Scones, those delightful baked goods, hold a special place in culinary traditions. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a comforting snack, the right accompaniments elevate the scone experience from simple sustenance to a moment of pure pleasure. But what exactly are the right accompaniments? This guide explores the diverse world of scone pairings, offering both classic choices and unexpected delights, ensuring every scone you savor is a truly memorable one.
The Classics: A Foundation of Flavor
When thinking of scones, certain pairings immediately spring to mind. These are the time-tested, universally loved accompaniments that form the bedrock of scone enjoyment.
Clotted Cream and Jam: The Quintessential Combination
Clotted cream and jam are arguably the most iconic scone pairing. This dynamic duo represents the heart of the British cream tea tradition. The richness of the clotted cream, with its subtly sweet and slightly tangy flavor, provides a luxurious counterpoint to the sweetness of the jam.
The choice of jam is crucial. Strawberry jam is a classic for a reason; its bright, fruity notes complement the cream beautifully. However, other options like raspberry, blackberry, or even gooseberry jam can offer interesting variations. The key is to choose a high-quality jam with a good balance of sweetness and tartness.
How to Serve: The traditional debate of cream first or jam first continues to rage. In Devon, the cream goes on first, followed by the jam, while in Cornwall, the reverse is true. Ultimately, the choice is a matter of personal preference. The most important thing is to use generous portions of both.
Butter: Simple, Yet Satisfying
While clotted cream is a luxurious treat, sometimes the simplicity of butter is all that’s needed. Freshly baked, still-warm scones spread with a generous layer of butter offer a comforting and satisfying experience.
Choosing the Right Butter: High-quality butter makes a difference. Look for butter with a high butterfat content for a richer, more flavorful experience. Salted or unsalted butter can be used depending on preference, but a slightly salted butter often enhances the flavor of the scone.
Flavor Infusions: For an extra touch, consider infusing the butter with herbs or spices. Garlic herb butter, cinnamon butter, or even a chili-infused butter can add an exciting twist.
Beyond the Basics: Expanding Your Scone Horizons
While the classics are always a safe bet, venturing beyond these traditional pairings can unlock a whole new world of scone possibilities.
Savory Sensations: Scones as a Meal
Scones aren’t just for sweet treats. Savory scones, with ingredients like cheese, herbs, or vegetables, can be transformed into a satisfying meal with the right sides.
Cheese and Chutney: A Tangy Delight
A sharp cheddar or a crumbly blue cheese paired with a tangy chutney creates a delightful flavor contrast. The chutney can be anything from a traditional mango chutney to a more unusual tomato or apple chutney. The sweetness of the chutney complements the savory cheese and the slightly sweet scone base.
Soup: A Warm and Comforting Combination
A warm bowl of soup is the perfect accompaniment to a savory scone, especially on a chilly day. Creamy tomato soup, hearty vegetable soup, or even a simple chicken broth can all work well. The scone can be used to soak up the soup, adding a satisfying texture to the meal.
Salads: A Light and Refreshing Option
A light and refreshing salad provides a counterpoint to the richness of a savory scone. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or a more substantial salad with grilled chicken or vegetables, can create a balanced and satisfying meal.
Sweet Treats: Indulgent Pairings
For those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of options to enhance the sweetness of a scone.
Lemon Curd: A Zesty Zest
Lemon curd adds a burst of citrusy flavor to scones. Its tartness cuts through the richness of the scone, creating a balanced and refreshing experience.
Honey: A Natural Sweetener
A drizzle of honey adds a touch of natural sweetness and complexity to scones. Different types of honey, such as wildflower honey, clover honey, or buckwheat honey, offer varying flavor profiles.
Fruit Compote: A Fruity Explosion
A warm fruit compote, made with berries, apples, or peaches, adds a burst of fruity flavor and moisture to scones. The compote can be spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for an extra layer of complexity.
The Beverage Factor: Complementing Your Scone Experience
No scone experience is complete without the perfect beverage. The right drink can enhance the flavors of the scone and its accompaniments, creating a truly memorable experience.
Tea: The Traditional Choice
Tea is the classic beverage pairing for scones, especially in the context of afternoon tea. Earl Grey, English Breakfast, or Darjeeling are all popular choices. The warmth and subtle flavors of the tea complement the richness of the scone and its accompaniments.
Milk or Lemon? The addition of milk or lemon to tea is a matter of personal preference. Milk adds creaminess and softens the tannins in the tea, while lemon adds a zesty brightness.
Coffee: A Modern Alternative
For those who prefer coffee, a cup of freshly brewed coffee can also be a great accompaniment to scones. A latte, cappuccino, or even a simple black coffee can all work well. The bitterness of the coffee can provide a nice counterpoint to the sweetness of the scone.
Juice: A Refreshing Option
For a lighter and more refreshing option, juice can be a great choice. Orange juice, apple juice, or cranberry juice can all complement the flavors of the scone and its accompaniments.
Crafting the Perfect Scone Spread: Tips and Considerations
Creating the perfect scone spread involves more than just choosing the right accompaniments. It’s about presentation, balance, and considering the overall experience.
Presentation Matters
The way you present your scone spread can significantly impact the overall experience. Use attractive dishes and serving utensils. Arrange the accompaniments in an appealing way. Fresh flowers or a linen tablecloth can add a touch of elegance.
Consider the Season
The season can influence your choice of accompaniments. In the summer, fresh berries and light jams are a great choice. In the fall, apple butter, pumpkin spice butter, or cranberry sauce can be more appropriate.
Dietary Considerations
When planning your scone spread, consider any dietary restrictions or preferences. Offer gluten-free scones or dairy-free alternatives if necessary. Provide a variety of options to cater to different tastes.
