- Elegant Afternoon Tea Delight: Lavender Shortbread with Earl Grey Cream
Afternoon tea is an iconic British tradition that has been cherished for centuries. It is not just about sipping tea and enjoying snacks; it is a delightful experience that combines flavors, textures, and aromas to create a perfect moment of indulgence. One of the most popular afternoon tea treats is shortbread, a crumbly, buttery biscuit that pairs beautifully with a cup of tea. In this article, we will explore a unique twist on this classic treat – lavender shortbread with earl grey cream. This elegant combination of flavors will transport you to a serene garden filled with the fragrance of lavender and the comforting aroma of tea.
Understanding the Ingredients
The key ingredients in this recipe are lavender and earl grey tea. Both of these ingredients have distinct characteristics that make them ideal for creating a sophisticated and aromatic dessert.
- Lavender: Lavender is a fragrant herb that is often used in perfumes, soaps, and culinary dishes. Its floral notes add a delicate sweetness to baked goods. However, it is important to use culinary-grade lavender, which is specifically grown for consumption. Edible lavender should be fresh, vibrant, and free from pesticides or other chemicals. The best time to harvest lavender is when the flowers are fully open but before they start to fade. You can either purchase dried lavender buds or fresh lavender sprigs from a reputable supplier.
- Earl Grey Tea: Earl Grey tea is a black tea that is flavored with bergamot oil, giving it a citrusy and slightly floral taste. The bergamot flavor complements the sweetness of the shortbread and adds a unique dimension to the earl grey cream. When selecting earl grey tea for this recipe, choose a high-quality loose-leaf tea rather than tea bags, as loose-leaf tea generally provides a better flavor profile. Steeping the tea leaves in hot water allows the flavors to infuse into the cream, creating a rich and complex flavor.
Recipe for Lavender Shortbread
Shortbread is a simple yet delicious biscuit that consists of only three main ingredients – butter, sugar, and flour. The secret to making perfect shortbread lies in the technique and the quality of the ingredients used. Here is a step-by-step guide to making lavender shortbread:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon culinary-grade lavender buds, finely ground
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and ground lavender buds until well combined.
- Cut the butter into small cubes and add it to the dry ingredients. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture until the texture resembles coarse sand. Alternatively, you can use a pastry cutter or food processor to achieve the same result.
- Once the dough is evenly mixed, press it together into a ball. If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes, or simply cut the dough into squares or rectangles.
- Place the shortbread cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Gently press down on the edges of each cookie to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Avoid overbaking, as shortbread should remain soft and crumbly inside.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe for Earl Grey Cream
The earl grey cream is the perfect accompaniment to the lavender shortbread. It adds a smooth, creamy texture and a subtle hint of bergamot that complements the floral notes of the lavender shortbread. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon earl grey tea leaves
- A pinch of vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
- Steep the earl grey tea leaves in 1/2 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Strain the tea and discard the leaves.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the steeped tea, remaining 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract (if using).
- Whip the mixture using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can cause the cream to become grainy.
- Once the cream is ready, transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe the cream onto the cooled lavender shortbread cookies, or simply spoon it onto each cookie.
Serving Suggestions
While lavender shortbread with earl grey cream is already a delightful treat on its own, there are several ways to enhance the experience:
- Pair with Other Teas: Serve the shortbread alongside a pot of earl grey tea or another tea that complements the flavors, such as green tea or jasmine tea.
- Add Fresh Berries: Fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries can add a burst of color and acidity to balance the sweetness of the shortbread and cream.
- Incorporate Other Herbs: For a more complex flavor profile, consider adding a few drops of lemon zest or a sprinkle of rose petals to the cream.
- Present in a Tray: Arrange the shortbread cookies on a tiered tray along with other tea-time treats, such as cucumber sandwiches, scones, and clotted cream.
Conclusion
Lavender shortbread with earl grey cream is a delightful and elegant dessert that captures the essence of a perfect afternoon tea. The combination of the floral lavender shortbread and the citrusy earl grey cream creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. By following this recipe and incorporating some of the suggested serving ideas, you can recreate the magic of an afternoon tea experience right in your own home. Enjoy this exquisite treat with friends or family, and let the flavors transport you to a serene and indulgent afternoon.
