smooth. Scrape down side of bowl. Beat in eggs, one at a time, and vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Add flour and salt; beat until just combined. Fold in chopped pistachios.  Divide batter among pans; smooth tops. Bake until a cake tester inserted into centers comes out clean, about 1 hour 35 minutes. Let cool in pans 20 minutes. Unmold, and remove parchment. Let cool. Cakes can be wrapped well in plastic and stored at room temperature for up to 1 day.  Drizzle cakes with icing, and sprinkle with pistachio slivers.

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RADISH CHIVE TEA SANDWICHES WITH SESAME AND GINGER
Makes 16 Servings
 
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, room temperature
3 tablespoons minced chives, divided
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
3/4 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
16 1/4-inch-thick baguette slices
10 radishes, thinly sliced
Fleur de sel (optional)*

*Available at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores.

Mix butter, 2 tablespoons chives, sesame seeds, ginger, and oil in small bowl; season with salt and pepper. Spread butter mixture over each bread slice. Top with radishes, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with remaining chives and fleur de sel, if desired.

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MOZZARELLA, PROSCIUTTO AND PESTO BUTTER TEA SANDWICHES
Makes 2 dozen

To make perfectly round sandwiches, cut each of the layers separately with the same biscuit cutter. Ask your butcher to slice the prosciutto more thickly than usual so it can be cut easily without tearing; you will need one round for each sandwich.

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup fresh basil leaves, (about 2 ounces), packed, rinsed well, and dried
1/2 garlic clove
3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon pine nuts
8 ounces sliced prosciutto
1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese
2 loaves rustic bread, (approximately 5 by 11 inches), cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices

Make the pesto butter:
Combine butter, basil, garlic, Parmesan, and pine nuts in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade; process until blended. Set aside.
Make Sandwiches:
Lay prosciutto slices flat on a piece of plastic wrap, and cover with another piece of plastic wrap. Place in freezer for 10 minutes. Remove prosciutto from freezer; use a 2 1/4-inch round cutter to cut into rounds. Slice mozzarella 1/8 inch thick, and cut into rounds. Cut bread using the same cutter, being sure to remove all the crust.  Spread a thin layer of pesto butter on two bread rounds. Layer one round with a round each of mozzarella and prosciutto; top with other bread round. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Cover with damp paper towels until ready to serve.

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DEVILED HAM AND PECAN TEA SANDWICHES
Makes 32 Sandwiches

1/2 pound cooked ham, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 medium onion, quartered
3 large sweet gherkins
1/2 cup pecans, toasted and cooled
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1/4 cup mayonnaise
16 slices firm white sandwich bread

Garnish: chopped parsley and pecans

Pulse all ingredients except bread in a food processor until finely chopped and combined well. Spread ham mixture (1/4 cup per sandwich) between slices of bread. Discard crusts, then cut sandwiches into triangles. Make ahead: Sandwiches can be chilled, covered with dampened paper towels, then plastic wrap, 3 hours.

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DRIED CRANBERRY, WALNUT AND LEMON SCONES
Makes 12

2 tablespoons plus 1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
3 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, diced
1 cup dried sweetened cranberries
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/2 cup (or more) chilled half and half, divided

Position rack in top third of oven; preheat to 375F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in bowl for glaze.  Whisk flour, baking powder, lemon peel, salt, and 1 cup sugar in large bowl. Add chilled butter; using fingertips, rub in until coarse meal forms. Mix in cranberries and walnuts. Add 1/2 cup half and half and1 tablespoon lemon juice. Toss with fork until dough comes together in moist clumps, adding more half and half if dough is dry. Gather dough into ball; divide in half. Press out each half on floured surface to 6-inch-diameter (1-inch-high) round. Cut each round into 6 wedges. Transfer to baking sheet; brush with glaze. Bake scones until golden and tester comes out clean, about 18 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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CHERRY ALMOND COFFEE CAKE
Serves 12

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
1/2 21-ounce can cherry pie filling
1/2 cup thinly sliced almonds (about 2 ounces)

Preheat oven to 350F. Butter 10-inch-diameter springform pan. Beat sugar and butter in large bowl until light. Add eggs, vanilla extract and almond extract and beat well. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt into medium bowl. Mix half of dry ingredients into butter mixture. Mix in sour cream, then remaining dry ingredients. Pour 2/3 of batter (about 2 cups) into prepared pan. Drop pie filling by tablespoons evenly over batter. Drop remaining batter by spoonfuls over pie filling. Using back of spoon, carefully spread batter over filling. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake until tester inserted into center of cake comes out clean, about 1 hour 5 minutes. Cool in pan on rack. Make Ahead: Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover with foil and store at room temperature. Cut around sides of pan. Remove pan.

