Afternoon Tea at Home: Book Review

I was so pleased to bake a cake this week out of a new cookbook! Several of you noticed the cake in yesterday's tea post.  The book was Afternoon Tea at Home by Will Torrent.  The cake I picked was the Coffee, walnut and cardamom cake. The coffee and walnut cake is a popular cake to the British tea drinker so it sounded like a perfect cake for my Valentine tea. 

Afternoon Tea at Home by Will Torrent

Ryland Peters & Small, $24.95; www.rylandpeters.com

Photo credit: Photography by Matt Russell

Let's start with the book, it is a very classic afternoon tea recipe book with the most gorgeous photography.  The book is divided into seasons so you can plan menus and take advantage of the food at its freshest.  There is even a few pages of menu suggestions in the back of the book for special occasion teas; such as, birthday parties, anniversaries and the like.  I really enjoyed how the recipes were classics with a twist. 

Coffee, walnut and cardamom cake

From: Afternoon Tea at Home by Will Torrent

Photo credit: Photography by Matt Russell

For instance, the cake I baked is a much-loved coffee and walnut cake that Mr. Torrent added cardamom to. The cardamom is a perfect pairing with the coffee. It added an exotic flavor that my family really enjoyed as they taste tested this recipe.  

Raspberry and rose party hearts

From: Afternoon Tea at Home by Will Torrent
Photo credit: Photography by Matt Russell

I had to highlight this recipe for Valentine's Day. The cookies are just beautiful. Wouldn't they be pretty for Mother's Day or a bridal shower.

Mince pie brownies

From: Afternoon Tea at Home by Will Torrent
Photo credit: Photography by Matt Russell

The book begins with a narrative about afternoon tea and has recipes for the 'essentials,' which includes, jams, jellies, and spreads such as lemon curd.  The recipes included classic British sandwiches for tea, scones, the Victoria sponge cake, tarts, tea cakes, trifles, and mini pies.  There are recipes to indulge the most sophisticated tea or a simpler cottage tea.  Mr. Torrent gives you all the recipes you need to entertain and create a perfect afternoon tea for every occasion.

I have never made this icing before.  I had originally decided to make the sides of the cake in the 'rustic' style that is so popular here in the states.  This icing is different in texture from the standard buttercream and I really think the cake would have been perfect iced just like in the book.  (pictured above)  

I had no trouble following the recipe. The cake baked up exactly as described and decorated beautifully!

With sweet and savory mouth-watering recipes this is a sure recipe book to add to your favorite tea enthusiasts collection. I highly recommend it for any tea lover.  It is as beautiful to look at as it is fun to cook from.

The cake was a winner and it didn't last long at my house! Everyone really enjoyed the flavor and texture.  The walnut praline topping was a favorite attribute of the cake.

Enjoy! 

Sherry

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