Afternoon tea recipe competition finalists

Bite readers submitted lots of tempting afternoon tea recipes in our latest recipe competition to win a return trip for two to Waiheke to enjoy a high tea and bubbles long lunch at Thomas’s Bach.

Sunita Fernandez was the winner with her recipe for za'atar and feta pinwheels, which wowed the judges. Chris French, with Ann's muffins, and Rose Millener, with her chicken, pinenut and basil sandwiches, were our two finalists. All three stood out for their interesting use of flavours, ease of use and because they are delightfully good to eat. We know because we have made and photographed them for you all to enjoy!

However, there were too many other good recipes not to share some more here, exactly as they were written and photographed by readers. Or see all entries to the competition in one place in this collection.

Winning recipe: Za'atar and feta pinwheels

Sunita Fernandez serves these as an afternoon snack or even as a starter for parties. The judges loved them and also liked that the pastry was so easy to work with and that the pinwheels could be made in advance.

View the recipe here.

Finalist: Ann's muffins

Chris French submitted this recipe which came from his wife's grandmother who lived to 94. She always claimed it was because she ate these muffins every day! The judges liked how moist the muffins were, full of apple and pineapple, and how very easy they were to eat.

View the recipe here.

Finalist: Chicken, pinenut and basil fingers

Chicken sandwiches are always popular at afternoon teas and for cocktail parties and Rose Milliner says these captured the essence of summer in the freshness of the basil from the garden.

View the recipe here.

More to share... gluten-free, refined sugar-free and Paleo afternoon tea treats

• Nadia Wilde's coconut, raspberry and white chocolate brownie is a sensational combination of all of her favourite flavours – bitter dark chocolate, sweet juicy raspberries and creamy white chocolate. "Coconut-derived ingredients – oil, flour and sugar – instead of their conventional substitutes, make it much lighter, healthier and gluten free," she says.
• KatyMary's chocolate biscuits are gluten-free and low in saturated fats.
• Lilyesther makes her banana coconutty LSA loaf for her paleo partner. She says, "I am trying to come up with recipes which mean I can still bake treats and share them with him too so this one is a totally easy and DELISH failproof crowd pleaser."
• Happydunning says this gluten-free, dairy free and vegan super seeded slice is intensely savoury, filling the role of a good scone. "It toasts well, is easy to make, and it's the most delicious thing for afternoon tea. It bowls friends over every time." This recipe is adapted from My New Roots.

We’re suckers for berries in baking and we see you love them too

"These chocolate raspberry tarts are a healthier twist on a decadent favourite. With a base made from nuts, seeds and dates and a filling of rich dark chocolate and raspberry, these are a healthier sweet treat but still just as delicious as the original." From EatWellNZ

Pink Peppercorns made these easy but delicious blueberry pinwheels as part of this lovely Mother's Day High Tea for her mum. The pinwheels were her mother's favourite from the array on offer.

There’s always a place for tradition on the tea table. These recipes explain why

Here at Bite, we have serious plans for these Welsh cakes (Picau-ar-y-mae). Cooked on a griddle, they are flavoured with dried fruit and can be served as is, sprinkled with a little caster sugar, or topped with butter and jam.

And another from Wales: a traditional bara brith (tea bread). "It's made all over Wales, with slight regional variations. It was really aimed at using the leftover dried fruit that would otherwise be thrown away. This is recipe that my grandmother and mother made, and it's the one I use and make for my family. My children really love this sliced and thickly spread with butter. I normally end up making two so that it's not all eaten in one sitting!" – both recipes from PotBelly

Gabby Oliver made this pretty hazelnut shortbread and Robsybobsy flavoured hers with macadamia nuts.

Then there was cheese

Try LisaJames' cheesy mustard scrolls or Amy Charlotte's Mini cheesey marmite scrolls for a savoury option.

And a no-cook treat to finish

Just blend dates, coconut cream, coconut powder and cocoa together for Hannahg's no-cook Chocolate coconut crunch. She says it wows her guests every time.