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COFFEE CAKE WITH WINTER FRUITS
Serves 8 to 12

eggs
1 1/3 cups sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
grated peel of 2 oranges
large pear, about 1/2 to 3/4 pound, or 2 smaller ones
1 crisp, juicy apple
1 banana
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 3/4 cups flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

Turn on the oven to 375F. Butter the bottom and sides of a 10-inch springform pan.  In a large mixing bowl, put in the eggs and sugar and beat them until they are foamy and form yellow ribbons. Add the salt, olive oil, and grated orange peel, and mix thoroughly. Peel all the fruit. Core the pear and apple and cut them into thin 1/2-inch pieces. Slice the banana very thin. Put the fruit into a separate bowl and toss with the lemon juice. Combine the flour and baking powder and mix them into the beaten eggs, incorporating them thoroughly. Add the fruit to the bowl with the eggs and flour, mixing well to distribute it evenly. Pour in the fruit batter. Level off by shaking the pan from side to side; do not press down on the batter. Bake on the middle level of the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, until the top of the cake becomes colored a light gold. Make Ahead: The finished cake will keep fresh for about 5 days, wrapped with foil and refrigerated.

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APPLE BOURSIN CHEESE TEA SANDWICHES
Makes 12

2 eating apple peeled, cored, and cut into 24 very thin slices
Juice of one lemon
8 slices of walnut-raisin bread 
1/2 cup Boursin cheese 

Dip each apple slice into the juice of the lemon. Soak for 1 minute. Remove apples and set aside. Remove the crusts from the walnut-raisin bread. Cut each slice of bread into 6 strips. Spread the Boursin cheese on the top of the bread strips. Place the 2 apple slices on the top of the cheese. Top with another slice of bread.

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CUCUMBER MINT CHUTNEY TEA SANDWICHES
Makes 24 Sandwiches
12 slices white sandwich bread
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons mint chutney, drained
1 English cucumber, thinly sliced

Arrange 6 of the bread slices on a work surface and spread 1 tablespoon of the mint chutney on each. Top with the sliced cucumber and close the sandwiches. Cut off the crusts, then quarter the sandwiches on the diagonal and serve.

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PUMPERNICKEL AND SALAMI TEA SANDWICHES
Makes 4 1/2 dozen Sandwiches

1/2 pound cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup minced chives
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Twelve 1/4-inch-thick slices pumpernickel bread, crusts removed
6 ounces thinly sliced Genoa salami

In a small bowl, blend the cream cheese with the chives and season with salt and pepper. On a work surface, spread each slice of bread with 1 tablespoon of the chive cream cheese. Top 6 of the bread slices with 2 slices of salami. Spread 1 tablespoon of chive cream cheese over the salami and top with 2 salami slices. Close the sandwiches and cut in half lengthwise. Cut each length on the diagonal to make 1 1/2- to 2-inch diamond shaped sandwiches and serve immediately.

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ORANGE ROSEMARY PISTACHIO SCONES
Makes 15 Scones
 

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
2 teaspoons minced rosemary
1/2 cup shelled roasted pistachios, coarsely chopped
Fig chutney or jam and plain yogurt, for serving
 
Preheat the oven to 375F and position 2 racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the flour with the sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt with the orange juice, butter, orange zest and rosemary. Add the yogurt mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until evenly moistened. Fold in the pistachios. Using a 1/4-cup measure, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake the scones for about 16 minutes, or until golden on top. Serve warm or at room temperature with the fig chutney and yogurt.

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FULL HOUSE TEA SANDWICHES
Makes 6 Servings

4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup jarred roasted red bell peppers, drained
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 English cucumber, unpeeled
6 thin slices white bread
6 thin slices whole-wheat bread

In a food processor, combine cream cheese, red peppers, and lemon juice. Process until well combined. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, very thinly slice cucumber crosswise into rounds. Place 1 slice white bread and 1 slice wheat bread on work surface. Spread one side of each slice with a thin layer of the cream cheese. Top white bread with a thin layer of cucumber slices; place wheat bread cream cheese-side down over cucumber slices. Press together firmly. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Chill sandwiches, covered, until firm. Using a sharp knife, remove crusts. Cut sandwiches into quarters before serving.

