Classic Tea Cakes Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the dough: Scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft.
- Cool: Allow the tea cakes to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Once cooled, serve the tea cakes with a warm cup of tea.
Enjoy these light, slightly sweet tea cakes as a perfect accompaniment to your afternoon tea!
Butter, Cheese, and Jam Toasts
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of your favorite bread (French baguette, sourdough, or rustic white bread work well)
- 2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 slices of your favorite cheese (brie, camembert, or cheddar are great choices)
- 2-3 tablespoons of your favorite jam (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot work well)
- A pinch of sea salt (optional)
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as thyme or basil)
Instructions:
- Toast the bread: Lightly toast the bread slices in a toaster or under a broiler until golden brown.
- Butter the bread: While the bread is still warm, spread a thin layer of softened butter on each slice.
- Add the cheese: Place a slice of cheese on top of each buttered toast. If you’re using a cheese that melts well, you can place the toasts under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is slightly melted.
- Top with jam: Spoon a dollop of your chosen jam on top of the cheese.
- Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt or a few fresh herbs over the top for an added layer of flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and gooey.
This combination of butter, cheese, and jam on toast offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures—creamy, rich, sweet, and savory—all in one bite. Perfect for a quick snack or an elegant appetizer!
