This week, I’ve updated and grown my Afternoon Tea & Cakes Book. I’ve been working like a crazy woman to get it done by this weekend because my jewellery making kit is arriving today and I can’t wait to get onto the new project – I’m making crocheted earrings.

They may go up on Etsy or Home of the Mall or I may do a market stall. I’ve never made jewellery before so not sure how it’s going to pan out. Watch this space, as they say, because I’m sure I’ll have to blog about it!

But for now, I thought I’d share a couple of Cheesy recipes that I’ve included in the new edition of Afternoon Tea & Cakes. Scroll down to choose from your favourite online book supplier

CHEESY CRUMBLES

Chewy, cheesy, bite-sized snacks

Ingredients

115g (4-5oz) Cheddar Cheese
100g (4oz) plain flour
25g. (1oz) walnuts
6 tablespoons butter
4 spring onions
1 teaspoon of wholegrain mustard

Method

1. Preheat oven to 190˚C/375˚F/Gas mark 5.
2. Lightly grease 2 baking sheets.
3. Grate the cheese coarsely in a bowl.
4. Thinly slice the spring onions and finely chop the walnuts. Stir both into the cheese.
5. Stir in the flour and the mustard.
6. Melt the butter and add to the cheese mixture, stirring until well blended.
7. Shape into 2.5cm (1in) balls and place on prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly with a spatula.
8. Bake for about 15 minutes until golden brown
9. Leave to cool on the sheets for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire tray to cool, completely.
10. Best eaten warm and on the same day as making them although they can be stored in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 3 days.

CHEESE PUFFS

This recipe includes bacon, but a veggie substitute could be used instead.

Ingredients
500g (1lb 2oz) all butter puff pastry
100g (4oz) cheddar, grated
50g (2oz) fresh breadcrumbs
2 rashers streaky bacon, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 egg, beaten
Seasoning

Method

1. Preheat oven to 230˚C / 450˚F / Gas mark 8.
2. Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the onion, bacon and garlic for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the breadcrumbs, cheese and mustard and season to taste.
4. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut out 12 circles.
5. Put a heaped teaspoon of the cheese mixture in the centre of each circle, then fold it n half and seal with beaten egg.
6. Crimp the edges, transfer the pastries to a baking tray and brush the tops with beaten egg.
7. Bake the puffs for 15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Variation
Add 100g (4oz) of chorizo cut into small cubes to the filling when you fry the onion

Bon Appetit!

Linda x

P.S. As promised, the new updated version of Afternoon Tea

‘Afternoon Tea’ is a perfect accompaniment to a peaceful afternoon. Whether it’s mid winter or a warm summer day, tea and cakes are always welcome. Of course, cakes are packed with sugar etc; and shouldn’t be consumed too vigorously, but a weekly treat or two is worth the calories.

This little book will help you make your afternoon tea party a royal occasion:

*How to make tea – a full step-by step guide to making a perfect cup of tea.
*a traditional Victoria sponge cake recipe and how to get it right.
*everyday scones treated to an ‘afternoon tea’ image boost.
*sandwiches to savour.
*fruit teas and herb teas that change the tone from time to time.

Afternoon tea has been a traditional English affair for centuries but over the years has been dropped in favour of a quick snack and a larger evening meal. This reflects the speed and ‘lack of time’ we all seem to suffer from nowadays. If you can stop and enjoy your afternoon tea, dinner doesn’t need to be huge!

Many dieticians will promote eating ‘little and often’. Of course, they may question the wisdom of eating cake but, hey, a little of what you fancy does you good.

Invite your family and friends to afternoon tea and cakes and enjoy the moment 🙂

Available from

Amazon (US) , Amazon (UK) , Apple Books , Kobo , Barnes & Noble , Etsy