Breads · Family Favorites · Sauces

Devonshire Cream

Is there anything better than scones with clotted cream, lemon curd and jam? I have never tried making clotted cream, but I have a recipe for Devonshire Cream that is easy and delicious. High tea connoisseurs might argue this isn’t REAL Devonshire Cream but our family loves it. Recently, our family enjoyed a homemade high tea (scones compliments of daughter Megan) and Devonshire Cream front and center. If my memory serves me right, this recipe originally came to me from my sister-in-law, Donna. Another great family cook!

Scones with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and jam would be a wonderful way to treat the special Mom in your life this weekend!

Devonshire Cream

INGREDIENTS:
  • 3 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup whipping cream
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Soften cream cheese. Once softened add sugar, vanilla and whipping cream and beat until smooth.
  2. Chill in the refrigerator and serve with your favorite scones or bread

Attribution

Breads · Breakfast

Peach Scones

Oh, the memory of high tea in England with delicious scones, pastries, and tiny sandwiches. The Peach Scone recipe sounded delicious and I had to try it. They were as yummy as I thought they would be and I didn’t even eat with clotted cream and jam (although that would also be delicious).

Peach Scones

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, frozen
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the work surface 
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar 
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder 
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 
  • 1 cup sliced peaches, thawed if frozen (I used fresh)
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, plus more for brushing on the scones 
  • 1/2 cup sour cream 
  • 1 large egg 
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract 
  • Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream 
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract 
  • Pinch sea salt 
DIRECTIONS:
  1. For the scones: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grate the frozen butter into a bowl using a box grater. Combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Add the peaches and toss in the flour to coat. Add the butter and toss to combine.
  2. Stir together the heavy cream, sour cream, egg, vanilla and almond extracts in a medium bowl. Slowly add the cream mixture to the flour mixture, and mix just until a dough comes together. (Make sure not to overwork).
  3. Turn the dough out onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and shape into a 9-inch disc, about 1 inch thick. Score the dough into 8 wedges, using a knife to cut into but not all the way through the dough. Brush the tops of the scones with cream. Bake until the scones are cooked through and golden brown on top, 20 to 25 minutes. Cut into wedges, then remove to a wire rack to cool until warm. (Note: I had to bake a bit longer until they were golden brown).
  4. Meanwhile, make the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, almond extract and salt in a small bowl. Spoon the glaze over the scones before serving.

Recipe from Food Network Kardea Brown.

Nicaragua · Vegetarian

Nicaragua…Introduction to Banana Jam…YUM!

What a delight to get up in the morning, dress and not worry about applying cosmetics or blow-drying my hair.  At least that is what I thought until I looked at my pictures when I returned home. YIKES!  That is why you are seeing more photos of food and scenery than of me.

Bananas and Poinsettas growing at FEV

I would wander to the dining area in the morning to enjoy a fresh banana (craving one now) and a hot cup of that coffee!  I take a moment to soak in the beautiful morning view while my travel buddies wander in, one by one, to convene for breakfast.

Morning view of the cloud forest from Tucan Lodge

This particular morning, we were served wonderful pancakes with fresh jams.  My absolute favorite was the banana jam.  Again, I wonder how I’ve never tasted banana jam.  Genius!

Pancakes with jams

When I returned home, I searched for Banana Jam recipes and found the following recipe in the Jamlady’s cookbook.  I made it.  I liked it.  We served it at daughter Sarah’s bridal shower along with scones and clotted cream.  It’s a cherished member of my growing collection of recipes.

Ingredients for Banana Jam

BANANA JAM

3 1/2 pounds of peeled bananas
3 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon butter
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

l
Cooking Banana Jam

Mash the bananas and cook with the rest of the ingredients for 20 minutes. Stir continuously so the jam does not stick or burn. Cool. Jam will thicken. Optional: use food processor to blend.

I did not freeze or can the jam but ate it all fresh! My next experiment will be to use banana jam in homemade ice cream. YUM!

IMG_1391

Recipe adapted from Jamlady, ‘Jellies, Jams, and Preserves’