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ROQUEFORT BUTTER AND RED PEAR TEA SANDWICHES
Makes 24 Sandwiches

Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons water
1 red pear, cored and very thinly sliced
4 ounces Roquefort cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
16 thin slices white bread

Combine lemon juice and the water in a small bowl; immerse sliced pears until ready to use to prevent discoloration. Blot dry with paper towels before using. In a medium bowl, gently stir Roquefort into butter, leaving small bits of cheese. Be careful not to over mix, or the butter will turn blue. Add pepper. Spread a thin layer of Roquefort butter on two slices of bread. Line one with pears, overlapping slightly, and top with the other bread slice. Use a serrated knife to trim crusts and cut into three rectangles (about 1 by 3 inches). Repeat with remaining ingredients. Cover with damp paper towels until ready to serve.

 

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CHEESE AND SOUR CHERRY COFFEE CAKE
Makes 10-12 Servings

For the cake:
2 1/4 teaspoons (one 1/4-ounce envelope) active dry yeast
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons plus a pinch of granulated sugar
3/4 cup warm milk (110 degrees)
1 large egg, plus 1 large egg yolk
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
Coarse salt
1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for bowl, pan, and parchment
1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon heavy cream, for egg wash
1 1/2 cups pitted fresh or thawed frozen sour cherries
For the filling:
12 ounces softened cream cheese
1 large egg yolk
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
For the glaze:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons whole milk
 

Make the cake:
Sprinkle yeast and a pinch of granulated sugar over milk in a medium bowl. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. Whisk together remaining 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, the egg, and yolk. Whisk into yeast mixture. Combine flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt in the bowl of a mixer. Add egg mixture. Beat on low speed until almost fully combined, about 30 seconds. Switch to the dough-hook attachment. Add butter. Beat until smooth, soft, and slightly sticky, about 10 minutes. Butter a large bowl. Turn out dough onto a floured surface; knead a few times until smooth. Place in bowl, turn to coat, and cover with plastic wrap. Let stand in a warm place until doubled in volume, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Make the filling:
Stir together cream cheese, egg yolk, and confectioners' sugar. Punch down dough. Transfer to a floured work surface. Let stand for 5 minutes. Roll out to an 18-inch square (about 1/8 inch thick). Brush edges with egg wash. Spread filling over dough. Top with cherries. Tightly roll dough like a jelly roll. Pinch seam to seal. Coil into a snail shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush top with egg wash. Preheat oven to 350F. Drape plastic wrap over dough. Let stand in a warm place until risen by half, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove plastic wrap. Cut six 1/2-inch slits into top. Bake, rotating halfway through, until golden, about 55 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Bake until deeply golden, 15 to 20 minutes more (cover with foil if top gets too dark). Transfer pan to a wire rack. Let cake cool.
Make the glaze:
Mix together confectioners' sugar and milk. Drizzle over cake. Let set for 5 minutes before serving. Coffee cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.

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DRIED TOMATO AND BASIL TEA SANDWICHES
Makes 6 Sandwiches

For the sandwiches:
4 ounces
cream cheese, cubed and softened
1/3 cup minced dried tomatoes in oil, well drained
2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
12
very thin wheat sandwich bread slices
12
very thin white sandwich bread slices

3/4 cup basil butter
Chopped walnuts

For the basil butter:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Mix all ingredients for the basil butter, and chill. Beat first 4 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended. Spread evenly on 1 side of wheat bread slices. Spread 1 side of white bread slices evenly with Basil Butter. Press together spread sides of 1 wheat slice and 1 white slice. Repeat procedure with remaining bread slices. Trim crusts from sandwiches. Cut sandwiches with a 2-inch round cutter. Roll sides in walnuts.

