Earl Grey Tea Scones + Cranberry Chocolate Chip Scones

Originally made with oats and griddle-baked, it is believed that scones got their start as a Scottish quick bread in the early 1500s. Some say the word “skone” originated from the Dutch word ‘schoonbrot’, which means beautiful bread, while others argue it comes from Stone of Destiny, where the Kings of Scotland were crowned.
 
When it comes to flavour variations, the possibilities are endless, so feel empowered to explore your favourite (preferably dry) ingredients! The important thing is to keep in mind are that all ingredients should be cold (e.g. use chilled or frozen butter) for a better rise, and don’t overdo the mixing because crumbly scones are best!

What you’ll need

  • 350g self raising flour, chilled
  • 1tsp baking powder, chilled
  • 75g unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
  • 150g cold milk
  • 70g sugar
  • For cranberry chocolate chip scones: 20g cranberries + 20g semi sweet chocolate chips
  • For Earl Grey tea scones: 2 tbsps Earl Grey tea dust
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • pinch of salt

How to make it

  1. Rub together the flour, baking powder and butter,
  2. Mix in the sugar, eggs (save a little to glaze the scones) and milk.
  3. Divide into 2 sets.
  4. For set 1, add cranberries and chocolate chips.
  5. For set 2, add Earl Grey tea dust.
  6. Knead both to a dough consistency.
  7. Roll dough out to 2cm thickness, then cut out with rings on a floured workbench.
  8. Place on a baking tray with parchment paper.
  9. Brush with the remaining egg, and bake at 195 degC/380 deg F for 12 minutes.
  10. Enjoy with cream, jam and tea!

Masala-Chia Chai

masala-chia chai

In this recipe, the well-loved Masala Chai – India’s famous spiced tea, comes together with superfood chia seeds to produce an aromatic and nutrient-dense drink – a superb immunity and energy booster.

Combining the rich flavour of Masala Chai and the gelatin texture of chia seeds, the Masala-Chia Chai is your perfect healthy alternative when you need it.

Packed with a ton of health benefits, chia seeds are native to Mexico’s ancient Mayan civilisation and among the healthiest food on the planet. They are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fibre, iron and calcium.

This rejuvenating tea is delicious enough to be enjoyed on its own or with your favourite choice of (dairy or dairy-free) milk.

What you’ll need

Ingredients for two

  • 10-14 cardamom pods
  • 6-8 cloves
  • 1 star anise
  • 10 peppercorns
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 slices ginger
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 heaped tablespoon loose leaf black tea
  • Optional: milk of your choice (we used soy milk)
  • Optional: 2–3 teaspoons sweetener – honey, maple syrup or agave syrup
  • 2 tbsps chia seeds
  • Ice

How to make it

  1. Lightly crush cardamom, cloves, star anise, peppercorns and star anise using a pestle, and place in a small pot with 2 cups water.
  2. Add ginger, cinnamon and black tea.  
  3. Bring to a boil. Turn off heat, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes.
  4. Remove cover and leave to cool completely. Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry, pour into a bottle filled with ice and leave in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Portion tea into two glasses, then add 1 tbsp of chia seeds into each glass.
  6. Leave to stand for 20 minutes for chia seeds to fully bloom.
  7. Add milk if desired.
  8. Sweeten, and add ice.