One of the biggest culinary arguments I know of in the South west is the right way to eat a cream tea. Is it jam or cream first? I know you’ve boiled the kettle, poured water into the pot. While your tea brews let’s talk scones, jam and cream.
Put the Jam on first!
I really don’t know why there is an argument around the order. In Devon it seems that most people believe cream goes first. But Dorset, Cornwall and Somerset can’t all be wrong when the tradition in these counties is for jam first. (As a blow-in I brought my ‘up country’ ways with me and always dollop the jam on first. As for the type of jam, Strawberry is most popular in cafes, but really you should just go with your favourite. In my house you’ll most likely enjoy Sour Cherry conserve.
Spread the cream on top.
Of course, scones are merely vessels for transporting clotted cream to the mouth. Placing the delicious, thick cream on top means you can increase the amount that you get to enjoy! Why would you do it any other way?
You’re done!
That’s right, you’ve now got the perfect cream tea. All that’s left to do is pour your tea, sit back and enjoy!
Mixing it up.
OK, so I’ve just been sharing my own (hard) preferences, but personally I’m always wary of self-professed experts on the internet. Don’t take my word for it, try it out with the cream first. Or use butter first and add jam but not cream. Fruit scones or plain? Are you a jam fan or would you prefer a curd? Give it all a go and then let me know what you like best.
It is always a pleasure to work with Stu. When I proposed a set of cream tea photos, investigating whether Jam or cream goes first, he was happy to oblige. Especially when we decided to enjoy the “props” for lunch. A much safer choice than the props for our first set… Raspberries and blueberries get everywhere.
While you enjoy your cream tea, do go and check out Stu’s blog, The Working End. Not only does he share his thoughts on rope, he shares insights into demisexuality.
From the story of how the barefoot sub became the woman she is today, to toy reviews, with a hefty dose of contemplation, a sprinkling of erotica and a LOT of nudity in between, you can be sure to find something to tickle your fancy at A Leap Of Faith.
For me it’s an engineering problem. The relative viscosity and adhesive qualities of jam and cream mean assembly is easier if jam goes first.
So funny. We just had this conversation last week. One of us is from Bristol and both now in Canada. We decided jam first. No other reason other than physics 😉
Always jam first. it bonds better to the scone and then the cream sits on top. The other way it is nearly impossible to spread the jam on to the cream and ends up being a dollop on top.
And your picture proves that, cream first and it would have just slide off when you tipped them!
Molly
Mmm … lovely Boobday photo!!!
As for your question, you know I always like my cream … anywhere and everywhere !!!
Xxx – K
Hehe, you make a very good point! N xx
Delicious either way, but I agree with you!