Elevenses: three recipes for a perfect 11 o’clock break

At 11 a.m. we all deserve a little pause – something light, refreshing, and joyful to carry us through to lunch. The British call it elevenses – so why not make it a ritual for ourselves too?

Each week I’ll share three quick recipes you can enjoy at home or pack as a “to go” snack. This week you’ll find: a perfect start with roasted peaches and yogurt, a midweek refresh with mini cucumber sandwiches, and a final touch – blueberry cheesecake in a jar.

Jump to: Perfect start · Midweek refresh · Final touch

Perfect start – Roasted peach with yogurt and pistachios

Summer elevenses: roasted peaches with Greek yogurt and pistachios – a light and quick treat in just 10 minutes.

Ingredients (for 1–2 servings):

• 2 ripe peaches

• 200 g Greek yogurt

• 1–2 tsp honey

• 2 tbsp chopped pistachios

• pinch of cinnamon or cardamom

• zest of 1/2 lemon

• 1 tsp butter or oil

Method:

1. Halve the peaches and remove the pits.

2. Heat butter in a pan, place peaches cut-side down, and cook for 3–4 minutes.

3. Flip, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with spice.

4. Place Greek yogurt in a bowl or container and top with peaches.

5. Finish with pistachios and lemon zest.

Tip: Add granola or crushed biscuits for extra crunch.

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Midweek refresh – Mini cucumber sandwiches with cream cheese and dill

A British classic in mini form: cucumber sandwiches with cream cheese and dill – a refreshing elevenses snack.

Ingredients (for 8 mini triangles):

• 4 slices of white sandwich bread

• 120 g cream cheese

• 1 small cucumber

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill

• pinch of salt and pepper

• zest of 1/2 lemon

Method:

1. Mix cream cheese with dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

2. Slice cucumber thinly; optionally sprinkle with salt and pat dry after 5 minutes.

3. Spread bread with the cheese mixture, layer cucumber slices, and top with another slice.

4. Gently press, trim off the crusts, and cut diagonally into triangles.

Tip: For a little kick, add half a teaspoon of horseradish to the spread.

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Final touch – Blueberry cheesecake in a jar

Cheesecake in a jar – no bake, ready in 5 minutes, with blueberries. The perfect sweet elevenses treat.

Ingredients (for 2 jars):

• 80 g digestive biscuits (crumbled)

• 150 g Greek yogurt

• 80 g cream cheese

• 1–2 tsp icing sugar or honey

• 1 tsp vanilla paste or extract

• juice of 1/4 lemon

• 120 g blueberries

Method:

1. Whisk yogurt, cream cheese, sweetener, vanilla, and lemon juice into a smooth cream.

2. Layer biscuit crumbs at the bottom of the jars.

3. Add cream and finish with blueberries on top.

4. Optionally sprinkle with more crumbs or drizzle honey.

Tip: For a richer texture, fold in a spoonful of mascarpone or whipped cream.

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And there you have it – three little treats that prove elevenses is more than just a British custom, it’s a chance to pause and recharge. Sweet or savory, always quick and full of flavor. A new trio of recipes will be waiting every Monday – so keep an eye out and let 11 o’clock become your favorite time of the day