Join the discussion today. Read the Origin of Crust Less Tea Sandwiches discussion from the Chowhound General Discussion, Afternoon Tea food community. During the middle of the eighteenth century, dinner for the upper and middle classes had shifted from noontime to an evening meal that was served at a fashionable late hour. In fact, most of us would recognise the 19th-century afternoon tea as something similar to what we have today – finger sandwiches with assorted fillings, savory tarts and pastries, a variety of fancy cakes, scones and tea. Madame de Signalso reported that it was a Frenchwoman, the Marquise de la Sablie, who initiated the fashion of adding milk to tea. Public Domain Afternoon tea as we think of it came about in 1840, when Anna, Duchess of Bedford, needed a snack before dinner (which was 8 pm or later for the upper crust of society). History of High Tea. This became a habit of hers and she began inviting friends to join her. Some people don’t warm the pot or use a tea cosy. Because the noon meal had become skimpier, the Duchess suffered from “a sinking feeling” at about four o’clock in the afternoon. Sometimes during the 1300s, cucumbers made their way to Britain, and at some point during the Victorian era, someone thought to put them into a sandwich and served it at tea time. Copyright © 2020 Saveur. It was around this time that one John Montagu, the Fourth Earl of Sandwich, had the idea of placing meat and other fillings between two slices of bread. Saveur may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. . Tea both excels, which she vouchsafes to praise. When the monarchy was re-established, they brought this foreign tea tradition to England with them. During the middle of the eighteenth century, dinner for the upper and middle classes had shifted from noontime … The History of Five Uniquely American Sandwiches From tuna fish to the lesser-known woodcock, food experts peer under the bread and find the story of a nation Jun 7, 2016 - From SAVEUR Issue #137 It is the sandwich that defines the English afternoon tea: its presentation and filling; its size and shape and slenderness; … Adopting the European tea service format, she invited friends to join her for an additional afternoon meal at five o’clock in her rooms at Belvoir Castle. The Duchess asked that a tray of tea, bread and butter (some time earlier, the Earl of Sandwich had had the idea of putting a filling between two slices of bread) and cake be brought to her room during the late afternoon. In fact, most of us would recognise the 19th-century afternoon tea as something similar to what we have today – finger sandwiches with assorted fillings, savory tarts and pastries, a variety of fancy cakes, scones and tea. Tea sandwiches should know their place—that is, before the scones and well before the cake. To the fair region where the sun doth rise. Most tea rooms today serve tea from three to five o’clock. Ellen Easton’s interesting article on tea time at the newly renovated Plaza Hotel in New York city. You’ll warm the pot with very hot water, empty it out, put in 2 or 3 ordinary tea bags (no strings!) The Muse’s friend, tea does our fancy aid, At the time it was usual for people to take only two main meals a day, breakfast, and dinner at around 8 o'clock in the evening. Tea both excels, which she vouchsafes to praise. The table would be set with any manner of meats, bread, butter, pickles, cheese and of course tea. Because it was eaten at a high, dining table rather than the low tea tables, it was termed “high” tea. These small cups had no handles. It first arrived in Paris in 1636 (22 years before it appeared in England) and quickly became popular among the aristocracy. The reign of Charles II was crucial in laying the foundations for the growth of the British tea trade. Either place the iced teaspoon on the side of another plate or ask the server or hostess to remove the spoon from the table. Pastries – Cakes, cookies, shortbread and sweets. And with tea bags!!!!!! By the way, the English delighted in this “French touch” and immediately adopted it. Due to the new popularity of Afternoon Tea, many people have jumped on the bandwagon, including hotels, caterers, party planners, and protocol and etiquette “experts.”  While their enthusiasm is well intended, unfortunately a great deal of misinformation is being perpetuated by these “experts”. At first the Duchess had her servants sneak her a pot of tea and a few breadstuffs. Due to political and other factors, the tea trade did not begin until the late 1670s. For a more detailed Tea Etiquette, check out Etiquette Faux Pas and Other Misconceptions About Afternoon Tea.