Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Sconed

Romancing the scone
Out of love for the veddy British treat, we tweak, adjust and cajole the recipe till we come up with airy perfection

Fog raced through the streets, chilling bones and stirring up an appetite for something warming. Dinner was still several hours away, but the beauty of London is that afternoon tea starts at 3 p.m. After Christmas shopping, it’s the perfect way to relax and refresh — tea, sandwiches and a warm scone.

For me, afternoon tea was the most memorable part of the city. Almost every London hotel worth its weight offers this timeless tradition. In Houston, we have a handful of places that serve afternoon tea, including the St. Regis Hotel in the Galleria area and Serenitea Tea Room in Sugar Land.

The best comes at the end: a perfectly risen scone with a crusty sheath and moist, biscuity interior. Warm and fragrant as fresh-baked bread, it begs to be slathered with clotted cream and strawberry preserve.

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