Alexandria Town Money Saver | April 2024

BOTTOM TIER: choose your sandwiches

MIDDLE TIER: choose your scones

The Atmosphere:

Makes 16

Scones

How to host a 5-star Event, On a 1-star Budget

An easy & re ned way to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy an a ernoon with friends.

• 3 cups unbleached white our

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 12 tbsp. cold, unsalted butter

• 1 egg

• ½ cup honey

• 1 cup buttermilk

• Extra egg for egg wash

• Raw sugar for topping

DIY Cheesecake Cupcakes

• 2 cup dried cherries, blueberries, raisins or cranberries

• 14 graham crackers, crushed

• 4 tbsp. melted butter

• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 c. sour cream

• 1/2 c. granulated sugar

• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

• Pinch of kosher salt

• Fresh berries, for garnish

High Tea

Preheat oven to 350F.

TOP TIER: choose your sweets & cakes

• 2 (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened

Sift the our, baking powder, soda and salt into food processor. Add butter, pulse until the size of peas.

Candles are not traditionally placed on the table, but candles in the area help to complete the mood.

Add dried fruit and pulse once or twice. Beat the egg in a separate bowl, add the honey and beat. When it is well blended beat in the buttermilk. Gradually pour the liquid into the processor and pulse until the dough starts to come together. It doesn’t have to be completely mixed and should be rough and lumpy. Dump dough onto oured surface. Add dried fruit and form two discs approx 8 inches in diameter. Cut like pizza into 8 pieces. Place on baking sheet, brush with egg wash & sprinkle raw sugar on top (be generous). Bake for 15-20 min. until brown & set.

Step 1: Preheat oven to 325º and line two 12-cup mu n tin with 16 paper liners. Spray liners with cooking spray. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and salt and stir until combined. Press graham mixture into paper liners.

Step 3: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until light and u y. Add eggs, sour cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt and beat until combined. Pour lling over graham crusts.

Step 4: Bake until center is slightly jiggly, 20 minutes. Let cool in mu n tin, then refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Choose quietly played music. A Baroque or classical playlist. The music should be refined and relaxing, and not limit conversation.

Tea Pot and Table Settings:

There’s no need to buy fancy china. Purchasing mismatched teacups at local thrift stores is fun and makes the table look lovely and eclectic. There should be a teacup and saucer at each setting, a small plate, napkin, fork, spoon, knife & a glass of cold water.

Flowers:

Using flowers or greens from your garden makes better decorations than something premade. In winter, things like pinecones can be used as place markers, and sprigs of greenery can be tied around the napkin to give it a little extra beauty.

The Menu:

Traditionally, small finger foods are served during teatime.Tea sandwiches are easy to make; use fresh bread, make the sandwich, and then cut the crusts off and cut into squares. Scones are another necessity. Usually, there are 1-2 sweets. Fresh fruit is a lovely garnish and a mimosa is a classic touch. Your food offerings should be both beautiful and tasty. Your guests should leave feeling satisfied and indulged, but not over-full. This is not a full meal, but just a special treat.

• 2 tbsp. orange marmalade or apricot jam

Step 5: To serve: Top with desired fruit. Combine jam with 1 tablespoon water and microwave on medium power for 15 seconds. Brush jam mixture over fruit before serving.

Tea:

Make the tea in teapots and bring it to the table brewed. Afternoon teas are usually a traditional black tea. Allow guests to serve themselves so that you can enjoy the conversation without having to get up to serve.