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5 BEST FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA RECIPES
Waitrose Weekend columnist Martha Collison has created a festive afternoon tea menu full of spices, marzipan and Christmas flavours. You can easily make most of it in advance, and all that’s left to do when your guests arrive is to put the kettle on. We’ve carefully selected tea, coffee and bubbly to match, plus curated the best John Lewis products to display your bakes and dress your table.
1
PORK AND CRANBERRY SAUSAGE ROLLS
Golden, flaky pastry wrapped around pork, sage and onion: so far, so classic. But the inclusion of tangy cranberry sauce gives the traditional savoury bite a twist. To make it vegetarian, swap the sausagemeat for a vegetarian stuffing mix.
2
SPICED SCONES WITH MULLED WINE JAM
As any true afternoon tea aficionado knows, scones are the main event. Serve these crumbly, spiced versions, ever-so-slightly warm, alongside sticky mulled wine jam and a dollop of clotted cream – or rich brandy butter, if you’re in the mood to be truly decadent.
2
SPICED SCONES WITH MULLED WINE JAM
As any true afternoon tea aficionado knows, scones are the main event. Serve these crumbly, spiced versions, ever-so-slightly warm, alongside sticky mulled wine jam and a dollop of clotted cream – or rich brandy butter, if you’re in the mood to be truly decadent.
3
PISTACHIO, CHERRY AND CHOCOLATE CHOUX BUNS
The heady combination of light choux pastry, fluffy whipped cream and melt-in-the-mouth chocolate is shot through with sharp, vivid cherries. Finely chopped pistachios and a craquelin topping add texture.
4
TURKISH DELIGHT CUPCAKES
Delicate, floral cupcakes are topped with cubes of wonderfully evocative Turkish Delight, lightly dusted with icing sugar. Imagine you’re in snow-covered Narnia and feasting on the deliciously sticky stuff.
4
TURKISH DELIGHT CUPCAKES
Delicate, floral cupcakes are topped with cubes of wonderfully evocative Turkish Delight, lightly dusted with icing sugar. Imagine you’re in snow-covered Narnia and feasting on the deliciously sticky stuff.
5
STOLLEN SQUARES
For all the flavour of stollen without yeast (or the extra time in the kitchen), this is the recipe to use. Jewelled dried fruits and golden marzipan make a delectable offering.
what to drink
WAITROSE ASSAM LOOSE LEAF TEA
Strong and malty, Assam goes particularly well with Martha’s choux buns. Steep in the teapot for two minutes, pour and add a splash of milk
DUCHY ORGANIC CAMOMILE TEA BAGS
Camomile’s floral, apple-like flavour makes it an ideal pairing for scones. Plus, it’s naturally caffeine free
NO. 1 BRAZIL ASSODANTAS GROUND COFFEE
In the spirit of ‘kaffee und kuchen’ (or coffee and cake), we recommend sipping this medium-dark roast with stollen. Nutty, with notes of cocoa and fruity undertones
LECKFORD ESTATE BRUT
From our own vineyard in Hampshire, this refreshing bubbly features hazelnut and brioche on the palate, and has a lovely long finish
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POMMERY ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE
Based on Chardonnay, this sparkling rosé features Pinot Noir from a renowned Champagne village, and complements the cherries and raisins in Martha’s bakes
VALDO ORO PURO PROSECCO
Crisp and dry, this Italian offering has an underlying hint of sweetness, making it an ideal pairing for dainty Turkish Delight cupcakes
HOW TO DRESS YOUR TABLE
EMMA BRIDGEWATER CHRISTMAS PUDDINGS TABLE RUNNER
Add a whimsical touch with this charming Christmas pudding table runner
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JOHN LEWIS CHRISTMAS PUDDING CRACKERS
With their baking-themed surprises, these are the ideal crackers for your guests
JOHN LEWIS CHRISTMAS PUDDING PAPER NAPKINS
We love a theme, and think these cute napkins will complete your table
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HOW TO SERVE YOUR FESTIVE BAKES
SOPHIE CONRAN FOR PORTMEIRION MISTLETOE CAKE SLICE
Use this elegant and stylish slice to offer guests your stollen and other delights
EMMA BRIDGEWATER CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION PLATE
Who doesn’t love a bit of Emma Bridgewater? Pile this pretty plate high with your goodies
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