A Mother’s Day High Tea to Remember
There’s an art to high tea that goes beyond food. From the unhurried setting of the table to curating a menu that strikes the perfect balance of savoury and sweet, creating a Mother’s Day experience that feels as special as the person it’s celebrating is all about the details.
Ahead of this Mother’s Day, culinary artist Annalisa Ferraris opened the doors to her Sydney terrace to share her expert tips for hosting a high tea to remember with a menu that moves from elegant savoury bites through to indulgent sweets. “Taking inspiration from my own mother – the epitome of elegance and warmth – your table should find that balance, refined but always inviting,” notes Annalisa.
Every dish is designed to be prepared largely ahead of time, reducing any last-minute stress so you can spend the day doting on your special guest, not labouring in the kitchen.
Planning a Mother’s Day high tea of your own? These five recipes – including chicken sandwiches, cured trout on potato rosti, caramelised leek tart, fruit tartlets and lemon posset brûlées – make up an elegant, achievable menu perfect for celebrating mum in style.
A Well-Balanced High Tea Menu
A well-balanced high tea menu should delight all of the senses with something crispy, something creamy and something sweet. Here’s everything you need to nail the brief in the order we’d suggest serving.
Chef’s Note
The cured trout and lemon posset both require overnight preparation, so plan to start the day before. The fruit tartlet custard can also be made the night before, and the rosti can be kept warm in a low oven before serving.
The Savoury
Chicken Sandwiches
Shredded chicken is combined with walnuts, green apple, spring onion and mayonnaise for a filling that’s creamy, crunchy and subtly sophisticated. Finished with a sprinkle of chives, this twist on a classic high tea favourite are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Cured Trout with Dill on Potato Rosti
A showpiece in any savoury spread, the trout is cured overnight to create the perfect topping for crispy potato rosti. Serve with a quenelle of crème fraîche and crispy capers for a bite that packs a flavoursome punch with minimal effort required.
Caramelised Leek Tart
Nothing says “I love you mum” like lightly charred leeks arranged in elegant rows over a crisp polenta base, finished with soft goat’s cheese, plump currants and fresh parsley. This tart, equal parts beautiful and delicious, also doubles as an edible centrepiece.
The Sweet
Fruit Tartlets
Buttery store-bought shells filled with a silky homemade vanilla custard make for sweet treat that takes minutes to assemble. Simply prep your custard the night before and top with fresh seasonal fruit and a light glaze of warm jam for an impressive Mother’s Day dessert minus the fuss.
Lemon Posset Brûlée
The perfect finale dish, this classic posset can be finished tableside with a blowtorch caramel adding a touch of flair to your family gathering.
