Explore Summer Salads and Light Quiches for Afternoon Tea: Beyond Fingerfoods

Afternoon tea, a cherished tradition synonymous with delicate finger foods and steaming cups of tea, needn’t be confined to dainty sandwiches and pastries. As the summer sun warms our days, a lighter, more refreshing approach can be delightful. Enter the vibrant world of summer salads and light quiches, offering a delightful and elegant alternative for your next afternoon gathering.

Salads: A Canvas of Color and Flavor

Summer’s bounty provides a treasure trove of fresh, seasonal ingredients perfect for crafting vibrant salads. Gone are the days of limp lettuce and bland dressings. Embrace the explosion of colors and textures that summer offers, featuring:

• Leafy Greens: Arugula, baby spinach, or a mix of lettuces offer a base for your salad creation. Explore local farmers markets for unique varieties like mizuna or red romaine for a touch of the unexpected.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Summer is synonymous with an abundance of colorful vegetables. Think asparagus, sugar snap peas, thinly sliced zucchini or summer squash, cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness, and plump corn kernels.
• Fruits: Don’t shy away from incorporating fruits for a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. Berries, sliced peaches or nectarines, thinly sliced mango, or even diced pineapple can add a delightful touch.

Dressing Up Your Salad:

The key to a truly delightful salad lies in the dressing. Move beyond the ubiquitous bottled varieties and explore homemade options for a burst of flavor:

• Citrus Vinaigrette: A classic combination of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of Dijon mustard creates a light and refreshing dressing that complements a variety of salad ingredients.
• Herb Infused Oil: Muddle fresh herbs like basil, mint, or thyme in olive oil for a fragrant dressing with a subtle depth of flavor.
• Balsamic Glaze Reduction: Reduce balsamic vinegar over low heat until it thickens, creating a sweet and tangy drizzle for your salad.

Did you know? The first recorded afternoon tea can be traced back to the Duchess of Bedford in England in the 1840s,who sought a light refreshment to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner.

Light Quiches: A Savory Delight

Quiche, a savory French pastry made with a flaky crust and a creamy egg custard filling, is another perfect addition to your afternoon tea menu. However, for a lighter summer option, consider these variations:

• Crust Options: Skip the traditional butter-rich pastry crust and explore lighter alternatives. A phyllo dough crust offers a delicate, flaky texture, while a pre-baked whole-wheat crust provides a nutritious base.
• Filling Variations: Embrace the abundance of summer vegetables with a variety of fillings. Sauteed asparagus and goat cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs, or a combination of zucchini, mushrooms, and caramelized onions are all delightful options.
• Lighten the Custard: Substitute some of the heavy cream in the classic quiche recipe with low-fat yogurt or milk for a lighter, more summer-appropriate filling.

Putting it All Together:

When constructing your afternoon tea menu, aim for a balanced selection of flavors and textures.

• Start with a light salad: Choose a vibrant salad with a refreshing dressing to awaken the palate.
• Follow with a light quiche: The savory flavors of the quiche will complement the salad, providing a satisfying element.
• End with a sweet treat (optional): If desired, conclude your tea party with a small serving of scones, fruit tartlets,or a selection of fresh seasonal berries.

Embrace the Art of Afternoon Tea:

By incorporating summer salads and light quiches, you can elevate your afternoon tea experience beyond the confines of traditional finger foods. Experiment with flavors, textures, and colors to create a delightful and refreshing menu that celebrates the bounty of the season.

High SocieTea can help you curate the perfect afternoon tea experience. We offer a delightful selection of loose leaf teas, fresh ingredients for creating your own salads and quiches, and beautiful teaware to complete your table setting. Call us today at (973) 696-8327 to learn more!