Ginger Scones: A Delightful Addition to Afternoon Tea

When it comes to traditional afternoon tea, the menu often features delicate sandwiches, dainty pastries, and, of course, scones. While classic scones are a timeless favorite, there’s something particularly charming and comforting about ginger scones. These subtly spicy and sweet treats add a warm and inviting twist to your afternoon tea experience. Here is a favorite recipe of mine. Let me know how you like it.

The Ginger Scone Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• One tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
• 2/3 cup whole milk
• One large egg
• One teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, ginger, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the finely chopped crystallized ginger evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Whisk the whole milk, egg, and vanilla extract together in a separate bowl.
6. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly shaggy dough is perfect.
7. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it until it comes together. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick.
8. Use a floured round cutter (about 2 inches in diameter) to cut out scones from the dough. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
9. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and cooked.

• Let the scones cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Ginger Scones at Afternoon Tea:

Now that your ginger scones are ready, it’s time to enjoy them in the traditional afternoon tea style:

1. Presentation: Arrange your ginger scones on a tiered cake stand or a decorative plate alongside clotted cream and fruit preserves. The visual appeal is an essential part of afternoon tea.
2. Accompaniments: Serve your scones with a generous dollop of clotted cream and a selection of fruit preserves or lemon curd. The rich, creamy clotted cream balances the spiciness of the ginger, while the sweet preserves add a delightful contrast.
3. Beverages: Pair your ginger scones with fine teas like Earl Grey Darjeeling or a floral infusion like chamomile. Serve the tea in elegant teacups and saucers.
4. Etiquette: When eating ginger scones, break them into smaller pieces with your fingers rather than using a knife. Spread clotted cream and preserves on each piece before savoring the delightful combination of flavors.
5. Conversation: Enjoy the company of your tea companions, engaging in light conversation as you savor the ginger scones and tea.

Ginger scones add a touch of warmth and spice to the refined tradition of afternoon tea. Whether hosting a tea party or simply indulging in a moment of relaxation, these ginger-infused delights will elevate your afternoon tea experience to new heights.