Afternoon Tea with Lemon Blueberry Scones
The oven is broken and I'm dreaming of scones and muffins and all sorts of wonderful breads and pastries that I'm not baking (or eating), so this is a post about scones I've already made and wish I had. Apparently, there are so many people right now in need of appliance repair that they are weeks out. So, I wait and dream, and use the mini Cuisinart oven/air fryer a lot.
There is little more indulgent and relaxing than afternoon tea served with scones. These delicious British-style scones are amazing. The consistency of these scones is somewhere between cake and muffin, with a light and fluffy texture.
Jump to the recipe ↓ or keep reading.
I read on historicalcookclasses.com that "the first appearance of the word "scone" in print was in a Scottish version of The Aeneid in 1513." (I'm going to assume she's right.) Never having read The Aeneid, I was unaware. Nor do I have a desire to read it now, but yay for scones and their long history.
An American biscuit is more like a British scone, though that is not always the case depending on what we put in said biscuits. While the base of this recipe is in the British-style, the addition of zest, extracts, and blueberries, plus the glaze, make them American-style. The tangy, lemon glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness, which is why it's added.
British scones are plainer, though no less delicious, and are meant to be topped with some kind of cream or preserve, or even just butter, again, like American biscuits. Without the blueberries in this recipe, the scones would have risen a bit more.
“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” — Henry James
Pull apart one of these scones, and you will notice a light treat that has no need for additional topping. Each bite packs quite a flavorful punch.
You can taste lemon and blueberry in every bite.
This charming flower is called Nemesia, and the color is Escential Blueberry Custard. I've always thought these adorable flowers resembled mini snapdragons.
A fresh bouquet of yellow tulips, white carnations, and purple lilacs pair nicely with the Nemesia and the lovely teacups.
"You wanted to find me so you would have someone to take afternoon tea with?" She teased, but Tristan was serious.
"I didn't want to lose a friend." His voice remained steady but lowered as he finished. "I didn't want to lose you." He spared a glance at her and found her smiling. (Tristan and Alaina in Alaina Claiborne)
The process for these scones is different from a traditional American-style scone. First, you don't need cold butter. Room-temperature butter works best. This particular recipe calls for a food processor, and while it is much easier with a processor, one is not required.
It's always wise to make sure you have all your ingredients ready. This is in part to make sure you have everything you need, and also to save you a little time once you get started.
As mentioned earlier, a food processor was used to create a fine, sandy texture when combining the dry ingredients and the butter. You may use a pastry cutter, your fingers, or a hand mixer instead of a processor. However, we don't want butter chunks in this recipe. The fine texture and use of less butter help to create a less dense scone. My mother, who is not usually a fan of scones, gives these lighter versions a big thumbs up.
Flavor in every morsel!
Herbal teas are restorative and calming, helping both the body and mind. Taking a few minutes out of your day to sit, relax with a cup of tea, read a book or engage in calming conversation, can do wonders for a person. Even when life is hectic, a few minutes of quiet in a break room, your kitchen, on a patio, or on a park bench, can help reduce stress levels.
Scones are a tasty bonus.
For your convenience, you can download the PDF recipe here.
Enjoy! - MK
“Is it as beautiful as here? As Scotland?”
“No more or no less. It is merely different.” Charles walked to the tea service brought in earlier. “Would you care for a cup?”
“You remember how I like it.” She accepted the tea and the chair he offered. “I tell myself that I know you, but we are still strangers in some ways.”
“Not in the ways that matter.”
(Charles and Rhona in Blackwood Crossing)
