scones – Susie Hemingway

I have spent the morning baking for our Village Spring Flower Show, which is tomorrow. In the morning I will pick a flower or two and some nice greenery, to make a small display to enter. There are not many flowers in my garden that are in bloom at the moment, mostly daffodils but I will see what I can come up with. Although listed as a flower show, there is always a very successful baking section, a wonderful display of scrumptious home baking. Cakes, scones, flans, jams, lemon-curds all manner of goodies . There are some very fine cooks and chefs in the Village but it’s always great fun to enter even as a novice. Some of the men, who would never normally cook have a go, and I can vouch that some of their flapjacks turn out to be very fine indeed! When the serious business of judging is over, all the items are auctioned off, which is such great fun, causing a lot of merriment, as we all get to bid on each others offerings and very often go home with something special for tea.

Shown above: Two simple fruit cakes with a little touch of brandy in each. One ‘old fashioned’ Apple-pie, and Two, Ham, Mustard, Egg and Cheese Flans.

How delightful afternoon tea is. Not much beats this, in my opinion. Yes of course it should be the real deal, of tiny thin crust-less sandwiches filled with such delights as salmon and cucumber or potted paste. Then to follow a nice slice of rich homemade fruit cake, all serve-up with a good quality pot of tea. It is such an English tradition, that still works well, even if only during the weekends of our busy lives. But what about the humble scone, which is often neglected, still cheap to make and can turn in a minute, into the most delicious tea-time treat, with a good portion of whipped cream and topped with some really wonderful strawberry jam. When the need for a full high-tea is not required, this little humble cake can been perfect. It is also such a useful stop-gap when having a house full of weekend guests, particularly if you are to eat out or perhaps later in the evening. It makes a focus to the afternoon, gathering guests together for a cosy afternoon chat. Always remember, that the not so humble scone, makes a very reasonable quick and scrumptious tea time treat which never seems to stay on the plate for long.

A Power Within

Tag: scones

Preparing For the Village Spring Flower Show.

The Not So Humble Scone.