National Cream Tea Day is On the Way!
Love a scone, complete with oodles of jam and cream? Who doesn’t?!
Well, since National Cream Tea Day (30 June) is on the way, you’ve got the perfect excuse to indulge in a scone, alongside an array of mini cakes and sandwiches (with the crusts cut off, naturally).
Taking place annually on the last Friday of the month, the national day brings British tradition to the fore.
The History of Cream Teas
Originating from the Seventh Duchess of Bedford (Anna) in 1840, the practice of taking cream tea (also known as an afternoon tea or high tea) arose after she found herself becoming hungry between lunch and her evening meal.
To tide her over, she’d have tea with bread and butter in her room in the late afternoon. This ‘tradition’ of Anna’s soon became popular – and now there’s no escaping afternoon teas, with many a restaurant, hotel or café offering a chance to get together over dainty sandwiches and cakes.
To celebrate National Cream Tea, read on for some recipes to try ahead of this exciting foodie event…
Classic Scones with Jam and Clotted Cream
Thanks to this recipe, you can have a batch of scones on the table in 20 minutes with Jane Hornby’s store cupboard recipe – find it here. Ideal for unexpected guests, says the BBC Good Food site, this recipe is a good one to have in your back pocket, just in case.
Earl Grey Teacakes
Teacakes + Earl Grey – a combination that simply screams British cream tea…don’t you think? Get the recipe for these sweet bread buns over here – and, if you’re feeling bold, you could even swap your usual scones for them.
Lavender Shortbread Biscuits
Want to make an afternoon tea addition that will wow your guests? These lavender shortbread biscuits, complete with edible flowers, are bound to impress.
Vegan Victoria Sponge
Love nothing more than a slice of Victoria sponge with your afternoon tea? This vegan bake may well hit the spot – even if you don’t follow a dairy-free diet.
It’s ‘light, springy and seriously moreish’, says the delicious magazine site, as well as being ‘packed with fresh lemon flavour, vegan buttercream and raspberry jam.’
Now for the savoury selection…
You’ve got to have some cream cheese and salmon sandwiches in the mix when you’re putting together an afternoon tea, haven’t you? We’re sure you don’t need a recipe for those, though. Or how about an even simpler – more budget-friendly option – in the form of cucumber sandwiches?
Fancy something a little bit different? Try these sweet pea and leek tartlets, this easy coronation chicken, or vegetarian sausage rolls.
Will you be trying any of these recipes ahead of your afternoon tea? Whether you go all-out or simply sit down to tuck into a scone with a cuppa, make National Cream Tea Day an excuse to kick back and relax.
Until next time…
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