Ah, January in Scotland. The days are short, the wind's got a bite to it, and there's nothing quite like curling up with a warm cuppa and some sweet treats to chase away the winter blues. If you're looking for a way to brighten up those long, dark afternoons, why not treat yourself to a proper Scottish afternoon tea? It's the perfect excuse to catch up with pals, or just to spoil yourself a little bit.
The Tradition of Afternoon Tea in Scotland
Tea has been a big part of life in Scotland since way back in the 18th century. At first, it was a bit of a luxury – only the well-off could afford it, and it was saved for special occasions. But by the late 19th century, tea had become much more affordable, and just about everyone was drinking it.
It wasn’t just something for home, either; people loved going to tea rooms to catch up with friends over a cuppa. This was also when the tradition of High Tea kicked off – a proper evening meal with a mix of cold dishes and, of course, plenty of hot tea to wash it all down.
Afternoon Tea, on the other hand, started a bit further south, thanks to Anna, Duchess of Bedford, back in the 1840s. She’d get hungry between lunch and dinner and started having tea and snacks to keep her going. She invited a few pals to join in, and before long, it became the done thing – even Queen Victoria got in on it, turning it into a proper fashionable ritual.
Nowadays, Afternoon Tea is a firm favourite across the UK, served up in cosy tea rooms and posh hotel lounges alike. Every place does it a bit differently, but you can usually count on finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and a selection of sweet treats. And while tea is the star of the show, most places will sort you out with a coffee if that’s more your thing. Feeling fancy? You can usually add a glass of fizz to make it even more of a treat.
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Essential Savouries to Accompany Your Sweets
Now, we know we're here to talk about the sweet stuff, but you can't have a proper afternoon tea without a few savouries to start. A few finger sandwiches are a must – smoked salmon if you're feeling flush, or maybe some egg and cress if you're watching the pennies. And don't forget the oatcakes and cheese. A nice bit of Lanark Blue or some Mull of Kintyre cheddar goes down a treat.
Sweet Treats to Delight Your Guests
Right, onto the main event. No Scottish afternoon tea would be complete without a selection of sweet treats. Scottish tablet is the kind of thing your granny would make if your granny was a baking genius.
And let's not forget about the original Scottish fudge. Smooth, creamy, and available in flavours like gingerbread, sea salt, Belgian chocolate, orange, and more. It's the kind of thing that'll have your guests fighting over the last piece.
And for those of you with a real sweet tooth, you can't go wrong with the tablet popcorn. It's not traditional afternoon tea fare, but it's January, it's freezing outside, and you deserve a treat.
Seasonal Flavours to Try in January
January might seem a bit bleak on the fruit front, but there's still plenty to work with. Apples are still going strong, so why not knock up a quick apple crumble? Or if you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at a Clootie Dumpling. It's a bit like a Christmas pudding, but we Scots eat it all year round because we're not daft enough to limit ourselves to one month of pudding.
Hosting Tips for Your January Afternoon Tea
When it comes to hosting your own afternoon tea, remember – it's not about being fancy, it's about being welcoming. Make sure you've got plenty of tea on the go, keep the treats coming, and don't be afraid to mix things up a bit.
If you're serving up Mrs Tilly's fudge or tablet, why not cut it into small, bite-sized pieces? It looks dead posh on the plate, and it means your guests can try a few different flavours without feeling like they're being greedy. And here's a top tip – warm your plates before you serve. There's nothing worse than a cold scone, trust me.
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, Scottish afternoon tea is all about good food and good company. It's about taking a break from the dreary January weather and treating yourself to something special.
So go on, put the kettle on, dig out your best teacups, and treat yourself to a proper Scottish afternoon tea. Your taste buds will thank you, and you'll have given yourself joy to brighten up those long January afternoons.
And remember, if anyone tries to tell you that afternoon tea is just for posh folk down south, you can tell them that up here in Scotland, we know how to do it right. Don't forget to check out the range of sweet treats available at Mrs Tilly’s!
