While We Wait for Another Season of Downton Abbey

As the last episode of Downton Abbey Season 3 fast approaches, we avid fans are asking, “How will we console ourselves while we await Season 4?” Well, being English, I was raised on the notion that a nice cup of tea can put anything—small or large—to rights. What better way to keep the excitement of Downton alive than an afternoon tea with fellow Abbey Acolytes sharing their theories and questions? Will Dan Stevens, our beloved Matthew, return for another go? Will baby Sybil grow up to marry little Charlie one day? Will there be a Downton: The Early Years featuring the young Violet?

Since this last season was all about adapting to life in the rapidly changing world, I suggest a party menu featuring afternoon tea foods that combine traditional English heritage with contemporary tastes.
 

AFTERNOON TEA

Dainty Sandwiches

english cucumber watercress over

sweet butter with a touch of

celery walnut crumb

smoked salmon dill

with lemon caper butter

roast beef spring onions

with horseradish cream

lightly curried chicken with mango chutney

cheddar cheese with Branston pickle

Petite Heart Shaped Scones

fresh blueberry

candied lemon with poppy seed

served with clotted cream and lemon curd

Quail Scotch Eggs

quail eggs wrapped in crispy sausage

English Sweet Pea Country Ham Tartlet

doll house savory short crust pastry

filled with a sweet pea country ham

cheese custard

Salad Tartlet

pastry tartlet with a chevre sweet pea cream

topped with salad of onion sprouts,

baby lettuces, enoki mushroom, sesame dressing

Asparagus En Croute 
grilled summer asparagus wrapped in the middle
with a golden flaky pastry ribbon 
with savory bleu cheese

Shortbread
traditional shortbread
caramelized walnut shortbread

Somerset Apple Cider Cake
apple cider soaked golden raisin cake
with vanilla glaze

Classic Victoria Sponge
sponge cake filled with a raspberry preserve
fresh whipped cream
dusted with powdered sugar

Bowl of Cherries
bowl of new season Queen Anne cherries

Darjeeling and Earl Grey Teas

Trio of Sherry
fino, amontillado and oloroso sherry

A Note on Sherry
Traditional sherry begins its life on vines originating from Spain and is made of three types of grapes native to the region. Only the first pressing of the grapes is used to produce sherry, a fortified wine. After the first fermentation, it is divided into three categories: The lightest and palest of the wines will be set aside to be turned into Fino and Amontillado. The slightly darker, but still clean wine, will be set aside to become Oloroso, a darker sherry. Sherry can be served as an aperitif or on its own, and also makes a great addition to cooking.

BREAKFAST IN BED

If after all that lovely tea and conversation, you're still craving Downton, you might want to take some time out for a sumptuous breakfast in bed a la Lady Mary. ENJOY and take heart...the Crawleys will be back before you know it!

Toasted Bacon Quail Egg

petite toasted bacon sandwich topped

with fried quail egg

Little Sweet Pea Custard Tartlets

short cut pastry filled with new season sweet pea

cheddar custard 

Kedgeree Rice Cake

poached arborio rice with smoked haddock,

parsley and shallot topped with slightly curried aioli

Smoked Salmon Potato Chive Pancake

home-cured nova scotia salmon

served atop a crisp potato chive pancake

with capers, red onion and pink peppercorn tartar

Caprese Egg White Omelet

free range farm eggs

tomato basil jam, fresh burrata cheese,

vine ripened red tomatoes and

a drizzle of balsamic oil

with fried bread heart, potato rosettes

english pork sausage wrapped

with a spiral of crispy bacon 
baby lettuces, asparagus and
mushroom filled with tomato baked beans

 

Afternoon tea photos by Henshall Photography

Breakfast photos by Brilliant Studios