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BLUEBERRY SOUR CREAM COFFEE CAKE
Makes 1 9-inch Bundt Cake

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 5/8 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar for dusting

Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease and flour a 9-inch Bundt pan. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the batter just until blended. Fold in blueberries. Spoon half of the batter into the prepared pan. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the batter in the pan. Spoon remaining batter over the top, and then sprinkle the remaining pecan mixture over. Use a knife or thin spatula to swirl the sugar layer into the cake. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted into the crown of the cake comes out clean. (May need to bake a bit longer if using frozen blueberries.) Cool in the pan over a wire rack. Invert onto a serving plate, and tap firmly to remove from the pan. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving.

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BUTTERMILK CRANBERRY SCONES
Makes 8 Scones

2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small chunks
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
1/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries, chopped fine
finely grated zest from one small lemon (about 2 teaspoons)
heavy cream (optional, for brushing tops of scones)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk or sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, soda and salt.  Add butter chunks and toss lightly with flour; place bowl in fridge. In a small bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, and lemon zest; place bowl in fridge. Get organized:  measure out and chop the cranberries; set aside. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silpat; set aside. Lightly dust a counter top with flour.  Pour a little bit of heavy cream in a bowl and have a pastry brush handy. Remove bowls of flour and buttermilk from fridge.  Cut butter into flour with a pastry blender or rub together with your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add cranberries and stir to combine. Add buttermilk mixture all at once to flour mixture and stir until the mixture clumps together. Dump mixture out onto floured counter top and, with floured hands, gather into a ball and knead once or twice to combine everything.  Pat into a circle about 1/2 inch thick.  Cut into 8 slices, like a pie, or cut with biscuit or cookie cutters into whatever shape you prefer.  Put scones on lined baking sheet and brush lightly with heavy cream (optional). Bake in a preheated 425 degree oven for 13-15 minutes until lightly browned.  Remove to cooling rack.

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SESAME CRUSTED CRAB AND MANGO TEA SANDWICHES
Makes 16 Servings

1/4 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound lump crabmeat (picked over to look for any shells pieces)
1/2 cup finely diced mango
16 toasted 1/4"-thick slices Pullman or white sandwich bread
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Whisk 1/4 cup plain yogurt and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a medium bowl. Stir in 1/4 cup each chopped fresh cilantro and fresh mint, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Fold in 1/2 pound lump crabmeat (picked over) and 1/2 cup finely diced mango. Thinly spread yogurt on one side of each of 16 toasted 1/4 inch-thick slices Pullman or white sandwich bread. Divide crab mixture among 8 slices; top with remaining bread, yogurt side down. Trim crusts. Cut each sandwich in half on a diagonal. Place 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds on a plate, if desired. Dip one cut side of each sandwich in sesame seeds.
 

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PINEAPPLE AND WALNUT TEA SANDWICHES

2 cups crushed pineapple, drained (1 standard can)
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 8 ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature.

In a bowl combine pineapple, nuts and cream cheese. Chill until ready to assemble sandwiches. For bread you can use both a good quality whole wheat, a multi-grain, a pumpernickel or sweet-potato bread. Spread about 3 tablespoons in each sandwich, trim crusts and cut diagonally each way to form small triangle sandwiches.

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APPLE AND CHICKEN SALAD TEA SANDWICHES
Makes 10 Sandwiches

This is so easy since you used purchased chicken salad.

1 large apple
1 pound prepared chicken salad, or make one of these recipes
20 slices of hearty white bread (cut into shapes, e.g., oblongs, triangles, circles, etc.)

Buy prepared chicken salad from your neighborhood deli or supermarket. Slice an apple into thin slices. Spread chicken salad evenly onto two slices of bread. Top one of the pieces of bread with a couple of thin slices of apple and make into a sandwich. Repeat, making 10 sandwiches.

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CUCUMBER AND AVOCADO TEA SANDWICHES

1 (8-ounce) package whipped cream cheese
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
8 slices white bread, crusts removed
1 cup fresh baby spinach, divided
1 English cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced, divided (sometimes called a hothouse cucumber)
2 avocados, peeled and thinly sliced, divided
1 cup alfalfa sprouts, divided

In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Spread about 1 tablespoon cream-cheese mixture onto 1 bread slice. Layer spinach, cucumber, avocado, and alfalfa sprouts. Top with a second bread slice.  Cut each sandwich into 3 rectangles. Repeat with remaining cream-cheese mixture, bread, and vegetables. Garnish with cucumber slices and pea tendrils, if desired. Serve immediately.

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You don't need a hat and gloves to enjoy these elegant tea 
accompaniments!  
Updated April 25, 2015