Devon is a county in the south-west of England. Known for its stunning coastline, extensive moorland, and charming towns, it is a popular destination for visitors from around the world. One of the best things about any holiday is getting to try the local dishes. In Devon, the most famous dish is a hearty tea-time treat. A cream tea, consisting of a scone (a bread-like cake) smothered in cream and jam, is a delicious way to refuel after swimming in the (cold) sea or hiking up the hills. A few tips and tricks will make sure that your homemade version is just as perfect as any bought in a café.
The Scone
You need to think about whether you’re going to buy the scones or make them. Shop-bought won’t be as fresh or tasty but are fine if you don’t have the time for baking. Here is a super easy scone recipe to make six scones, you will need: 350 grams of self-raising flour, one teaspoon of baking powder, 85 grams of butter, three tablespoons of caster sugar, and 175 milliliters of milk. Mix the flour and baking powder together in a large bowl, then add the butter, rubbing it in until the mix resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar and then add the milk. Stir to combine. Roll out the mix on a well-floured board, then shape into circles with a diameter of about 10 centimeters. Brush with a little milk, then bake in an oven at 200°C (390°F) for 10 minutes, until risen and browned on the top.
The Cream
Clotted cream is essential for this recipe. This cream is ultra-thick, with the consistency of full-fat Greek yogurt. If you can’t find any clotted cream, you can whip double cream until it is really thick.
The Jam
A bright red or purple jam made from soft fruits such as raspberries or strawberries works best, as it looks vibrant and delicious against the white cream.
Don’t forget to serve mugs of steaming tea to go alongside your scones. This tea-time treat is more than a mouthful, so you may want to factor in a lighter dinner after snacking on these mid-afternoon.
