Scones, bolos ou torradas, vamos bebê-lo?

Who can resist a scone at Casa Rosada

A piping hot pot of tea with scones and cakes and an agreeable ambience in which to consume it. Quem resiste a uma boa casa de chá?  Who can resist a good tea house?
The cold and rainy weather is already making its presence felt here in Portugal,but for warmth and comfort there is nothing better than being in a welcoming place, with a fire burning nearby and a hot drink to warm the body and soul.That comforting beverage called afternoon tea to be more precise.This time last year I was encouraging a resurgence of interest in old fashioned tea rooms and scones.
Reading between the lines of recent press my prayers have been answered.In the capital (Lisboa)there is suddenly a fashion for the partaking of afternoon tea, and even more amazing in the present economic climate,its population is becoming filled with a desire to know the best tea houses in its capital.
Scones, muffins or toast and cakes anyone,can we drink to that?
For those who are not lucky enough to reside there or to be tippy toe-ing out Christmas shopping on the beautiful calçadas of downtown Lisbon,button up your double breasted bouclé and imagine your playing that part with an  innovative home made scone or two.
Lemon and coriander scones with prawns,  coriander and dill or mint creme fraiche

(serves 20)

can be frozen for up to 1 month

185g (6oz)  self raising flour
15g (0.5oz) baking powder
 zest of one lemon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander

5 tablespoons milk

1 egg yolk beaten

45g (1.5oz) butter at room temperature

 4 fl oz (1/2 cup)creme fraiche
2.5 teaspoons Flor de sal
1 heaped teaspoon chopped dill or mint
250g (8oz)  small prawns
20 dill fronds for garnish

Sift flour,salt and baking powder in a bowl.
Add the lemon zest,chopped coriander and butter.Rub together until the mix resembles fine breadcrumbs.Gradually add the milk mixing it in with a palette knife until  a soft dough is formed.On a floured board roll out to 3/4 cm(1/4 in)thick.Cut scones out into rounds with a 4cm(1.5 in)plain cookie cutter,transfer them to a baking tray lined with vegetable parchment and glaze the tops with the beaten egg yolk.cook in a moderate oven until well risen and golden brown (about 12 minutes).Remove and cool,
Season the creme fraiche with the dill or mint.Split each scone in two and fill with the creme fraiche mixture.Place a prawn length ways at the front,replace the lid and garnish with a dill frond.

 
Orange date scones
( makes one large scone cut into wedges)

1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup butter
1 egg
2 tblsp milk
1 tsp grated orange peel
1/2 tsp vanilla
2/3 cup chopped dates

Combine all dry ingredients. Rub in the in butter, add dates and orange peel. Combine milk,egg and vanilla, beat slightly to break up the egg, and add to dry ingredients Gently shape dough into a ball; place on floured board and pat into a large circle about 1/2" thick.Cut into wedges, place on baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F. about 15 to 20 minutes.

ALTERNATIVE TASTES

Cheese and  bacon scones

Cheddar and herb scones
Parmesan scones with sundried tomato pesto and requeijao

Pomegranate scones with Ricotta

Indian scones with chilli coriander jam (V) 

Tomato and basil scones

Sweet potato scones

My favourite old-fashioned and not so old-fashioned tea rooms worth a visit

Chá do Carmo                                                                         
21 do Largo do Carmo Lisbon

You’ll find this cafe/tea house facing the ruins of Carmo Convent. It has a classic and very Lisbon interior, offering over 50 varieties of tea which go great with a freshly-baked scone.

 
 

Poison d'Amour                                                                       Rua da Escola Politécnica,32 - Príncipe Real Lisbon
This patisserie is a sweet temptation in the neighborhood of Principe Real. Mouth-watering pastries are displayed by the entrance and there is an elegant classic-modern décor that invites you to sit and enjoy them with a cup of tea.

                                                           

LA Tea Room
Avenida da Liberdade, 177, 1250-141 Lisbon 

The LA Tea Room is a classic space with a great view of the heart of Lisbon where you can enjoy some hot scones and a cup of tea sitting in one of the many red chairs occupying the room.


Tea-O Tea Room Lisbon

Rua Luis Augusto Palmerin, 18, ​​1700-275 Alvalade, Lisbon 
 70 different teas: black teas flavored and pure, pure and flavored green teas, oolong teas and precious teas whites,cakes and scones.

Patisserie Valerie 
Old Compton Street, SOHO London

Maison Bertaux. 

London’s oldest (and best) patisserie

28 Greek Street

SOHO London  

020 7437 6007

Caffè Florian
Piazza San marco,Venice
Florian’s, the oldest and most expensive cafe in Europe. The cover charge just to sit there is €14

                                             

Patisserie belle epoque
Stoke Newington Green.LondonN16
Stepping into the Belle Epoque Patisserie  on Newington Green is like being on holiday as it's just like a patisserie in a town or village in France with its beautiful display of tartes and gateaux.  http://www.belleepoque.co.uk/

Maison Angelina 
226 rue de Rivoli Paris 
An undeniably grand setting, once a popular haunt of Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel. 

 


Betty´s Tea room 

Harrogate, England