For a delightful afternoon tea, serve scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam for a classic touch. Complement these with tangy lemon curd for a zesty twist. Devonshire cream, with its velvety texture, is a rich pairing, while raspberry preserves bring a vibrant splash of flavor. Consider a cheese platter for a savory element and a chocolate spread for sweet indulgence. Refresh with herbal tea or sparkling water to cleanse the palate. These accompaniments will surely elevate your scone experience. Discover a few more perfect pairings that will make your tea time even more special.
Clotted Cream
Clotted cream is a quintessential accompaniment to scones. It is a thick, rich spread made by heating unpasteurized cow's milk until the cream rises to the surface and forms clots. The production process involves a slow, gentle heat that yields a creamy texture.
Nutritionally, clotted cream is high in fat and calories, providing a luxurious, indulgent addition to your afternoon tea experience.
Strawberry Jam
Complementing the richness of clotted cream, strawberry jam brings a burst of fruity sweetness to scones, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your afternoon tea.
Opt for homemade recipes to guarantee the freshest taste and maximum nutritional benefits.
Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, strawberry jam not only adds flavor but also a healthy touch to your tea-time indulgence.
Lemon Curd
Lemon curd offers a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of strawberry jam, creating a balanced flavor profile for your afternoon tea.
With historical origins in 19th-century England, lemon curd has become a beloved addition to scones.
Homemade recipes often use simple ingredients like fresh lemons, sugar, eggs, and butter, resulting in a rich, zesty spread that enhances the overall tea experience.
Devonshire Cream
Devonshire cream is a rich and luxurious dairy product that is a quintessential component of a traditional afternoon tea. Originating from the Devon region in England, this clotted cream boasts a velvety texture and is often served with scones.
Packed with calories and fat, it offers a decadent treat that perfectly complements the sweetness of scones, making your afternoon tea experience truly delightful.
Raspberry Preserves
Raspberry preserves, with their vibrant color and tangy sweetness, provide a delightful contrast to the rich Devonshire cream when served with scones during afternoon tea.
Homemade preserves capture the essence of fresh berries, making them a charming addition.
Artisanal spreads, crafted with care, elevate the experience, offering a burst of flavor that complements the scones' tender crumb perfectly.
Honey
A drizzle of golden honey adds a natural sweetness that pairs exquisitely with the subtle flavors of scones during afternoon tea.
Sourced from diverse bee farms, honey offers a variety of floral notes, enhancing your scone experience.
Whether you prefer lavender, clover, or wildflower honey, each floral variety brings a unique touch, making your afternoon tea both delightful and memorable.
Fresh Berries
Fresh berries offer a vibrant, tangy contrast to the creamy textures of scones, making them an essential component of a well-rounded afternoon tea. Seasonal varieties like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries enhance the presentation and flavor.
Besides their delightful taste, fresh berries are packed with nutritional benefits, providing antioxidants and vitamins that contribute to a healthy and invigorating addition to your tea spread.
Butter
Complementing the vibrant flavors of fresh berries, rich and creamy butter is another indispensable accompaniment to scones for afternoon tea.
Butter varieties, such as salted, unsalted, and even flavored options, cater to diverse tastes.
Proper butter storage is crucial for maintaining its quality; keep it refrigerated and, for longer storage, consider freezing.
This guarantees your butter remains fresh and ready to enhance your scones.
Finger Sandwiches
Enhancing the traditional elegance of afternoon tea, finger sandwiches offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Adhering to tea etiquette, these dainty sandwiches typically feature classic sandwich fillings such as cucumber, egg salad, and ham with mustard.
They are cut into small, bite-sized pieces, making them a convenient and charming addition to your tea table, perfectly complementing scones and other treats.
Smoked Salmon
Adding a touch of sophistication to your afternoon tea spread, smoked salmon offers a rich and savory option that pairs wonderfully with the delicate flavors of finger sandwiches.
Not only does it bring elegance, but it also offers numerous health benefits, like being rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
For serving suggestions, consider pairing smoked salmon with cream cheese on rye bread or blinis for delightful bites.
Cucumber Slices
Cucumber slices provide an invigorating and crisp contrast to the rich flavors typically found in an afternoon tea spread. These light, invigorating tea pairings not only cleanse the palate but also offer numerous health benefits.
Packed with hydration and low in calories, cucumber slices can balance the indulgent elements, making your afternoon tea both delightful and nutritious.
Cheese Platter
A well-curated cheese platter can elevate the sophistication and flavor complexity of your afternoon tea experience.
Include a variety of cheeses to cater to different palates, from creamy brie to sharp cheddar.
Complement these flavors with a thoughtful nut selection, such as almonds or walnuts, and consider a wine pairing like a light white or rosé to enhance the overall experience.
Chocolate Spread
Incorporating a rich chocolate spread into your afternoon tea selection offers a delightful indulgence for guests with a sweet tooth. Nutella varieties, with their creamy texture and hazelnut flavor, provide a perfect complement to freshly baked scones.
For those who prefer a more intense flavor, dark chocolate spread adds a touch of sophistication and depth, making afternoon tea both elegant and enjoyable.
Herbal Tea
Herbal tea, with its diverse range of flavors and health benefits, serves as an invigorating alternative to traditional black or green tea during afternoon tea sessions.
Herbal infusions like chamomile, peppermint, and hibiscus offer soothing experiences. Proper brewing techniques, such as steeping at the correct temperature and duration, guarantee the best taste.
Pair these delightful teas with scones to elevate your afternoon tea.
Are the Same Side Dishes Suitable for Serving with Scones and Irish Coffee?
When serving scones and Irish coffee, the best side dishes for Irish coffee are those that complement the flavors of the warm, creamy beverage. Consider options like buttery shortbread cookies, decadent chocolate truffles, or delicate fruit tarts. These treats will elevate the experience of enjoying Irish coffee and scones together.
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water provides an invigorating contrast to the rich flavors of scones during afternoon tea. Its effervescence refreshes the palate, making each bite of scone even more enjoyable.
Available in various flavor variations, from lemon to berry, sparkling water also offers health benefits like hydration without added sugars. This makes it a delightful and wholesome companion for your afternoon tea experience.