Scones, those delightful baked goods with a slightly crumbly texture and buttery flavor, are a beloved treat around the world. Whether enjoyed as part of a traditional afternoon tea or a quick breakfast, the perfect accompaniments can elevate the scone experience from good to extraordinary. But what exactly goes good with scones? The answer, thankfully, is quite a lot! This comprehensive guide explores a wide array of sweet and savory pairings that will tantalize your taste buds and transform your scone-eating ritual.
The Classic Companions: Jams, Clotted Cream, and Preserves
No discussion of scone accompaniments would be complete without mentioning the classics. Jams, clotted cream, and preserves are the quintessential partners, providing a sweet and creamy counterpoint to the scone’s inherent dryness.
Jams: A Burst of Fruity Flavor
Jam, in its myriad of flavors, offers an easy and accessible way to enhance a scone. From the traditional strawberry and raspberry to the more adventurous blackcurrant and apricot, the possibilities are endless. The best jams boast a vibrant fruit flavor and a smooth, spreadable consistency. Opt for high-quality jams with a high fruit content for the most authentic and satisfying experience. A particularly good pairing involves a homemade scone and a locally sourced jam, allowing you to appreciate the craftsmanship and regional ingredients.
Clotted Cream: The Rich and Decadent Choice
Clotted cream, a thick, rich cream made by indirectly heating full-cream cow’s milk, is a must-try with scones. Its velvety texture and subtly sweet flavor create a luxurious sensation on the palate. Originating from Devon and Cornwall in England, clotted cream is traditionally served with scones as part of a cream tea. Be sure to source authentic clotted cream, which should be thick enough to hold its shape and have a slightly golden crust. Spread generously onto your scone for an unforgettable treat.
Preserves: A Chunky and Textured Delight
Preserves, unlike jams, contain larger pieces of fruit, providing a more textured and robust flavor. They add a delightful dimension to your scone, offering bursts of fruity goodness with every bite. Popular choices include orange marmalade, fig preserves, and plum preserves. When choosing preserves, look for options with whole or halved fruits suspended in a thick, syrupy base. This will ensure a more substantial and satisfying experience.
Sweet Sensations: Beyond the Basics
While jams, clotted cream, and preserves are undoubtedly popular, there are plenty of other sweet options that pair beautifully with scones. These alternatives offer a chance to experiment with different flavors and textures, creating a unique and personalized scone experience.
Honey: A Natural Sweetener
Honey, with its natural sweetness and floral notes, is a versatile accompaniment to scones. Different types of honey, such as wildflower, clover, or manuka, offer varying flavor profiles that can complement different scone varieties. Drizzle a generous amount of honey over your scone for a simple yet satisfying treat. Choose raw, unfiltered honey for the most intense flavor and health benefits. The subtle nuances of the honey will enhance the scone’s inherent flavors, creating a harmonious pairing.
Lemon Curd: A Tangy and Creamy Delight
Lemon curd, a tangy and creamy spread made from lemon juice, sugar, and eggs, is a delightful alternative to traditional jams. Its bright, citrusy flavor cuts through the richness of the scone, creating a refreshing and balanced experience. Look for homemade lemon curd or high-quality store-bought versions with a smooth and silky texture. The sharpness of the lemon provides a wonderful contrast to the buttery scone, making it a particularly appealing choice for those who prefer a less intensely sweet option.
Maple Syrup: A Rich and Aromatic Drizzle
Maple syrup, with its distinctive flavor and aroma, is another excellent choice for sweetening scones. Its rich, caramel-like notes pair particularly well with scones that contain spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Opt for pure maple syrup, rather than imitation syrups, for the most authentic and flavorful experience. The depth of flavor that maple syrup brings elevates the humble scone to a truly special treat.
Fruit Compote: A Warm and Fruity Topping
A warm fruit compote, made with seasonal fruits simmered in a sweet syrup, adds a touch of elegance and warmth to your scone. Berries, apples, or peaches are all excellent choices for a compote. The warmth of the compote complements the slightly crumbly texture of the scone, creating a comforting and satisfying dish. Consider adding a touch of spice, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to the compote for added depth of flavor.
