The Afternoon Tea Book

by Michael Smith

The Afternoon Tea Book enables you to re-create at home a complete English tea. This book contains a complete collection of recipes as well as all a full description of the rituals and customs of an afternoon tea.

Genres: Cookbooks, Tea, Food, Cooking, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Afternoon Tea Book was written by British author Michael Smith in 1986. It reflects its own time period, even as Smith discusses the history of tea drinking and Victorian customs. His poking fun at the younger generation comes off as a bit pompous these days. Still, his reminiscing about his mother’s collection of teatime finery is charming and sentimental, except for the complaint about his sisters inheriting things that he wanted. His history of tea is extremely brief and understandable, and very much from British perspective. Popular varieties of teas in 1986 England are discussed, as well as how to make a good cup of tea. The most interesting section is the impedimenta, or large variety of accessories that were used by Victorians to store and serve tea.

Over half of the book is about foods that one can make for teatime. Many of these recipes are old, some from Victorian times and before. The date nut loaf from 1730 is particularly intriguing, as my old auntie used to make a similar recipe that had been in her family for generations. Some of the recipes seem less than practical or appetizing these days, but others are gems. Herb butter for sandwiches, Victorian sponge, Grasmere gingerbread (touted as a well-kept secret in Grasmere these days), and Apple Pasties have distinct possibilities for the modern palate. There is a very good section on how to roll pinwheel sandwiches.

Readers who enjoy tea and particularly those who entertain the idea of having an old fashioned tea party at home will find some good ideas in this book. Those who want a brief and understandable history of tea and coffee in England will enjoy the text. People who like perusing old cookbooks will find not just tradition, but many recipes that still sound delicious.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anglophile tea geeks like me. Detailed info on tea history, tea types, and all the stuff, "impedimenta" he calls it, that people use to brew and serve tea. Plus reminiscences of high teas in the author's youth, which I enjoyed. The recipes are easy to follow, and I was inspired to make a lettuce cheese and cucumber sandwich this week... on a Kaiser roll though, so definitely not a tea sandwich!

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 80 or so pages of this book discuss the history of tea and different kinds of tea, while the rest of the book gives recipes to serve at a high British tea, such as scones and cookies. It's an interesting book, and I will definitely be trying some of the recipes. Saying that, I think I would have enjoyed learning more about tea itself, and less recipes.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history in this book was fun to read and I enjoyed reading through all the recipes. It was a library book, so I only had time to try one recipe before it needed to be returned, but the crumpet recipe made the best crumpets I've been able to make. I might have to check the book out again to try a few more recipes!

[Page Wench · Rating 4 out of 5]

Includes fun details on the history of tea in Europe with more focus on England. Would have given 5 stars if I was interested in the recipes. If you are looking for authentic recipes for your traditional tea, this is the place to look! Recommended to all lovers of tea.

[Diane "Candy" Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book to my sister, and she loved it. It was recently lost after her death, so I was glad to find a copy. It's a lovely book. I highly recommend it.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love his recipes. Many different ones for tea sandwiches, breads, cakes and cookies.

[Ladyknightstar · Rating 4 out of 5]

An endearing book that is an enjoyable trip back in time.