Tea Parties!

There is all this talk in the US of the Tea Party movement.

I think a proper Devon Cream Tea is the way to go. In fact, I'm all for it.

I strongly suggest Hanson's, 2 Cathedral Close, Exeter EX1 1EZ (1392-276-913) for a nice Devon Cream tea. Sure, the place is full of grockles, but it's been around for ages. Lovely and quaint. Although, I've never personally eaten there.

If you can't, or won't, go to Exeter, you can always make your own cream tea. A traditional Devon cream tea is comprised of two scones, strawberry jam, clotted cream and a cup of tea.

Simply split the scones in half
Cover with a thick layer of strawberry jam.
Top with large spoonful of Devon cream
Serve on your best china plates.

It is important that the scones be warm (ideally, freshly baked), clotted cream (not whipped), and that the jam be strawberry (although raspberry jam is sometimes used as an alternative. Butter should never be included. Clotted cream is a bit like butter in consistency, which is why butter isn't served. The tea should be served with milk. Some people put the clotted cream on the scone first and top it with the jam. My personal favourite is put the jam on the scone and then clotted cream, but that's partly to do with the way I was brought up.

If it’s a summer afternoon then why not sit out in the garden and enjoy your cream tea.

Sadly all this clotted cream is not good for the waistline, however a little now and then is good for the soul.