Elevate Your High Tea: Decadent Vanilla Scones with Luxurious Blackberry Pear Champagne Jam
Prepare to transform your ordinary afternoon tea into an extraordinary “High Tea de luxe” with two truly special recipes: light and airy vanilla-infused scones, generously topped with a homemade blackberry pear champagne jam. This delightful duo is designed to impress and enchant, adding a touch of elegance and exquisite flavor to any gathering. Scones, of course, are an indispensable component of a traditional high tea, and while my blog already boasts several beloved scone variations, this new recipe brings a fresh, luxurious twist that you won’t want to miss.
For those who have enjoyed my previous creations, you might already be familiar with some of my other popular scone recipes, each offering a unique flavor profile:
- Scones with Homemade Strawberry Jelly
- Scones with Strawberries and Whipped Cream
- Scones with Orange Flavor
- Scones with Cranberry Lime Compote
But there’s always room for another exceptional scone recipe, especially when it’s infused with the delicate aroma of vanilla. This time, I’ve taken the classic scone and elevated it with a subtle hint of vanilla, creating a perfect canvas for an equally extraordinary topping. And what could be more luxurious than a homemade jam crafted from seasonal blackberries and pears, with a delightful splash of champagne? The addition of champagne not only lends a sophisticated flavor but also imparts a truly luxurious feel, making this combination perfect for those moments when you want to indulge a little more.
The Ultimate High Tea Deluxe Experience: Crafting Unforgettable Moments
This week, I’m dedicated to sharing a collection of delectable recipes specifically curated for preparing a truly luxury high tea. We began this culinary journey with four exquisite and elegant sandwiches, designed to impress even the most discerning palates. Following that, we explored a savory delight featuring grilled asparagus with Boursin and prosciutto, adding a savory counterpoint to our sweet offerings. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there! You can anticipate more delicious delights throughout the rest of the week, culminating in a comprehensive wrap-up that includes a convenient time schedule. Planning your luxury high tea has never been easier or more enjoyable.
A high tea is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a delightful tradition that brings people together over elegant finger foods and warm beverages. To truly make it deluxe, every component should be a treat for the senses. These vanilla scones and the champagne-infused jam are designed to be star attractions, offering a harmonious blend of comfort and sophistication. The subtle sweetness and tender crumb of the scones provide a delightful contrast to the rich, fruity, and slightly effervescent jam. It’s this attention to detail and the thoughtful combination of flavors that elevates a simple afternoon treat into a truly memorable event.
Mastering the Classic: Crafting the Perfect Vanilla Scones
Scones are the heart of any high tea spread. Achieving that perfect balance of a golden, slightly crisp exterior and a light, fluffy interior is key. Our vanilla scones add a sophisticated depth to this classic, thanks to the fragrant vanilla bean. The secret to light scones lies in a few simple techniques: using cold butter, handling the dough minimally, and working quickly to prevent the butter from melting before baking. This helps create pockets of steam during baking, resulting in that wonderfully airy texture.
Tips for Perfectly Baked Scones:
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Ensure your butter and milk are as cold as possible. This prevents the butter from fully incorporating into the flour, instead leaving small pieces that create flaky layers.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Over-kneading develops the gluten too much, leading to tough scones.
- Use a Sharp Cutter: When cutting the scones, press straight down and lift up without twisting. Twisting can seal the edges, preventing the scones from rising properly.
- Generous Flour Dusting: Lightly flour your work surface and cutter to prevent sticking, but avoid adding too much extra flour to the dough itself.
- High Heat Baking: Scones benefit from a hot oven, which helps them rise quickly and achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
The subtle aroma of vanilla in these scones makes them truly special. You can enhance the vanilla flavor by using good quality vanilla extract if you don’t have a fresh vanilla pod, or even by adding a pinch of vanilla sugar to the flour mixture. These scones are delightful on their own, but they truly shine when paired with our exceptional homemade jam.
A Symphony of Flavors: Crafting the Exquisite Blackberry Pear Champagne Jam
The blackberry pear champagne jam is more than just a condiment; it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors with an indulgent twist. Blackberries offer a beautiful tartness, perfectly balanced by the sweet, mellow notes of ripe pear. The unexpected addition of dry champagne introduces a subtle acidity and a delicate effervescence that elevates the jam to a gourmet level. It’s this unique ingredient that gives the jam its “de luxe” character, transforming a simple fruit spread into something truly special for your high tea.
Secrets to a Sensational Jam:
- Seasonal & Ripe Fruits: Always use fresh, ripe blackberries and pears. The natural sweetness and pectin content will be at their peak, contributing to both flavor and texture.
- Jam Sugar is Your Friend: Jam sugar (gelling sugar) often contains pectin, which helps the jam set perfectly, ensuring a luscious, spreadable consistency.
- Lemon Juice for Brightness: Lemon juice not only adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the sweetness but also helps activate the pectin, aiding in the gelling process.
- The Champagne Touch: Opt for a dry champagne or sparkling wine. Its crispness complements the fruit without making the jam overly sweet. The alcohol cooks off during the simmering process, leaving behind only the elegant flavor.
- The Cold Plate Test: This classic method is crucial for checking if your jam has reached the perfect set point. Keep several small plates in the freezer. When you think the jam is ready, spoon a small amount onto a cold plate. Let it cool for 30 seconds, then push it with your finger. If it wrinkles, it’s ready! If it’s still runny, continue simmering for a few more minutes and re-test.
- Proper Sterilization: Ensure your jam jars are thoroughly sterilized before filling. This is vital for preserving the jam and preventing spoilage, allowing you to enjoy your homemade creation for months to come.
