Old Fashion Tea Cakes
Old Fashion Tea Cakes Recipe from Fiji - Simple and Delicious Cookies
Introduction
Old Fashion Tea Cakes are a classic Southern treat that are perfect for any occasion. These simple and delicious cookies are sure to become a family favorite.
History
Tea cakes have been a staple in Southern cuisine for generations. Originally brought over by European settlers, tea cakes have evolved over time to become a beloved treat in the South. These cookies are often served with a cup of tea or coffee, hence the name "tea cakes."
Ingredients
- 1 cup of butter
- 2 cups of sugar
- 2 tsp of vanilla
- 3 eggs
- 4 cups of flour
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- 2 tsp of cream of tartar
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a cookie sheet.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Then, beat the mixture into the creamed mixture.
- Divide the dough into 3 or 4 portions and roll them out, one at a time, on a lightly floured board to a thickness of 0.25 inch. Cut with a cookie cutter and transfer the cutouts to a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350°F (177°C) until lightly browned, for no longer than 10 minutes.
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Top the tea cakes with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to ensure a tender cookie.
- Rolling the dough to a consistent thickness will help the cookies bake evenly.
- Be careful not to overbake the tea cakes, as they can become dry.
Serving Suggestions
Old Fashion Tea Cakes are perfect on their own, but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Cooking Techniques
Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is essential for a tender cookie.
- Rolling the dough to a consistent thickness will help the cookies bake evenly.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have cream of tartar, you can substitute with baking powder.
- You can also use margarine instead of butter in this recipe.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough for Old Fashion Tea Cakes ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Old Fashion Tea Cakes on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Old Fashion Tea Cakes pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a classic Southern treat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store Old Fashion Tea Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Old Fashion Tea Cakes contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Old Fashion Tea Cakes contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Old Fashion Tea Cakes contains approximately 10 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Old Fashion Tea Cakes contains approximately 3 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Old Fashion Tea Cakes are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
Old Fashion Tea Cakes contain dairy and gluten.
Summary
Old Fashion Tea Cakes are a delicious treat that are relatively low in calories and protein, but higher in carbohydrates and fats.
Summary
Old Fashion Tea Cakes are a classic Southern treat that are perfect for any occasion. With a simple and delicious recipe, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. We were going through an old recipe book that had been passed down through generations in our family. As we turned the yellowed pages, we came across a recipe for Old Fashion Tea Cakes.
I remember my mother's eyes lighting up as she read the ingredients and instructions aloud. "This recipe has been in our family for generations," she said with a sense of pride. "It was passed down from your great-grandmother, who learned it from her mother before her."
I was immediately intrigued. The thought of carrying on a family tradition through a simple recipe was both comforting and exciting to me. My mother and I decided to make the tea cakes that very afternoon, following the instructions carefully and adding our own special touch to the recipe.
As the tea cakes baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma, my mother told me stories of her own experiences making them with her mother and grandmother. She shared how they would enjoy the tea cakes with a cup of hot tea, sitting around the kitchen table and sharing stories and laughter.
When the tea cakes were finally ready, we eagerly sampled our creation. The taste was pure nostalgia, a blend of sweet and buttery flavors that transported me back to a simpler time. I knew then that this recipe would become a beloved tradition in my own family.
Over the years, I have made Old Fashion Tea Cakes countless times, each batch bringing back memories of that first time with my mother. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition to others who appreciate the simple pleasures of homemade treats.
I have also made a few adjustments to the recipe over the years, adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor, or experimenting with different types of flour to create a lighter texture. Each variation has its own unique charm, but the essence of the recipe remains the same – a reminder of the love and heritage that has been passed down through generations.
As I sit here now, with a fresh batch of tea cakes cooling on the kitchen counter, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of this recipe and the memories it holds. It is a reminder of the simple joys of cooking and sharing food with loved ones, a tradition that I will continue to pass down to future generations.
And so, as I take a bite of a warm, freshly baked tea cake, I am filled with a sense of contentment and connection to my family's past. The recipe may be old-fashioned, but its timeless appeal is a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the joy of sharing good food with those we love.