Book Review - Tea Fit For A Queen: Recipes & Drinks For Afternoon Tea

Tea Fit For A Queen: Recipes & Drinks For Afternoon Tea

Published in association with Historic Royal Palaces

Book review by Hannah Sophie Schiffner

Tea Fit For A Queen is not only a cookbook. It is a guide through the history of England and its royal houses. The introduction by Lucy Worsley, Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces in Britain, explores tea’s evolution from a novel and expensive drink to its prominent role in everyday British life. She delves further into tea wisdom, from how matching porcelain tea sets came to be, to how tea parties provided female empowerment by creating a space for women to get together.

Tea Fit For A Queen is great for anyone planning a tea party or interested in British history with an intriguing culinary curation. The recipes are perfect for lavish tea parties, as well as appetizers, afternoon cake, or picnics.

The cookbook begins with a section on “Cakes, Pastries, and Tarts”, while interweaving the history of the Hampton Court Palace. Recipes range from Dundee Cake to Bakewell Tart, while also taking a closer look at Henry VIII’s kitchens in Hampton Court. This section would not be complete without also including the history of The Tower of London, from fortress to ‘Colonel’ Blood’s attempt to steal the Crown Jewels, and of course Henry VIII’s use of the Tower that shaped its lasting sinister reputation. Fitting for Henry VIII’s sweet tooth, this section has many sweet recipes for a teatime étagère, as well as a play at the Tower’s history with a Blood Velvet Cake.

“Tea Breads, Buns, and Biscuits” focuses on one of the most known royal palaces, Kensington Palace. The elaborately written section is accompanied by a Date and Walnut Tea Bread, believed to be a favourite of Queen Elizabeth. Other recipes include Fruit Teacakes and Lemon Curd Biscuits. One of the highlights is a passage on Queen Anne and her Orangery, wonderfully accompanied by Orange-Scented Currant Scones and Jam Pennies.

“Sandwiches and Savouries” covers sandwiches for all occasions, as well as blinis, tartes, and toasts. Coronation Chicken, famously invented for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, is exquisitely used for Coronation Chicken Finger Rolls. Fittingly, this chapter delves into the history of Kew Palace, and the beginning of a royal ‘family home’, King George II’s picnics, and its continuing modern-day prominence for the Royal Family.

The final section “Preserves and Drinks” introduces us to the history of the Banqueting House, which is the only building left standing after the fire at the Palace of Whitehall. Its rich history spans from being built for entertainment to being the place where Charles I was executed. Fitting to the Masques held at the Palace, as well as its ‘drinking den’, are recipes such as Classic Lemonade, Iced Tea, and Damson and Gin Jam.

Additionally, scattered throughout the book are short excerpts of historic trivia, with intriguing facts on culinary history, traditions and royal etiquette; making each recipe delightful to read.

Whether interested in British royal history with a culinary twist, or planning your next tea party, this cookbook is a fun and insightful read. It’s also a great gift for history and cooking enthusiasts. The proceedings from Tea Fit For A Queen sales go to the Historic Royal Palaces, an independent charity that maintains the historic houses in Britain.