This jam is not just for scones; it’s also wonderful on toast, stirred into yogurt, or even served with cheese. Its versatility makes it a fantastic addition to any gourmet pantry, and a thoughtful homemade gift.
Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.
Need more inspiration?
- You can find video recipes on my YouTube channel.
- And don’t forget to save the recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time!
📖 Recipe Card: Vanilla Scones with Blackberry Pear and Champagne Jam
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Vanilla scones
- 375 grams self-rising flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 30 g butter, finely chopped (cold)
- 180 ml milk
- 125 ml water
- 1 vanilla pod
Blackberry pear champagne jam
- 600 grams blackberries
- 500 grams jam sugar
- 400 grams pear
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 100 ml dry champagne
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
Vanilla scones
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Preheat your oven to 220 degrees Celsius (425°F).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, preparing it for your scones.
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Sift the self-rising flour and sugar into a large mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped, cold butter, and rub it into the flour mixture with your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
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In a separate bowl, combine the milk and water.
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Halve the vanilla pod lengthwise and carefully scrape out the fragrant seeds. Add these vanilla seeds to the milk and water mixture, stirring gently to combine.
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Make a well in the center of the flour and butter mixture, then pour in the vanilla-infused milk mixture.
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Using a butter knife, gently cut and stir the liquid into the flour mixture until a soft, shaggy dough begins to form. Avoid overmixing.
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it very lightly, just a few times, until it comes together into a cohesive, smooth ball. Over-kneading will make the scones tough.
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Gently press or roll the dough into a square shape, approximately 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inches) and about 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick.
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Using a round scone cutter (about 6-7 cm or 2.5 inches), dip it in flour before each cut. Press straight down into the dough without twisting, and then lift. Place the cut scones onto your prepared baking sheet.
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Gather the remaining dough scraps, lightly press them together, and form a new square. Cut out any additional rounds until all dough is used.
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Bake the scones in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and well-risen.
Blackberry pear champagne jam
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Begin by thoroughly washing the blackberries and draining them well. Remove any lingering stalks. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the prepared blackberries with the jam sugar.
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Using a potato masher or fork, gently mash the blackberries a little to release their juices and break down some of the fruit.
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Peel the pear, remove its core, and cut the flesh into small, even cubes.
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Add the cubed pear to the blackberries in the pot.
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Add the lemon juice and dry champagne to the fruits. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil over high heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
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Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 20 minutes. Continue to stir frequently to ensure even cooking and to prevent the jam from burning.
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Perform the cold plate method to check if the jam has set sufficiently (refer to the notes section below for detailed instructions).
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Once the jam has reached its setting point, carefully ladle it into sterilized jam jars. Seal the jars tightly and immediately turn them upside down for about 5 minutes. This helps create a vacuum seal. Then, turn them upright and allow them to cool completely to room temperature.
Notes
- To test if the jam is thick enough, place a small plate in the freezer for a few minutes. Drop a tiny amount of hot jam onto the cold plate. Let it sit for about 30 seconds, then push it gently with your finger. If the jam wrinkles or forms a skin, it has reached its setting point and is ready. If it still runs easily, continue to simmer for a few more minutes and repeat the test with a fresh cold plate.
- After filling the jam jars, turning them upside down for a short period helps create a stronger vacuum seal, which can prevent spoilage and extend shelf life by eliminating air pockets at the top.
Nutrition
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Hosting Your Own High Tea: Creating an Unforgettable Afternoon
Beyond the delicious food, a successful high tea deluxe is also about the atmosphere and presentation. Think about setting the table with your finest china, delicate teacups, and fresh flowers. A tiered stand is essential for showcasing your homemade vanilla scones, along with elegant sandwiches and other sweet treats. Offering a selection of teas, from classic Earl Grey to a delicate floral blend, will also enhance the experience for your guests.
Remember, the beauty of a homemade high tea lies in the love and effort you put into it. These recipes, while offering a touch of luxury, are approachable for any home cook. The satisfaction of serving warm, fluffy scones with your own sparkling jam is immense, and your guests will undoubtedly appreciate the thoughtful gesture. This collection of recipes for a luxury high tea aims to empower you to create these beautiful moments in your own home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scones & Jam
- What is the difference between a scone and a biscuit?
- While both are quick breads, scones typically contain eggs and sugar, giving them a slightly richer and sweeter flavor, and a more tender, cake-like crumb. Biscuits, on the other hand, are usually made with just flour, fat, and liquid, resulting in a flakier, savory texture often served with gravy or savory dishes.
- Can I make the scone dough ahead of time?
- You can prepare the scone dough up to the point of cutting, then cover and refrigerate the cut scones on the baking sheet for a few hours. For best results, it’s ideal to bake them fresh, as baking powder loses some potency over time. You can also freeze raw cut scones and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- How long does homemade jam last?
- When properly processed and sealed in sterilized jars, homemade jam can last for up to a year in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within 2-3 weeks for optimal freshness and flavor.
- What other fruits can I use in this champagne jam recipe?
- The beauty of homemade jam is its adaptability! While blackberries and pears are a fantastic combination, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits like raspberries, blueberries, peaches, or apricots. Adjusting the amount of jam sugar might be necessary depending on the sweetness and pectin content of your chosen fruits.
- Can I substitute the champagne in the jam?
- Yes, if you prefer a non-alcoholic version or don’t have champagne, you can substitute it with sparkling grape juice, white grape juice, or even a dry white wine for a similar depth of flavor. The champagne primarily adds a subtle, sophisticated note, and its absence won’t ruin the jam.
We hope these recipes inspire you to embark on your own culinary adventure and bring the joy of a deluxe high tea into your home. Happy baking and jam-making!