Finding a yummy gluten free afternoon tea that’s homemade and not full of sugar is a challenge so for Mother’s Day this year instead of spending money on a fancy, expensive and usually disappointing gluten free afternoon tea in one of London’s historic hotels I decided I’d make my own at home. It’s been 10 years since I’ve had “real” cake. The last gluten filled item I consumed was a delicious frosted cinnamon roll from a bakery that makes bread the old fashioned way. I had the cinnamon roll on Mother’s Day 5 years ago that gave me a swollen belly that made me feel like someone was blowing up a balloon inside my tummy. I was expanding like Violet Beauregarde from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and was just as unhappy about it. Thank god gluten doesn’t also turn my skin blue because the headaches and the brain fog are enough! Blurgh! From that day forward I became super strict with my diet and cut out all wheat and gluten. I even check when I order scrambled eggs because sometimes they put pancake batter in them to make them fluffy. I mean gluten is in EVERYTHING people! I honestly don’t miss bread and pasta but sweets……oh how I miss you! I love cookies and cakes and even though not being able to eat them is amazing for my waistline it’s so sad for my sweet tooth that has been severely neglected lately. Not only due to the evils of gluten but also because I’ve recently discovered I’m prone to candida over growth which means I have to limit my intake of sugar as well as gluten. AAArgh! Seriously?!?!?!?
I’m claiming it was a total success because Prue didn’t complain about anything. She’s very particular about what she eats. She ate so many frosted cookies I had to cut her off! My biggest cheat for this tea was the Prosecco but I thought “ya know what, I gave brith, with no drugs at home -it was 6 years- ago but I did do it and that’s something to celebrate so Mommy is having’ some Prosecco! Prue or course indulged in her usual drink of choice, cold pressed apple juice. Here’s the menu with links to the recipes. I’ve included my substitutions under the images of each treat.
Gluten Free Afternoon Tea Menu
Beef and Horseradish no bread sandwiches
Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Tea Sandwich from Oh How Civilized
Crustless Mini Quiche from Michelle Smith Secrets
Gluten Free Cut Out Sugar Cookies from Gluten Free on a Shoestring
Vanilla Tarts crust from The Coconut Mama filled with Vanilla Coyo yogurt.
Lemon Curd Dessert by Prudence
Organic black tea with Almond Milk
The tea was served in my vintage tea pot and vintage china.
The cutlery, small glass bowls and small cake stand are all second hand from thrift stores and eBay.
The quiche were made from organic free range eggs and the bacon in the sandwiches is organic and free range.
I managed to find organic roast beef on offer for the beef and horseradish no bread sandwiches. Bargain!
I substituted organic coconut sugar in the cookies and coloured the frosting with raspberries. Prue prefers synthetic food colouring but she managed to overlook it this time. You can make the frosting using tapioca flour instead of icing sugar. I’m still working on the recipe but once I master it I’ll share it with you.
My first attempt at gluten free tarts..tarts hehehe that word does me giggle. I was very pleased with how they turned out. So cute and so so yummy.
Prue snatched two of the cookies before I finished taking photos. haha
