The Victorians liked celebration. And teas were something that they seemed to be particularly fond of. The decoration and planning that went in to a tea might go on for months.

Who has that kind of time? Not me, but I still like to have a little tea celebration with the family. We often do have “tea” in the afternoon, however on holiday’s it is fun to kick it up a notch.

St Patrick’s Day is the 15th this year, which is Saturday. I believe it has been changed because of another holiday falling on the 17th. Nothing extreme, just comfy, casual, and fun.

A Simple St Patrick’s Day Victorian Tea Menu

Irish Breakfast Tea

Irish Breakfast tea is traditionally served with a lot of milk. I like to warm the milk up, fill a teacup about 1/3 full and then pour the tea.

Earl Grey Green Tea

Jamaican Butter Rum Tea

Hey, this is MY tea party, right?

Slices of Dubliner Cheese on white bread, with a little dollop of chutney. This cheese is available in the gourmet cheese section of Safeway/Tom Thumb stores, or at least here it is.

Deviled Ham and Pecan Tea Sandwiches

Irish Scones with green sugar sprinkles on top

1/2 c. unsalted butter
4 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. sugar
1 egg
1 c. half and half
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 c raisins soaked in brandy if desired

Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Rub the butter into the flour mixture until it forms crumbs. Beat the egg with the milk and vanilla, stir in raisins, and stir to form into a soft ball. Knead lightly a few times to help it hold together. Cut in rounds and place on a silpat lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with green sugar. Allow to stand for 20 minutes before baking at 425 for 15 minutes.
Green Grapes in clusters

Shamrock Sugar Cookies -cut in shamrock shapes and sprinkle with green edible glitter, or sugar.

Devonshire Cream

Key Lime Curd

Strawberries

Irish Cream Truffles

For the Irish Cream Truffles :Just bring 1 cup of heavy cream to a simmer in the microwave. Remove and add 2 Tbs Bailey’s, and 1 c chocolate, chopped. A mix of dark and bittersweet is really good. Stir until smooth then chill. Make truffles with a melon baller or a tablespoon and roll in cocoa. Keep refrigerated.
Many thanks to Karen’s Whimsey for the use of these Public Domain images!

Post from: Kettle and Cup