Embrace Experimentation
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pairings. Try new jams, chutneys, or butters. Explore savory scone options. The possibilities are endless. The most important thing is to find what you enjoy.
Scone Recipes to Elevate Your Pairing Game
The quality of the scone itself greatly impacts the overall experience. Here are a few scone recipes that pair exceptionally well with a variety of sides:
Classic Buttermilk Scones
This recipe is the foundation for many scone variations. The buttermilk adds a subtle tang and tenderness, making them perfect with clotted cream and jam, or simply butter.
Ingredients: Flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, cold butter, buttermilk.
Pairing Suggestions: Strawberry jam, clotted cream, lemon curd, fresh berries.
Cheese Scones
Packed with cheddar cheese and a hint of mustard, these savory scones are fantastic with chutney, soup, or a side salad.
Ingredients: Flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cold butter, cheddar cheese, mustard, milk.
Pairing Suggestions: Mango chutney, tomato soup, green salad with vinaigrette.
Cranberry Orange Scones
The bright citrus flavor and tart cranberries make these scones a delightful treat, especially around the holidays.
Ingredients: Flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, cold butter, orange zest, orange juice, cranberries.
Pairing Suggestions: Orange marmalade, cranberry sauce, honey, whipped cream.
Herbed Scones
Infused with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, these savory scones are delicious on their own or with a variety of toppings.
Ingredients: Flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cold butter, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, milk.
Pairing Suggestions: Cream cheese, smoked salmon, roasted vegetables, olive oil.
By carefully selecting your scone accompaniments and paying attention to presentation and balance, you can create a truly memorable scone experience that will delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more. So go ahead, explore the world of scone pairings and discover your own perfect combinations. Enjoy!
What is the most classic pairing for scones?
The quintessential accompaniment to scones is undoubtedly clotted cream and jam. This combination, often referred to as “cream tea,” originated in Devon and Cornwall, England, and remains a beloved tradition worldwide. The rich, velvety texture of the clotted cream, paired with the sweetness and vibrancy of the jam, creates a delightful contrast to the slightly crumbly, buttery nature of a freshly baked scone.
Beyond the classic pairing, the beauty of clotted cream and jam lies in its versatility. The type of jam can be tailored to your preferences, from traditional strawberry or raspberry to more adventurous options like blackcurrant or apricot. The clotted cream adds a layer of decadence that elevates the simple scone into a truly special treat.
Can I use something other than clotted cream on my scones?
Absolutely! While clotted cream is the traditional choice, it can be difficult to find or a bit too rich for some. A fantastic alternative is whipped cream, which offers a lighter and airier texture. Look for a high-fat whipping cream for the best results, ensuring it holds its shape well when whipped.
Another excellent substitute is Devonshire cream, which is similar to clotted cream but has a slightly lower fat content and a less pronounced cooked flavor. For a healthier option, consider Greek yogurt, which provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the scone and jam. You can even swirl in a little honey or vanilla extract for added flavor.
What types of jam pair best with scones?
The best type of jam to pair with scones largely depends on your personal preference, but certain flavors complement the buttery, slightly sweet base particularly well. Classic choices include strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry jam, which offer a balance of sweetness and tartness that enhances the scone’s flavor. These fruit jams also boast bright colors that add visual appeal.
Beyond the standards, consider exploring more adventurous options like fig jam, apricot jam, or even a homemade fruit compote. Marmalades, with their slightly bitter and citrusy notes, can also be a delightful counterpoint to the richness of the scone. When selecting your jam, aim for high-quality varieties with a good fruit content and minimal artificial ingredients.
Are there any savory sides that go well with scones?
Yes, scones aren’t limited to sweet pairings! Savory scones, in particular, benefit from a range of flavorful accompaniments. Think about cream cheese with smoked salmon, a combination that offers a salty, smoky, and creamy counterpoint to the scone’s texture. Another excellent option is a soft cheese like brie or goat cheese, which can be paired with a chutney or relish for added complexity.
For a heartier option, consider serving savory scones with a slice of ham or prosciutto, or even a small quiche or frittata. A simple green salad can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the scone and its toppings. The key is to choose flavors that complement the savory profile of the scone itself, rather than overpowering it.
What beverages pair well with scones?
Traditionally, scones are served with tea, particularly black tea like English Breakfast or Earl Grey. The warmth and slight bitterness of the tea help to cut through the richness of the scones and the accompanying cream and jam. Milk is often added to the tea to further complement the creamy elements of the meal.
However, tea isn’t the only option! Coffee, especially a mild blend, can also be a delightful accompaniment. For a more special occasion, consider serving scones with a glass of sparkling wine or prosecco, which adds a touch of elegance and festivity. Ultimately, the best beverage pairing depends on your personal preference and the specific type of scone and its toppings.
Can I make my own clotted cream or jam for scones?
Absolutely! While store-bought clotted cream and jam are readily available, making your own from scratch can elevate the scone-eating experience to a whole new level. Homemade clotted cream, while requiring some patience and a low oven temperature, offers a richer and fresher flavor than many commercially produced options.
Similarly, crafting your own jam allows for complete control over the ingredients and sweetness levels. You can experiment with different fruits, spices, and even add a touch of liqueur for a unique twist. Making your own accompaniments is a rewarding experience that adds a personal touch to your scone indulgence.
What is the best way to serve scones and their sides?
Scones are best served warm, ideally within a few hours of baking. Gently warm them in a low oven or microwave if they’ve cooled down. Arrange the scones on a plate or tiered stand, accompanied by small bowls of clotted cream or other toppings and jam. Provide individual spreaders or spoons for each topping.
For a more formal presentation, consider serving each scone with its own small plate and a knife for spreading. Offer a selection of teas or other beverages in elegant teacups or glasses. The overall presentation should be inviting and encourage guests to relax and enjoy the experience.