Tea Blog

When planning a tea party—or even a simple tea break for one—consider skipping the petits fours and serving a fruit and cheese plate instead.

Fruit and cheese pairings are often associated with wine, but they work beautifully with tea as well. Fine teas offer an incredible range of flavors, aromas, and textures that can complement fruits and cheeses just as effectively as many wines.

A thoughtfully paired tea service celebrates the craftsmanship of tea growers, cheesemakers, and farmers alike. With a little creativity, a fruit and cheese plate can become an elegant and memorable tea-time experience.

Shopping List

• 2 Granny Smith apples
• 1 large Asian pear
• 1 package fresh raspberries
• 3 ripe kiwis (firm, not overly soft)
• 1 package pomegranate seeds
• 1 (4-ounce) wheel of Brie or breakfast Brie
• 4–6 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 4 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 1 lemon
• 1 jar of honey

Prepare the Parmesan Crisps

The only baking required for this menu is making the Parmesan crisps.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
3. Place small mounds of finely shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on the sheet, each approximately 2 inches in diameter.
4. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
5. Allow to cool completely before handling.

Tea Fruit and Cheese Plate Menu

• Asian pear and apple Brie sandwiches
• Mascarpone-filled raspberries
• Pomegranate-topped Parmesan crisps
• Cheddar-topped kiwi slices

Assembly Instructions

Asian Pear and Apple Brie Sandwiches

1. Slice the apples and Asian pear.
2. Toss lightly with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Pat dry with paper towels.
4. Slice the Brie.
5. Create small sandwiches using two fruit slices with a piece of Brie in the center.

Mascarpone-Filled Raspberries

1. Allow the mascarpone to soften slightly at room temperature.
2. Transfer to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner removed.
3. Pipe mascarpone into the center cavity of each raspberry.

Pomegranate Parmesan Crisps

1. Place a small spoonful of pomegranate seeds on each cooled Parmesan crisp.

Cheddar-Topped Kiwi Slices

1. Peel the kiwis.
2. Slice into approximately ¼-inch rounds.
3. Finely grate the sharp white cheddar over each slice.

The Finishing Touch

Serve honey on the side with a small spoon and encourage guests to drizzle it over the various fruit-and-cheese pairings as desired.

Adding the honey just before eating helps preserve texture and prevents the plate from becoming sticky.

Tea Pairing Suggestions

These flavors pair especially well with:

• Darjeeling tea
• Light oolong teas
• Chinese green teas
• White teas
• Mild breakfast blends

The fruit highlights delicate tea aromas, while the cheeses provide richness and balance.

Serving Information

Yield: 4–6 servings

Feel free to customize the pairings according to your preferences. Different cheeses vary dramatically in flavor and intensity, so don’t hesitate to experiment until you find combinations that suit both your palate and your choice of tea.

Sometimes the simplest tea-party menu can be the most elegant.

See more of Janet Sanchez’s articles in this archive of tea-inspired recipes and baking articles.

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