How Do You Eat Your Scones?

As anyone who knows me would attest, I love scones. Any kind of scone will do, but my favorite being the old fashioned buttermilk scone with lemon peel.

Not that it's important, but how do you eat your scone? Do you slather it in jam after slicing it, balance the jam on top, or dip it in your "topping" of choice? Even pre-made scones purchased from some establishments serve their scones pre-sliced with jam and cream stuffed inside. This may save time but it's not correct and it makes me cringe.

It's improper to slice a scone, yet it is very common behavior. If you bake your own (or even purchase them) for a tea party or buffet, they should be made in to smaller, bite sized scones. The correct manner in which one eats a scone is the same manner in which one eats a dinner roll. Simply break off a bite size only piece, place it on your plate and then apply, with your bread and butter knife, the jam (and cream or butter if you choose). A fork is not used to eat a scone. Please, no dipping!

If you've wondered how to arrange the tiered stands for Tea Time and how to place your offerings, here is a bit of direction.

Afternoon Tea food placement for a three tier curate stand:

Top Tier Scones

Middle Tier Savories and Tea Sandwiches

Bottom Tier Sweets

The protocol of placing the scones on the top tier is due to the fact that during the 1800's, when afternoon tea first became popular, and modern kitchen conveniences did not exist, a warming dome was placed over the scones. The dome would only fit on the top tier. The savories and tea sandwiches, followed by the sweets, were placed on the middle and bottom tiers respectively. At the progression of each course, service would be provided to remove each tier.

No matter how you choose to eat your scones, do enjoy one with your tea!