If you are a fan of the classic scone, you will already know that it is a wonderful tea-time treat that needs very little introduction; however, did you know that the way you serve a scone can make a big difference to its flavour and overall enjoyment? Let’s take a look.
Which toppings are essential for a scone?
Whether you order an afternoon tea in a restaurant or treat yourself to one of the afternoon tea boxes from companies such as https://www.afternoonteabox.com/, you will want to secure the best possible topping combination for your scone experience. The general consensus is that thick clotted cream and strawberry or raspberry jam are the most traditional, and arguably most delicious, but some people prefer butter and jam and omit the cream. If you are eating a savoury scone, it is likely to be warm and perfect for buttering. You might even add a little cream cheese.
The main and most controversial question.
It is not about the topping but the order of play. Afternoon cream tea has been served across Britain since the 11th century, but people still can’t agree whether the jam or cream go first as the scone’s traditional topping. The good people of Devon usually opt to spread their scones with clotted cream before adding a layer of jam; in Cornwall, the locals switch it up, insisting the jam goes first and the cream is the topping.
Cutting-edge scone toppings
Head away from the traditional scone heartlands and you will find all sorts of experimental toppings, especially where our relatives down under are concerned. Anything from blueberries and maple syrup to chocolate ganache and even smashed avocados are proposed as modern toppings.
One thing is for certain: scones certainly are not going out of fashion. In fact, they are as relevant as they ever were, especially with new recipes and toppings being developed all the time. Whether you are a scone purist or in the experimental camp, there has never been a better time to treat yourself to this afternoon tea staple.