Origins, Etiquette, and Must-Try Recipes

When one thinks of England, images of quaint countryside villages, rolling hills, and charming traditions come to mind. And at the heart of many of these idyllic scenes lies the tradition of Devonshire Tea – an institution deeply rooted in British culture and hospitality. With its origins shrouded in history, this delightful afternoon tea experience has captured the hearts and palates of people worldwide. In this ultimate guide, we will uncover the fascinating origins of Devonshire Tea, explore the time-honored etiquette that accompanies it, and tantalize your taste buds with must-try recipes that will leave you yearning for more.

The Origins of Devonshire Tea

To trace the origins of Devonshire Tea, we must travel back in time to the 11th century, where it all began in the beautiful county of Devonshire, England. The first record of tea consumption in England dates back to the 17th century when Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese wife of King Charles II, introduced the custom of drinking tea at court. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the tradition of afternoon tea, including Devonshire Tea, truly took root.

The story goes that Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, found herself growing hungry in the long gap between lunch and dinner. In the early 1840s, she started requesting a pot of tea, along with some bread, butter, and cake, to be brought to her private quarters during the afternoon. This ritual quickly caught on, and soon, the Duchess began inviting her friends to join her for afternoon tea, leading to the popularization of the tradition.

The Debate: Cream or Jam First?

When discussing Devonshire Tea, one cannot escape the great debate that has divided tea enthusiasts for generations – whether to spread the cream or jam first on the scones. In Devonshire, the locals traditionally spread the clotted cream first, followed by a dollop of strawberry jam. This method is lovingly referred to as the “Devon way.”

On the other hand, in Cornwall, a neighboring county, they have a distinct approach – the “Cornish way” – where the jam is spread first, followed by a generous layer of clotted cream. This seemingly innocuous disagreement has sparked passionate arguments among tea aficionados, but in the end, it all comes down to personal preference.

The Etiquette of Devonshire Tea

As with any cherished tradition, Devonshire Tea comes with its own set of etiquette guidelines that ensure a refined and enjoyable experience. When attending a Devonshire Tea gathering or hosting one yourself, keep these time-honored customs in mind:

Dressing the Part: Embrace the charm and elegance of the occasion by dressing in smart-casual attire. For ladies, a classic tea dress or a skirt and blouse ensemble exudes sophistication. Gentlemen may opt for a collared shirt, blazer, and well-tailored trousers.

Tea Selection: The centerpiece of the occasion is, of course, the tea itself. Opt for high-quality loose-leaf teas, such as Earl Grey, Assam, or Darjeeling, to savor the full-bodied flavors that complement the delicate scones.

Scone Protocol: When served a warm scone, never slice it with a knife. Instead, break it gently with your hands to preserve its light and crumbly texture. Remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for seconds!

Tea Pouring: When pouring tea for others, be mindful to fill their cups only two-thirds full to allow space for milk and avoid spillage. Stir your tea in a gentle back-and-forth motion to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Mind Your Manners: Display proper etiquette by raising your teacup with your pinky down, savoring each sip without slurping, and engaging in polite conversation with your fellow tea enthusiasts.

Now that we’ve familiarized ourselves with the origins and etiquette of Devonshire Tea, let’s dive into the most anticipated section – the must-try recipes that will transport your taste buds to the English countryside. Prepare your apron and get ready to create these delectable treats:

Classic Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 2/3 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• Clotted cream and strawberry jam, to serve

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the milk and egg until well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until the dough comes together.

4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times. Roll the dough to a thickness of about 3/4 inch and use a round cutter to cut out scones.

5. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

6. Allow the scones to cool slightly before serving. To enjoy the “Devon way,” spread clotted cream on the scones first, followed by a generous dollop of strawberry jam. Alternatively, try the “Cornish way” by spreading jam first and then adding the clotted cream.

Cucumber and Mint Tea Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of white bread, crusts removed
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• Fresh mint leaves
• Cream cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Lay out the slices of bread and spread a layer of cream cheese on each slice.

2. Place cucumber slices on four of the bread slices, ensuring they cover the entire surface.

3. Season the cucumber with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

4. Top the cucumber with fresh mint leaves and cover with the remaining bread slices.

5. Press down gently on each sandwich to seal the edges.

6. Cut the sandwiches into neat triangles or finger sandwiches.

7. Serve immediately or cover with a damp cloth to keep them fresh until tea time.

Earl Grey Tea Cakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves (from tea bags or loose-leaf tea)
• 1 tablespoon hot water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a small bowl, steep the Earl Grey tea leaves in hot water and set aside.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

6. Stir in the vanilla extract and the steeped tea leaves mixture.

7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until well combined.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Allow the tea cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Once cooled, dust the top of the tea cake with confectioners’ sugar for an elegant finish.

Conclusion

Devonshire Tea is more than just a delightful afternoon tradition; it is a reflection of the charm and grace of British culture. From its humble beginnings in the 19th century to becoming a beloved global phenomenon, this cherished custom brings people together to share warm conversations and indulge in delectable treats.

Whether you decide to serve your scones the “Devon way” or the “Cornish way,” and whether you choose to pair your tea with cucumber and mint sandwiches or Earl Grey tea cakes, the essence of Devonshire Tea remains unchanged – an invitation to slow down, enjoy the simple pleasures of life, and create cherished memories with loved ones.