🫖 The Great Scone Debate: Sweet vs. Savory

Ah, the scone—a quintessential component of British afternoon tea. But when it comes to scones, there's a delightful divide: sweet or savory? Let's explore both sides of this delicious debate.

Recipes: Scones

🍓 Sweet Scones: The Classic Cream Tea Companion

A Brief History: Sweet scones have been a staple of British tea culture since the 19th century. Traditionally served with clotted cream and jam, they became synonymous with the "cream tea," a cherished afternoon ritual.

When to Serve: Sweet scones are perfect for traditional afternoon teas, especially when paired with a robust black tea like Earl Grey or Assam. They're also ideal for brunches or as a delightful mid-morning treat.

Classic Sweet Scone Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 350g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 85g cold butter, diced

• 3 tbsp caster sugar

• 175ml milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Beaten egg, for glazing

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan) or 425°F.

2. In a bowl, mix the flour and baking powder. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

3. Stir in the sugar.

4. Warm the milk slightly and add the vanilla extract.

5. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the milk mixture. Combine to form a soft dough.

6. Turn onto a floured surface, knead lightly, and roll out to about 2cm thick.

7. Cut into rounds, place on a baking tray, and brush with beaten egg.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.

9. Serve warm with clotted cream and your favorite jam.

Basic Scone Recipe

🧀 Savory Scones: A Flavorful Twist

A Brief History: Savory scones, while less traditional, have gained popularity for their versatility. Often infused with cheese, herbs, or even bacon, they offer a delightful alternative to their sweet counterparts.

When to Serve: Savory scones are excellent for morning teas, brunches, or as accompaniments to soups and salads. They're also a hit at more contemporary or themed tea parties.

Cheddar and Chive Scone Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 225g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 55g cold butter, diced

• 120g mature cheddar, grated

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives

• 90-100ml milk

• Beaten egg or milk, for glazing

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan) or 425°F.

2. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Rub in the butter until it resembles breadcrumbs.

3. Stir in the cheese and chives.

4. Gradually add milk to form a soft dough.

5. Turn onto a floured surface, knead lightly, and roll out to about 2cm thick.

6. Cut into rounds, place on a baking tray, and brush with beaten egg or milk.

7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.

8. Serve warm with butter or a dollop of cream cheese.

Chocolate Chip Scones

🧁 The Verdict: Why Not Both?

Why choose between sweet and savory when you can offer both? A well-rounded tea party menu can feature:

• Savory scones served alongside finger sandwiches and savory bites.

• Sweet scones presented with clotted cream, jams, and a selection of pastries.

This combination ensures a delightful experience for all guests, catering to varied palates and preferences.

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