Dear Reader,
I did say a few months ago that I would not write my blog again . But friends I was very ill and couldn't quite make the effort to type. But happily I am now better so will continue as before, but perhaps not every Sunday just when I feel sprightly enough.
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Scones originated in Scotland in the early 16th century as large oat-based griddle cakes. They are not quite cake, but not a biscuit or pastry either, scones have a unique texture of their own.
They are traditonally made with flour, butter, sugar and milk, but it is the quality of the accompaniments, in particular, cream, that elevates them on afternoon tea menus.
Around 1840, scones became an essential part of the fashionable ritual of afternoon tea in England. This was popularized by Ann, Duchess of Bedford, who was a close friend of Queen Victoria. Afternoon Tea is still an English tradition and enjoyed by many who visit hotels or cafes where it can be obtained. Or you can just have it at home!
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From Francis Kilvert, September 5th 1871 in Radnorshire
'The day was lovely and i went over to Newchurch..... A solitary fern cutter was at work on the Vicar's Hill mowing the fern with a sharp harsh ripping sound. In the first Newchurch field the turkeys, black and grey and fawn-coloured, were mourning in the stubbles, and a black pony was grazing pensively over the hedge.'
From Gilbert White September 4th 1774 in Hampshire
'Wood-owls hoot much.'
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Afternoon Tea
If the woman had had
choice of mother,
she would have chosen
one who liked afternoon tea,
with scones, strawberry jam,
sweet biscuits, and hot Darjeeling.
But the mother of the woman
did not like afternoon tea.
She liked cocktails, excitement,
after dark and its secrets,
stirring things up, mischief,
and life’s excesses.
As the woman knew
that choice of mother
was not negotiable,
she chose her friends
with four o’clock in mind.
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With very best wishes,
Patricia
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