Is there anyone who does not like to eat? I do not hear a sound!
One of the best things around the world is the fact that there are lots of delicious things to eat. Being a certified foodie, I am telling you this from experience.
I love to eat, just like any other foodie. But the one thing I love to do best is making food at home. And when I say ‘food,’ i mean to say food from across the world.
For many, cooking is a form of stressbuster. That is the case for me too. And I have discovered how much it helps me deal with stress. I call myself a cook (the chef is too professional a term) not by profession but by emotion.
If you too feel the same way, then it is time to be friends!
And as friends, I have a gift for you. It is the recipe of the most famous British tea called Cream Tea. Want to know more about it? Keep reading…
Cream Tea
Also known as Devonshire tea, cream tea is one of the most authentic items from England. But what is Cream Tea? Let’s talk about it in detail.
When I first heard the name, I, too, was confused. Is it a meal? Is it a drink? What is it?
I did my digging, and here is what I found out.
It is a kind of afternoon tea that is very popular in Britain. This is served with clotted cheese and scones. It is more like a quintessential traditional British treat.
The scones filled with jam and clotted cheese crumble in your mouth and make you feel like heaven. Even though currently there are a variety of scones that the tea is served with, traditionally, cream tea has always been served with plain scones.
Wait a minute! So That is not about making tea with cream?
Well, the answer to that is NO. it might come as a shock to you, but the cream tea is actually just plain tea. However, it is known by that name because it is served with clotted cheese.
But hey, you should not judge the book by the cover. Keep reading to stay astonished at the taste of it.
The History Of Cream Tea
The authentic meal is a classic combination from Britain. Even though there is no evidence that suggests the exact date of origin of the Cream Tea, there are proofs that show that there was a ritual of having tea with clotted cheese even during the 11th century.
However, during the late Victorian Era, this style of having afternoon tea became very popular.
The wealthy men and women wanted something lavish and also felt like there was a need for a snack. They only had breakfast and dinner, which naturally made them hungry. This gave rise to the need for something that could give rest to their appetite.
That is what gave rise to the famous cream tea. Traditionally one serves it with finger foods like scones and pastries. These scones were served with either jam or clotted cheese.
Cream Tea Recipe: Make It At Home!
Have you been looking for the classic recipe for a traditional cream tea? Then you have found the right place. Given below is the recipe for a cream tea. But before we proceed with the recipe for making this tea at home, there is something that you should know.
It is not just the tea that I am going to focus on. Rather, it is about everything that makes you feel like you are in Britain, having the perfect afternoon tea from any part of the world.
So without further ado, let us start.
Recipe Of Clotted Cream Cheese
This type of cream cheese is also as Devonshire cream or Cornish cream. It is a thick and creamy cheese that is of a softened consistency. If you want to make clotted cheese for the most authentic cream tea experience, then I advise you to start the process three days in advance.
Ingredient:
- Heavy cream
Procedure:
First Day
- Preheat the oven to 180 F
- Pour the cream into a wide bowl
- Place the uncovered bowl in the oven for a span of 12 hrs or overnight
Second Day
- Refrigerate the bowl after removing it from the oven
Third Day
- Skim the thick layer of the cream skin (clotted cheese)
- Stir the layer of the cream for a smooth texture
- Store in a clean and cool container
Recipe Of Scone
The cream tea is incomplete without the traditional scones. These scones are similar to the biscuits that we eat. The only difference is that the scones have eggs in it, and the biscuits are not.
Ingredients:
| Plain flour | 3 cups |
| Unsalted butter | 7 tbsp |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Vanilla essence | 2 tsp |
| Milk | 2 tbsp |
| Egg | 1 |
| Salt | ⅓ tsp |
| Fine sugar | ½ cup |
Procedure:
- Preheat the oven and place a large parchment paper
- In a mixing bowl, add flour, butter, salt and sugar; mix them with fingertips with light hand while butter reaches a thick consistency.
- Add the liquid ingredients in a separate mixing bowl
- Pour the liquid mix into the semi dry batter
- Knead the batter
- Shape the batter in the form of a dough
- Place the doughs in baking sheet or parchment paper
- Bush the top of these dough with egg and milk mixture
- Bake them for 15 minutes till them turn golden
- Serve with clotted cheese
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Is The Dish Called Cream Tea?
The afternoon tea is called cream tea in Britain because of the clotted cheese on top, and scones. The tea itself is regular aromatic earl gray or Darjeeling.
2. What Is The Difference Between Cream Tea And Afternoon Tea?
In case you thought that there is a difference between cream tea and afternoon tea, then I am sorry to disappoint you. The cream tea is just like any ordinary afternoon tea with cheese on top.
3. What Is The Cream In Cream Tea?
Generally and traditionally, the cream that is used in cream tea is clotted cream. This cheese is of a creamy and thick consistency. It has a very smooth texture and tastes like delicious unsalted butter.
Wrapping It Up!
Cream Tea is an authentic British afternoon tea that you can serve with cheese and scones. This tea gets its name because of the clotted cheese that it is served with. The tea can be any tea, special or not, Earl gray, Darjeeling, or even Oolong. But what makes it ‘cream tea’ are the things that one serves alongside.
Traditionally, you get this tea with scones and clotted cheese. If you are someone who doesn’t like sweets much, then you can choose to serve something salty with the scones.
I hope you find it helpful. If there are any other queries, feel free to comment down below.
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