Tea Scones

Tea Scones Recipe - Traditional UK Delight

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Tea scones are a classic British treat that are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea. These delicious pastries are light and fluffy, with a slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with a hot beverage. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or as part of an afternoon tea, tea scones are sure to delight your taste buds.

History

Scones have been a popular treat in the United Kingdom for centuries, with the first recorded mention of them dating back to the early 1500s. Originally, scones were made with oats and cooked on a griddle, but over time, the recipe evolved to include ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter. Tea scones, in particular, became popular in the 19th century as a way to enjoy a light and sweet treat with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
0.25 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar replacement
0.25 cup cold margarine
1 egg
0.25 cup evaporated milk (freeze the rest)

Choose one of the following to mix in

8 chopped dried apple halves
8 chopped dried apricot halves
0.25 cup chopped dried cranberries
8 chopped dates
1 tbsp lemon peel
1.5 tbsp grated orange peel
8 chopped dried peaches halves
4 tbsp raisins

How to prepare

Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar replacement.
Cut in the cold margarine as if making a pie crust.
Beat the egg and evaporated milk together thoroughly, then add it to the flour mixture. Knead gently on a lightly floured board.
Divide the dough in half and roll each half into a circle. Cut each circle into quarters.
Place the quarters on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
Brush the tops with milk.
Bake at 450°F (232°C) for 15 minutes or until they are done.

Variations

Add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for a decadent twist.
Swap out the dried fruit for fresh berries or citrus zest for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle the scones with a glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for a sweet finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use cold margarine when making the scone dough, as this will help create a flaky texture.

- Do not overwork the dough when kneading it, as this can result in tough scones.

- Brushing the tops of the scones with milk before baking will help them develop a golden brown crust.

- Serve the scones warm for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Tea scones are best enjoyed warm with a dollop of clotted cream and jam. They also pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to preheat your oven before baking the scones to ensure they cook evenly.

- Use a light touch when kneading the dough to prevent the scones from becoming tough.

- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time to ensure the scones bake evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine in this recipe for a richer flavor.

- If you don't have evaporated milk, you can use regular milk or cream as a substitute.

- Feel free to mix and match the dried fruit options to create your own unique scone flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the scone dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for a quicker baking process when you're ready to enjoy the scones.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the scones on a decorative platter with a side of clotted cream and jam for a beautiful presentation. You can also dust the tops of the scones with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Tea scones pair well with a variety of beverages, including black tea, herbal tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They also go well with fresh fruit or a side salad for a light and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the scones in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of tea scones contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of tea scones contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of tea scones contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of tea scones contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Tea scones are a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Alergens

Tea scones contain gluten, dairy, and eggs.

Summary

Tea scones are a delicious treat that are relatively low in calories and provide a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They also offer a variety of vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for a snack or dessert.

Summary

Tea scones are a delightful treat that are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea. With a light and fluffy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, these pastries are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you serve them for breakfast, as a snack, or as part of an afternoon tea, tea scones are a delicious and satisfying option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for tea scones. It was many years ago, back in my youth, when I was just starting to learn how to cook. I had always enjoyed baking, but scones were a whole new world to me.

I had gone to visit my dear friend Mary, who was known for her delicious tea parties. As soon as I stepped into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most delightful aroma of freshly baked scones. I watched with fascination as Mary effortlessly mixed together flour, butter, sugar, and other ingredients to create the perfect scone dough.

As she worked, she shared stories of how she had learned to make scones from her own grandmother, who had brought the recipe with her from Scotland. The tradition of baking scones had been passed down through generations in Mary's family, and she had perfected the recipe over the years.

I couldn't believe how simple yet delicious the scones looked, and begged Mary to teach me how to make them. She laughed and agreed, saying that she was happy to pass on the recipe to a new generation.

We spent the afternoon baking together, with Mary guiding me through each step of the process. I learned how to handle the dough gently, how to cut it into triangles, and how to bake them until they were golden brown. The scones turned out to be absolutely scrumptious, and I was filled with pride at having made them myself.

From that day on, I made it a point to bake tea scones regularly, using Mary's recipe as my guide. I experimented with different variations, adding in dried fruits, nuts, and even a hint of lemon zest to make them my own. Each batch turned out better than the last, and soon I became known among my friends and family for my delicious scones.

Over the years, I continued to bake tea scones for every occasion, from birthday parties to holiday gatherings. Each time I made them, I was reminded of that wonderful afternoon with Mary, and how she had passed on her family recipe to me with such generosity and love.

As I grew older, I found myself adding my own twist to the recipe, incorporating new flavors and techniques that I had picked up along the way. But no matter how much I experimented, I always came back to Mary's original recipe, with its perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the comforting aroma of freshly baked scones, I can't help but smile as I think back to that day with Mary. I am grateful for her guidance and friendship, and for the gift of her cherished recipe that has brought me so much joy over the years.

And as I take a bite of a warm, buttery scone, I am filled with a sense of wonder and gratitude for the simple pleasures of baking and sharing food with the ones we love. For me, tea scones will always be more than just a recipe – they are a reminder of the enduring connections we make through food, and the traditions that bind us together across generations.