| Both of these delightful items make for a great | | | | as they did then. No matter where the English |
| afternoon of snacking in the garden. Tea and custard | | | | choose to enjoy their afternoon tea, you can be |
| tarts are definitely very English. | | | | sure that the rest of their countrymen and women |
| As you well know, the tea in England is not the same | | | | are doing the same thing. |
| as we drink in America. Most of England’s tea | | | | And since the English have a very sweet tooth, it's a |
| blends are made from Indian derived leaves and are | | | | good bet that along with the tea, many are enjoying |
| somewhat bitter to the taste. The English usually add | | | | a cake or biscuit or the old English favorite, a custard |
| milk to their tea. It's the great cure for all ills and | | | | tart. These were popular at the court of Queen |
| adversities. You're roof is leaking, your dog has run | | | | Elizabeth I in the 16th century and have never gone |
| off, your child had a bad school report – sit down | | | | out of fashion since. |
| and console yourself with a cup of tea, the savior in | | | | Made into an individual tart or one large enough to |
| any crisis. | | | | feed a crowd, custard tarts are a delicate affair. A |
| No wonder, then, that tea is found in every nook | | | | short crust pastry shell – pre-baked – is filled |
| and cranny of the country, from Royal palaces to | | | | with velvety, slightly sweetened egg custard and |
| 'Greasy Spoons' – roadside diners to you and me. | | | | baked until just set. Traditionalists will sprinkle the tart |
| Even the tea cups and pots are made by famous | | | | with grated nutmeg and serve it just a little warm, |
| names, and many end up on the antiques list and are | | | | but you could also top it with fruit or serve some |
| collected the world over. Some teapots are over | | | | fresh strawberries alongside. |
| two hundred years old and still look as great today | | | | But whatever you do, don't forget the tea! |