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softwinter2 hoursServes 4

Winter Afternoon Tea and Cake

A Sunday in February. Four o'clock. Two friends. A pot of strong tea. A cake that was baked yesterday and improves with sitting. The afternoon stretches because no one is going anywhere.

Steps

  1. 01Day before — bake the cake. It really is better the next day.
  2. 02Hour before — take cake out of the tin, slice the apple, let the cheese sit.
  3. 03Right before — boil water, warm the pot, pour first cup as guests arrive.
  4. 04Hostess gift: a single slice of the cake wrapped in baking paper, sent home.

Notes

  • Menu: a sticky ginger cake or a lemon drizzle, salted butter, a small wedge of soft cheese, slices of crisp apple.
  • Drinks: a pot of strong black tea, a pot of herbal for the late switch.
  • Setup: low coffee table, blankets in reach, music that no one will comment on.