Savory Sensations: Expanding the Scone Horizon
While scones are often associated with sweet accompaniments, they can also be enjoyed with a variety of savory pairings. These options offer a welcome change of pace and can transform scones into a satisfying meal.
Cheese: A Classic Combination
Cheese and scones are a surprisingly delightful combination. The sharpness of the cheese complements the subtle sweetness of the scone, creating a balanced and flavorful experience. Cheddar, brie, and goat cheese are all excellent choices. Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite pairing. Consider warming the scone slightly to enhance the melting of the cheese.
Smoked Salmon: An Elegant and Flavorful Option
Smoked salmon, with its rich and smoky flavor, is an elegant accompaniment to scones. Its salty and savory notes pair beautifully with the subtle sweetness of the scone. Add a dollop of cream cheese or crème fraîche for added richness and creaminess. This combination is perfect for a brunch or light lunch.
Hummus: A Healthy and Flavorful Spread
Hummus, a creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, is a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional spreads. Its savory and slightly nutty flavor pairs well with plain or savory scones. Add some fresh vegetables, such as cucumber or tomatoes, for a complete and satisfying meal.
Savory Butters: Infusing Flavor
Savory butters, infused with herbs, spices, or vegetables, offer a simple yet effective way to enhance the flavor of your scone. Garlic butter, herb butter, or sun-dried tomato butter are all excellent choices. The infused flavors melt into the scone, creating a delicious and aromatic experience. Homemade savory butters are particularly rewarding, allowing you to customize the flavors to your liking.
Drinks to Delight: The Perfect Sip
No scone experience is complete without the perfect beverage. The right drink can complement the flavors of the scone and its accompaniments, creating a harmonious and satisfying experience.
Tea: The Traditional Choice
Tea is the classic accompaniment to scones, particularly as part of afternoon tea. Black teas, such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast, are popular choices, but green teas and herbal teas can also be excellent options. The warmth of the tea complements the warmth of the scone, creating a comforting and relaxing experience. Consider the specific flavor profile of your scone when choosing a tea. A lighter, more floral tea might pair well with a plain scone, while a stronger, more robust tea might be better suited to a scone with dried fruit or spices.
Coffee: A Bold and Flavorful Alternative
Coffee, with its bold and aromatic flavor, is a great alternative to tea. A strong cup of coffee can cut through the richness of the scone and its accompaniments, providing a stimulating and energizing experience. Choose a coffee that complements the flavors of your scone. A dark roast might be a good choice for a chocolate chip scone, while a lighter roast might be better suited to a plain or fruit-filled scone.
Juice: A Refreshing Option
Juice, particularly freshly squeezed juice, can be a refreshing accompaniment to scones. Orange juice, apple juice, or grapefruit juice are all excellent choices. The acidity of the juice cuts through the richness of the scone, creating a balanced and invigorating experience.
Sparkling Wine: For a Touch of Elegance
For a more celebratory occasion, consider pairing your scones with sparkling wine. Champagne, Prosecco, or other sparkling wines add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the scone experience. The bubbles cleanse the palate, allowing you to fully appreciate the flavors of the scone and its accompaniments.
Tips for the Perfect Scone Experience
To truly elevate your scone experience, keep these tips in mind:
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Freshness is key: Enjoy your scones as soon as possible after baking for the best texture and flavor.
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Warm it up: Slightly warming a scone enhances its aroma and texture.
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Spread generously: Don’t be shy with your accompaniments! Generously spread your chosen toppings for maximum flavor.
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Experiment and have fun: Don’t be afraid to try different pairings to discover your personal favorites.
Ultimately, the best way to determine what goes good with scones is to experiment and discover your own preferences. With so many delicious possibilities, the scone experience is sure to be a delightful adventure. So, gather your favorite accompaniments, brew a pot of tea or coffee, and indulge in the simple pleasure of a perfectly paired scone.
What is the best type of jam to serve with scones?
The “best” type of jam really depends on personal preference, but certain flavors tend to complement scones particularly well. Classic choices like strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry jam are always a safe bet, offering a sweet and slightly tart counterpoint to the rich, buttery flavor of the scone. These fruit-forward jams enhance the overall experience without overpowering the delicate taste of the scone itself.
