Pre-tea

Before I got married my sister's mother-in-law hosted a Bridal Tea for me at the Windsor Court in New Orleans. The Windsor Court has one of the city's most beloved traditions of Afternoon Tea. Their attention to detail from the The "Wild Strawberry" patterned Wedgwood China to the string trio playing in background makes it a truly memorable experience. I know the idea of Afternoon Tea may seem stuffy or boring to some, but I wouldn't agree. I love the idea of a bunch of women sitting around chit chatting, sipping on delicious tea and nibbling on petite pastries. It is fun, it is girly, and it is something every woman should try at least once.

Giada De Laurentiis had a show this week on the Food Network that was centered around snacks you could serve if you hosted an Afternoon Tea. This particular recipe seemed very interesting and I couldn't wait to give it a try. It made me wish I had registered for a Silver Tea Service!

Bruschetta with Gorgonzola and Honey
Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients

• 36 slices (1/2-inch thick) baguette bread, about 1 loaf
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 ounces Gorgonzola, sliced
• 3 tablespoons honey

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Slice baguette into 1/2 inch slices.

Arrange the sliced baguette on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil.

Bake until the bread is pale golden and crisp, about 10 minutes. Arrange the cheese on the toasts and bake until the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes.

Drizzle the toasts with honey.

Place on a serving platter and serve immediately.

These snacks were delicious. The sweetness of the honey worked wonderfully to balance out the bite of the Italian Blue Cheese. And the crunch of the bruschetta was the perfect answer to the creamy cheese and the sticky honey. You don't have to host a tea to serve this appetizer. It is the perfect starter for any occasion (I served them as a snack during the Iron Bowl -definitely not an afternoon tea!)

Ironically, the day after I watched the Giada Tea Special, my own mother-in-law invited me to an Afternoon Tea over the Christmas holiday. So luckily I get the opportunity to partake in another amazing Afternoon Tea.