Tea Party from Alice in Wonderland: Mad Hatter's Tea Recipes

Tea Party from Alice in Wonderland: Mad Hatter's Tea Recipes

The Mad Hatter's tea party is one of the most famous scenes in Alice in Wonderland. Cucumber sandwiches, layered pastries, jam tarts, small cakes and several kinds of tea — this is the quintessence of English afternoon tea.

History and origin

Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland (1865) reflects Victorian English tea culture. Afternoon tea was invented by Anne, Duchess of Bedford, in 1840 as a small snack between lunch and dinner. The tradition quickly became fashionable.

Key ingredients

Menu for an Alice-style afternoon tea: cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches on white bread without crusts, scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, madeleines, lemon curd tartlets and a choice of teas (English Breakfast, Darjeeling, Earl Grey).

How to cook at home

For a proper afternoon tea observe the order of service: sandwiches first (savoury), then scones (neutral), then pastries (sweet). Pour tea into the cup first, milk after — or the other way round (the eternal debate).

This recipe will transport you to the atmosphere of your favourite film or series right at your dining table.