Its true! The most Luxurious afternoon tea is the one you make for your mum - let’s explore the delightful world of cream tea. A quintessentially British tradition that has stood the test of time. So, image this.. a sunny afternoon, freshly baked scones, strawberry jam, clotted cream, and a pot of your favourite brew.
Magic moments and magical memories. Sounds perfect? Yes it does! so let’s make Mother’s Day special. Here's your perfect recipe for the perfect cream tea.
The Perfect Scones recipe
Ingredients:
225g of self raising flour
½ teaspoon of baking powder
85g of Butter (cubed)
2 tablespoons of sugar
170ml of Butter milk ( or full cream milk, warmed slightly )
1 egg beaten. (for egg washing scones)
Method:
- Sieve the flour and baking powder together
- Rub the butter into the flour.
- The add the milk and mix into a dough (you may not need all the milk)
- Let the dough rest for 30mins
- Then roll out on a lightly dusted surface about 5mm thick and cut out your scones with a scone cutter.
- Brush with egg and pop into a preheated oven at 180 for 12-15 mins until risen and have alight golden colour to them.
- Serve with naked jam and clotted cream.
The Essential Components
- Scones: These warm, crumbly pastries are the heart of cream tea. Ideally freshly baked, they provide the canvas for the other delectable layers.
- Clotted Cream: The pièce de resistance! Thick, velvety, and indulgent, clotted cream is the star of the show. It hails from the West Country, where cows graze on lush green pastures.
- Naked Strawberry Jam: Sweet, vibrant, and bursting with flavour, strawberry jam complements the cream perfectly.
- Tea: A piping hot pot of tea completes the ensemble. Whether you prefer black tea or herbal infusions, it’s the ideal companion.
Just a little info on the love of cream tea
The Cream Tea Chronicles: A Tale of Scones and Cream
The Great Debate: Cream or Jam First?
- Across the rolling hills of Devon and Cornwall, a friendly rivalry exists regarding the proper order of assembly.
- Devonian Method (Devonshire): Split the scone in two, slather each half with clotted cream, and crown it with strawberry jam.
- Cornish Method: First, split the warm scone, spread it with jam, and then add a generous dollop of clotted cream.
- Interestingly, both methods have their loyal adherents, and cream teas are enjoyed with equal gusto regardless of the order.
The Cream Tea’s Enduring Appeal
- Why is cream tea so beloved?
- Nostalgia: It transports us to simpler times, evoking memories of cosy tearooms and leisurely afternoons.
- Tradition: Cream tea is a cherished part of British food heritage, passed down through generations.
- Comfort: The combination of warm scones, rich cream, and fruity jam provides instant comfort.
- Social Bonding: Sharing cream tea with loved ones fosters connection and conversation.
- Seasonal Joy: As spring arrives, cream tea reminds us that brighter days are here—much like the red stalks of rhubarb heralding spring.
A Slice of History, a Cup of Tea
- Whether you’re in a quaint tearoom overlooking rolling hills or enjoying it at home, cream tea is more than a snack—it’s a cultural touchstone.
- So, next time you savour those warm scones, remember that you’re partaking in a centuries-old ritual—one that celebrates simplicity, indulgence, and the joy of sharing.
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