So another Afternoon Tea done and dusted and the biggest one yet to date.

Long anticipated since having the idea, perfect timing with the Film coming out at the  end of May and a trip to see it provide some last minute inspiration.

“You aint never had a Tea like me “

I will say that i am lucky to get hold of the items for the Teas at the right time. Primark had the Lamp Teapots out, beach towel and coasters well in advance of the film. I was drawn to getting us all a Genie mug each but just went for plain white cups. I was also attracted to getting an Arabic tea set with the small cups. Timing and general savvy saving me managed to help me pick up some stuff cheap

  • Aladdin Teapots £5 each in sale paid full price for the 1st one £10
  • Beach towel which looked like a tablecloth anyway £5
  • Aladdin coaster set 50p a pack for 4
  • Lamb pitta snack bites Sainsburys £1.30 reduced
  • Mint Teabags pack £1
  • Moroccan Bloom plates Lakeland got in the sale last year, big plates, Small and bowls 99p each
  • Plastic tumblers tkmaxx clearance £5.99 was £8
  • Genie Teapot from the 70s Ebay  ( original was Gold that arrived smashed but Genie survived, ordered another which was White instead and used the Genie in it.)

Setting the Scene

This was the most expensive Tea so far  with all the props and Costumes but was worth it and have some great items to keep. Fabulous Lanterns from Tkmaxx, Aladdin costume from Ebay as well as an Abu monkey i also got from there. The backdrop  also from Ebay. The Sultan Turban was a late addition from Amazon and lived up to it`s name as huge. Originally for Grandad, he was not well so could not attend so my Dad and Partner wore it.

The magic carpet was a Beach towel from the Disney store and even has Tassels.

I wanted to keep the colour scheme to Purple, Fuschia, Blue and Turquoise and the lanterns with the Tablecloth and Golden Lamps set the scene perfectly.DSC_8364DSC_8366DSC_8367DSC_8368

THE TREATS

This was also the biggest selection and challenge i have set myself so far and with working and little time off, it was a long 4 day bakeathon. After my work shifts and all day Sunday and of course setting up the Table and room. It was also my Mums Birthday so had to be  right!

Paying attention to any mentions of foods in the original Aladdinnfilm i tried to tie this in with the food selection. I had the Golden Scarab Pistachio Oreo bark. This pays homage to the 2 pieces of the Beetle Jafar joins to find the Cave of wonders which forms the Eyes of the Cave.

I searched around the internet for inspirations combining Arabic, Middle eastern, Egyptian and Moroccan Desserts and treats. I was happy with the selection i picked having tried none of them before besides the Baklava.

Dates are also mentioned in the new film when Aladdin gives them to some Children so a simple Date cake was made for this.

  • Pistachio Baklava
  • Mammoul – Semolina Biscuit
  • Orange & Cardamon rings
  • Basbousa with Rose & Lemon
  • Lamp shaped Sweet Scones with Fig & Rose petal Jams ( all homemade)
  • Ras el Hanout savoury scones ( everyone loved them)
  • Vegan Date cakes
  • Merindina ( Vanilla & Chocolate cake)
  • Sfenj ( Moroccan Donuts with Saffron syrup)
  • Pitta Breads with Chicken & Falafel
  • Halva brownies ( these did not get served as the Halva never set)

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I brought some Black Rose Tea which worked well with the Tea as well as Mint, i had planned to make some Mint Tea with fresh Mint but run out of time for that.

All the baked goods went down well and was interesting to try things for the 1st time and also baking with Semolina, something i have never done.   Some things i would make again and experiment with and some not like the Donuts. I have never tried Falafel either so a 1st for me which was nice both kinds i brought.

WATCH THE LIVE VIDEO AS IT HAPPENED

 

WHAT WOULD I CHANGE?

  • Smaller Pitta breads like i had originally planned ( bite size)
  • Mint Tea made with Fresh Mint
  • More choice of Tea Pomegranate etc
  • Lamp cookie cutter, i freehand cut mine but were too thin to cut.
  • No Donuts
  • Butter on table for Savoury Scones and make them much smaller
  • More Moroccan style platters if possible

My Aunt who attended for the 1st time took home a goodie box  and most of the leftovers made it to my workplace for my co workers to eat. Some have given feedback on some good so far.

Now after all this i need a break from Baking for a bit and from the Teas.

Although many are in idea and just need to plan dates for them and work around my work schedule and time off.

Watch this Space.