High-SocieTea
"Where the Art and Elegance of Taking Tea is Treasured"
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Q&A
Page Two
Q. I love the miniature sandwiches that are served with afternoon tea, but I'm not sure whether I should pick them up with my fingers or use a fork. Which is the correct way?
A. Tea sandwiches are eaten with the fingers. The same is true for canapes (which are small, decorative hors d'oeuvres) and Vol au vent (which are small canapes). Larger, single-tiered sandwiches and multi-layered Club sandwiches may be cut into fourths and eaten with the fingers, or you may use your knife and fork to cut and eat them. Open-faced sandwiches are never eaten with the fingers. Always use your knife and fork to cut them into bite-sized pieces and eat them.
Q. I like to make pies with meringue toppings. But, no matter how much I beat egg whites, they never get stiff and fluffy. What am I doing wrong?
A. First of all, you should work with eggs that are at room temperature. Secondly, the bowl and beaters that you are using must be spotlessly clean. If there is any oil or fat present, it will keep the egg whites from increasing in volume. Finally, start beating the egg whites with the mixer set on medium speed and beat until the whites are just foamy. Then, slowly add the sugar and continue to beat until the whites hold soft peaks and the sugar is dissolved. Carefully increase the speed of the mixer to medium high and beat the egg whites just until they hold stiff peaks. But be very careful not to overbeat the whites as they can break and lose their volume. If this happens, you will have to start all over again.
Q. Is there an easy way to clean my good silver pieces?
A. Yes there is. Line a stainless steel sink or pan with aluminum foil. Then, sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of baking soda over the foil and fill with boiling water. Dip your silver pieces into the water, being careful not to burn your fingers, and the tarnish will disappear from the silver. Then, rinse the pieces in clean water and dry with a soft towel.
Q. When I'm dining out at a restaurant and have to excuse myself from the table, I'm never sure where to put my napkin. Should I put it on the table or on my chair?
A. You should never place a used napkin on the chair because it might soil the upholstery. You should simply place it loosely to the left side of your place setting. And for added caution, turn the soiled part to the inside so no germs get on the table. A curious superstition in Europe states that if you leave your napkin on your chair, you will never sit at that table again. If you are dining at a friend's home, you can fold your napkin and, again, place it to the left of your place setting. Tradition has it that this folded napkin lets your host know that you wish to be invited back.
Q. Which is the best fat for baking cookies -- butter, margarine or Crisco shortening?
A. Unquestionably butter. Margarine will risk altering the taste of your cookies, and Crisco will change both the taste and texture. Unsalted butter is better than salted. That way you won't have to alter the amount of salt that may be in the recipe.
Q. Where should I place my used tea bag when I am finished steeping my cup of tea?
A. If you are at home, you should have a small plate available on which to place the tea bag. If you are dining out, if a small plate or additional saucer is not provided, ask for one. You do not want to place a wet tea bag on the saucer holding your teacup. If you do, it will wet the teacup and cause dripping.
Click HERE for more answers to questions about afternoon tea,
its preparation, service and enjoyment.
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