Scones, blueberry jam and lemon curd

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-century^th 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

1. Mix butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla and Greek yoghurt well together.
2. Add 30ml of fresh milk.
3. Add the self-raising flour and hand-mix the dough – do not overwork the dough.
4. Flatten the dough, roughly 2.5cm thick, and cut into rounds or squares.
5. 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

1. Mix blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a saucepan.
2. 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

1. Whisk all the ingredients, except the zest, over simmering water in a double boiler until thick.
2. Strain and add the zest.
3. Store in a sterilised jar.