A yummy Brit tradition!

In my last post I spent some time on Yank words vs. Brit words.  I hope that was fun for all of you!  

In this post I’ll spend some time on something of the utmost importance in England and a must know for all—whether you plan on relocating or whether you’re in England for a holiday (vacation to us Yanks)—

The all-important CREAM TEA!  

First, I’ll showcase the traditional cream tea, which is a lighter version (believe it or not) of the Afternoon Tea.  Don’t worry, we’ll get to both!  (P.S. Calories don’t count on either one!)

Whether you enjoy this English ritual at a local tea room or you make it an all-out event in the heart of London, the cream tea is an integral and enjoyable part of the British life.

First off, the ingredients for the traditional Cream Tea:

Two scones—must be warm, can either be cheese scones, fruit scones or plain scones.

Clotted Cream—not whipped cream, CLOTTED (kind of like a cream cheese but not), must be plentiful, there can be no skimping!  

Strawberry Jam—Strawberry is a must, never any other type of fruit, and same as above, must be plentiful, with large chunks of real strawberries and no skimping!

Hot tea—here you can get a little creative—English breakfast tea is my fave, but Earl Gray, with a perfumed aroma for a stronger brew is also lovely.  Teas in England are def stronger and much more flavorful! You’ll never have to leave your teabag in the cup until you’re done or use two bags to get real tea taste again!

Cream tea is generally served between the hours of 3-5 PM.  

Now here is where it can get tricky.  One method of enjoying this treat is called The Devonian or Devonshire.  This method is to split the scone in two, cover each half with clotted cream, and then add strawberry jam on top. 

Then there is the Cornish method, with the scone split in two, then spread with strawberry jam, and finally topped with a spoonful of clotted cream. This method is also used in London.

See Devon and Cornwall—

I have been shown the Cornish method, so that is what I do.  Jam first then scoops of clotted cream on top.  Again, don’t scrimp with the cream!  Usually a teaspoon of the cream, plopped with the spoon but not not spread with a knife! 

And to eat—no forks or spoon!  Just pick up the yummy scone with your Strawberry Jam on first, then a scoop of Clotted Cream, open mouth and bite!  Lick fingers as you progress.  Add more clotted cream as you go.  Sips of tea in between.  

On one of my first trips back to the states, I brough along all the ingredients.  That’s right, I even brought the clotted cream.  I kept in in the fridge until last minute, wrapped it in tin foil, placed it in a small, insulated lunch bag, and put it in my checked baggage.  I also brought some fresh scones, wrapped them tightly in Saran Wrap (cling film for Brits) and placed them in my checked luggage along with the cream.  I bought the strawberry jam in the states.  I then proceeded to share the deliciousness with some of my friends—see their reactions!  They all loved the taste but wanted to use forks and knives!  And they weren’t too fond of the name “clotted cream”, they didn’t think it sounded especially appetizing, but they ate every bite!

It’s always a good idea to share your new traditions with your friends and family in the states!

So—there you have it—traditional cream tea—a must!

As I mentioned earlier, there is also “Afternoon Tea”, which is a little more formal and with small finger sandwiches and other pastries.   Afternoon Tea is also served between 3-5 PM but is a bit more substantial.  When a friend of mine came for a visit, she and I spent a few days in London.  We attended an afternoon tea at the Royal Horse Guards Hotel in Westminster.  Served with a little bubbly too!

https://www.guoman.com/the-royal-horseguards/restaurants-and-bars/afternoon-tea-at-the-lounge

No matter which type of tea time you prefer, whether you want just scones with cream and jam, or something more substantial and with more English formality, this is a MUST DO!!!

Enjoy!

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