Scone Recipe and Tea Party How To by Yours Truly

Today's blog challenge is hardly a challenge, except I have to find the recipes to write them out.

Rather than giving multiple recipes, I am going to give you a recipe to a splendid tea. From my favourite flavor to my favourite scone recipe, it will be a wonderful ensemble.

First, pull out your tea set (unpack it if necessary).  Set everything out, wash if needed, and prepare it to hold tea, milk, and sugar.  Go ahead an put the tea in the tea pot and the sugar in the sugar bowl.  Wait to put the milk in the pitcher so it will not become warm.

Now, check your scone recipe (that I am about to give you) and make sure you have all the ingredients.  I know from experience it is not fun to get to the middle and realize you are short or out of something.  Pull out all the tools you will need.  Wash your hands.  And, GO!

Move the baking rack to the middle in the oven and preheat it to 425 F.

My Mama's Scone Recipe (with a few of my own alterations with which she agrees)
*Bake on 425 F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.  Allow to cool for 10 minutes

-2 cups of self-rising flour
-3 tbs. sugar
-5 tbs. cold butter (cut in small cubes or shred)
-1 cup heavy whipping cream (chill in the back of the fridge.  If partially crystallized it will make fluffier scones)
-1/2 cup of chips--or more (chocolate, cinnamon, dried fruit, etc.) I recommend cinnamon chip

1.  Mix flour and sugar together evenly and thoroughly.
2.  Add butter, use hands or pastry blender, rub butter in till the mixture resembles peas.
3.  Add chocolate chips, etc. and mix evenly.
4.  Add cream.  Stir till dough clumps into a big ball.
5.  Lightly flour counter and place dough on flour.  If dough is sticky, sprinkle some flour on top.
6.  Knead dough by folding over and smooshing with hand 3-6 times.  No more than 15 seconds total.
7.  Flatter and shape dough into rectangle on a lightly floured surface that you can cut on.  The dough should be about half an inch or a bit more in height to allow for maximum fluffiness.
8.  Cut dough into rows.  Then turn the rows into triangles (small, medium, or large).
9.  Place on pan 1/2 inch apart.
10.  Lightly brush with milk or cream and sprinkle lightly with sugar.

I recommend Earl Grey Loose Leaf, if you are able to acquire it.  Delicious flavor!

While the scones are baking, set the table.
When the scones begin coming out, put the water on to boil, prepare the tea, and allow it to steep for 3-4 minutes.

While enjoying your tea party, whether it be with friends, with a book, with the rain, etc.  I recommend classical music, Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack, Christmas Music, Michael Buble, or a Jane Austen book turned movie.

Have a lovely time!

Cousins tea party (cell phone picture, I apologize for the blurriness)

Early Morning Royal Wedding Tea Party (probably 3:55AM EST)

Making scones for The Pilgrim's Protest debate