English Afternoon Tea -- Almond Scones
Scones are the quintessential snack for English afternoon tea. They are incredibly quick and simple to make. The key is to avoid over-kneading; once the dough is roughly formed into a uniform mass, it can be shaped, sliced, and baked.
What makes these scones special is the addition of ground almonds, which gives them a rich aroma after baking. They have a crispy exterior and a soft, moist interior thanks to the yogurt. The traditional British way to enjoy them is to slice them in half, top them with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
The scone is a type of quick bread from Scotland. Its name is derived from the Stone of Scone, also known as the Stone of Destiny, a historic stone used in the coronation of Scottish kings.
Traditional scones were triangular in shape, made primarily with oats, and cooked on a griddle. Today, however, flour is the main ingredient, and they are baked in an oven like other breads. Their shape is no longer limited to a triangle and can be round, square, diamond-shaped, or other forms. Scones can be sweet or savory and are suitable not only for breakfast but also as a snack.