Beyond the classics, consider exploring more unique jam flavors for a delightful twist. Apricot jam provides a gentle sweetness, while fig jam adds a touch of earthy sophistication. For those who enjoy a bit of tang, a citrus marmalade like orange or grapefruit can be a refreshing complement. Ultimately, experimenting with different jam varieties is the best way to discover your personal favorite pairing.
Besides clotted cream, what are some other good toppings for scones?
While clotted cream is the quintessential scone topping, many other options provide delicious alternatives and cater to different tastes. For a lighter option, consider whipped cream, crème fraîche, or even Greek yogurt. These offer a creamy texture that complements the scone’s dryness without being overly heavy. They also pair well with fruit preserves and fresh fruit.
Beyond dairy-based toppings, think about exploring nut butters like almond or cashew butter for a richer, more savory experience. Lemon curd provides a bright and tangy counterpoint to the scone’s sweetness, while honey or maple syrup offer a simple yet satisfying glaze. Consider also a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a touch of warmth and spice.
Can you pair savory scones with sweet toppings, and vice versa?
Absolutely! While there are traditional pairings, don’t be afraid to experiment with contrasting flavors to create a unique and memorable experience. The key is to balance the sweetness and saltiness for a harmonious taste. For example, a cheese scone could be surprisingly delicious with a dollop of fig jam or a drizzle of honey. The sweet notes complement the savory cheese, creating a delightful complexity.
Conversely, a slightly sweet scone, like one with dried cranberries or currants, can be enhanced by savory toppings. Consider pairing it with a flavored cream cheese spread or even a thin slice of ham or smoked salmon. The combination of sweet and savory can be incredibly satisfying and offer a welcome change from the traditional pairings.
What drinks pair well with scones?
Tea is the classic and most popular beverage to accompany scones, especially English breakfast tea or Earl Grey. The warmth and slightly bitter notes of tea cut through the richness of the scone and the sweetness of the jam and cream. The tradition of afternoon tea often centers around this pairing, making it a natural and enjoyable choice.
However, other beverages can also complement scones beautifully. Coffee, particularly a latte or cappuccino, provides a rich and comforting alternative to tea. For a special occasion, consider a glass of sparkling wine or prosecco. The bubbles and acidity help cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the overall experience. Iced tea or lemonade can also be refreshing choices, especially during warmer months.
What fruits go best with scones?
Similar to jam, the best fruit pairings often depend on personal preference, but some fruits naturally complement the texture and flavor of scones. Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are classic choices, providing a burst of freshness and sweetness. Their vibrant colors also add visual appeal to the presentation. These fruits pair particularly well with clotted cream or whipped cream.
Other fruits to consider include peaches, apricots, and figs. Sliced peaches or apricots offer a juicy and slightly tart counterpoint to the richness of the scone. Figs, with their unique texture and slightly sweet flavor, provide a more sophisticated option. For a truly special treat, consider caramelized apples or pears, which add a warm and comforting element to the pairing.
How can I make my scone pairings more visually appealing?
Presentation is key to elevating the scone-eating experience. Start by arranging the scones attractively on a tiered serving stand or a pretty plate. Use a variety of colors and textures to create visual interest. For example, if serving berries, arrange them in a small bowl or pile them artfully next to the scones. Ensure the jam and cream are presented in attractive dishes.
Garnish the plate with fresh herbs like mint or edible flowers to add a touch of elegance. A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon can also enhance the visual appeal. Consider using different sized plates or bowls to create visual depth. Finally, pay attention to the overall setting. A nicely set table with pretty linens and flowers can transform a simple scone pairing into a special occasion.
Are there any regional variations in scone pairings that I should be aware of?
Yes, scone pairings can vary significantly depending on the region. In Devon, England, the traditional way is to spread clotted cream first, followed by jam. In Cornwall, England, the order is reversed: jam first, then clotted cream. This friendly rivalry is a matter of regional pride, and both methods are considered delicious. These differences highlight how deeply rooted scone pairings are in local tradition.
Beyond the cream-and-jam debate, other regional variations exist. In some areas, savory scones are more common and are often paired with cheese, chutney, or even smoked salmon. In Scotland, scones might be served with butter and a cup of tea. Exploring these regional differences can add a new dimension to your scone-eating experience and provide inspiration for unique pairings.