When it comes to indulging in British culinary traditions, the charming ‘afternoon tea’ tradition of tea and scones stands out as a quintessential delight.
Synonymous with leisurely gatherings, the appreciation of fine teas, and a delectable array of tea-time treats, afternoon tea originated in 19th-centuryth century England.
It was the Duchess of Bedford who, when disclosing her secret of enjoying tea and snacks a few hours before dinner, set a trend that would become a national tradition, complete with its own set of etiquette rules. Today, afternoon tea is enjoyed not only in London, but around the world.
Walkersons Hotel & Spa, a much-loved country haven situated in the hills of the Mpumalanga, share their famous scones, blueberry jam, and lemon curd recipes.
Flop-proof scones
With their crumbly exterior and tender interior, scones are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed at breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- 1 kg self-raising flour
- 1 cup (250ml) white sugar
- 1 cup (250ml) plain Greek yoghurt
- 4 eggs
- 2 tsp of vanilla essence or 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1250g pure butter – room temperature
Method
- Mix butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla and Greek yoghurt well together.
- Add 30ml of fresh milk.
- Add the self-raising flour and hand-mix the dough – do not overwork the dough.
- Flatten the dough, roughly 2.5cm thick, and cut into rounds or squares.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 170° C till golden brown
Blueberry Jam
There’s something truly magical about transforming plump, juicy blueberries into a velvety, jewel-toned jam that bursts with flavour. Whether you’re a seasoned jam-maker or a novice in the world of preserving, this recipe for Blueberry Jam makes for the perfect fruity spread.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Method
- Mix blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a saucepan.
- Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until thickened, about 30 minutes.
Lemon Curd
Lemon curd is a velvety, tangy delight that captures the essence of sunshine in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- ½ cup castor sugar
- ½ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 Tbsp Lemon zest, finely grated
- ½ cup butter
Method
- Whisk all the ingredients, except the zest, over simmering water in a double boiler until thick.
- Strain and add the zest.
- Store in a sterilised jar.