Baked Peach Tea Scones - photo by Althea DeBrule
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In general, scones can be eaten any way you choose; but there is a proper way to do so at afternoon tea parties or for high tea. Why? Because scones are part of the traditional teatime fare and every bite should be eaten daintily and with care. Here’s the proper way to eat scones at a tea party.
- Eat scones one at a time. Don’t spread preserves and cream on the entire scone at once or make a sandwich of it. Using a knife or fork, split a single scone in half horizontally. Leave one half on the plate and with the remaining half put a layer of jam, preserves or lemon curd, then Devonshire, clotted or whipped cream on a portion of the scone half—just enough for one bite.
- Take a bite or two of the section you have prepared and return the half-eaten scone to the plate. Take a sip or two of tea; pick up the remaining portion of the scone for another slathering of luscious tea condiments. Sip the tea again. Continue in this manner until the entire plate of scones is finished. Eating scones this way enhances the flavor of both the tea and the scones.
A tea party is supposed to be relaxing and sociable. Eating scones the proper way allows time for pleasant conversation among friends.
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Comments
The proper way to eat a scone is the same way one eats a dinner roll: break off a bite-sized piece, slather it with as much cream (or butter) and jam as it will hold without becoming sloppy, then neatly place it in your mouth. Chew slowly, savouring the lovely blend of textures and flavours, and swallow completely before taking a sip of tea or breaking off another piece of scone.
Never use tea to "wash down" your scones (or any other food)! Rather, enjoy the flavour of the tea itself.
One does not use a knife with scones, unless it is a small spreader type for the cream and/or jam.
Scones were invented as "holders" for the purpose of consuming extensive quantities of lovely cream and jams, not the other way 'round.
Also: Scones are properly served at room temperature, not warm. If served warm, it will make the cream melt, resulting in a gawd-awful mess.
By the way, we generally don't eat scones at high tea (what you call "dinner" or "supper") That's when we eat dinner r
That last paragraph should read:
By the way, we generally don't eat scones at high tea (what you call "dinner" or "supper") That's when we eat dinner rolls :).
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