I often see the terms “afternoon tea”, “high tea”, and “cream tea” being used interchangeably. They are actually different variations on the same thing: snacks or a meal served with tea. I thought I’d break it down for you by explaining those differences so you can use the right term for your next tea party.

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea is a selection of finger foods like cake, scones, tarts, and other treats that is usually served more casually than a High Tea. It may also include small finger sandwiches with no crusts. Traditional British Afternoon Tea was served in drawing rooms on couches or chairs rather than at a table. It was our equivalent of an afternoon snack, although certainly much classier!

It is this kind of tea that is what most people think of when they hear the words “tea party”. Afternoon Tea usually features china cups and saucers and more delicate brews.

High Tea

High Tea is served at a dining table, hence “high tea”, and is more of a meal. Many High Teas will include cold meats, jam, tea cakes, fresh bread, more substantial sandwiches, pork pies, etc. High Tea is usually served on regular plates instead of fine china, and is a precursor to a light dinner which may be served later in the evening. It is what many workers would consume after a long day in the fields or factories in the UK. Tea served for High Tea is usually strong and most often black, however this is based on preference.

If you search Google or Pinterest for High Tea ideas, you’ll get a misleading number of pictures and articles about things that are technically Afternoon Tea.

Cream Tea

Cream Tea refers to scones with clotted cream (also called Devonshire cream) and jam. If you visit the UK, you will find Cream Tea available on a lot of cafe menus, especially near tourist hot spots like castles or cathedrals.

Clotted Cream originated in Devon and Cornwall, although it is now easy to find all over the UK. A popular question related to Cream Tea is whether the cream or jam should be put on the scone first. If you’re in Devon, the cream goes on first, followed by a hearty scoop of fruit jam. If you’re in Cornwall, the jam is put on first. Regardless of the way you order your toppings, a Cream Tea is an absolute must if you’re visiting the Western regions of England.

Cream Tea is a common addition to Afternoon Tea.

Some regions of the UK will also refer to dinner or supper as “tea”. This term for an evening meal originated in Scotland, but I can tell you from experience that it is also used in a lot of other areas. This confused me when I first moved to the UK, especially as many of my friends would have their “tea” and not actually drink any tea with their meal.

Now that you know the difference between Afternoon Tea, High Tea, and Cream Tea, you’re ready to plan an amazing tea party!

Whenever you require to use your frozen meats, remember that it is very essential that you thaw it the right way.

The best way to thaw it is by transferring the meat from the freezer to the refrigerator, first, instead of directly at room temperature. This will allow it to thaw slowly and can help prevent the growth of bacteria rapidly.

If you require to cook the frozen meat quickly, then you can use the defrost option in your microwave or thaw it using a water bath (placing the frozen meat in a bowl of water and let it remain submerged until thawed).

Canned food will last between 2 to 5 years, when it is unopened. But once it has been opened, you will need to refrigerate once opened (the leftovers) and thereafter, it will last about 5 to 7 days.

Remember to check your can for any bulges and smells, before and after opening it. Bulges in the can and any putrid smell upon opening the can, can mean it is spoilt and there is bacteria.

Always store canned foods (unopened), in a cool and dark place.

Have you ever had a bad food poisoning and the only thing you can remember it being from is probably meat that you’ve had the previous day?

So, what could have gone wrong and does meat really cause food poisoning that easy? Well, if cooked meat isn’t stored in the right way in the refrigerator, then yes, it can definitely cause food poisoning. Different meats last for a certain number of days, weeks or months, in the refrigerator and in the freezer, but it is essential it has been stored in the right way.

How Long Does Cooked Meat Stay in the Refrigerator?

Pork: Cooked pork can remain in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, before it needs to be frozen.

Beef: Beef will last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days and then it needs to be frozen.

Poultry: All types of poultry will last about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before it can be frozen.

Seafood: Seafood will last in the 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator and it then needs to be frozen.

How Long Does Cooked Meat Stay in the Freezer?

Pork

Cooked pork can remain in the freezer for two to a maximum of three months and uncooked pork can be for around 2 months. As for pork chops, you can store them in the freezer for around 4 to 6 months. Pork roast will last for 4 to 12 months.

Processed and smoked pork items like bacon, luncheon meat, ham etc., will last for 1 to 2 months.

Beef

Beef when cooked, will last 2 to 3 months. When uncooked, beef steaks can last 6 to 12 months and beef for roasting will last 4 to 12 months.

Poultry

Poultry like chicken, quail, turkey etc., can be kept frozen for even up to 1 year, when uncooked. Once cooked, you can store poultry for 3 to 5 months.

Seafood

Uncooked, lean fish can be kept in the freezer for 6 to 8 months, while fatty fish can be kept in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. Shellfish can be kept for 3 to 6 months.

Once cooked, fish shouldn’t be kept in the freezer for longer than 4 to 6 months. If your fish is smoked, then keep it frozen for a maximum of 2 months.

Informal Dinner Place Setting and Formal Dinner Place Setting