Afternoon Ruby Tea Biscuits are a perfect blend of light, flaky pastry and sweet, fruity jam, making them a delightful addition to any afternoon tea. These biscuits are easy to prepare and add a touch of elegance to your tea-time spread. Here’s a detailed recipe to help you make these charming treats.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (280g) plain all-purpose flour: Provides the base for the biscuits.
- 4 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the biscuits rise and become fluffy.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup (48g) white vegetable shortening: Ensures a tender texture.
- 1/4 cup (65g) butter: Adds richness and flavor.
- 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk: Moistens the dough and helps bind the ingredients.
- 1/2 cup (160g) red jam or jelly: For a sweet, fruity filling. Choose your favorite flavor, such as raspberry or strawberry.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps the biscuits rise quickly and become golden brown.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Cut in the Fat:
- Incorporate Shortening and Butter: Add the vegetable shortening and butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the fat into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The mixture should have small pea-sized pieces of fat throughout, which helps create a flaky texture in the biscuits.
- Add the Milk:
- Mix the Dough: Pour the whole milk into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a fork or spatula until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the biscuits tough.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Prepare the Surface: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it is smooth.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) thickness. Use a round biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough. Place the cut dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add the Jam:
- Fill the Biscuits: Spoon a small amount of red jam or jelly onto the center of half of the dough circles. Place another dough circle on top of each jam-filled circle to create a sandwich. Gently press the edges together to seal them. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Bake the Biscuits:
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve:
- Cool Slightly: Allow the biscuits to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Enjoy the biscuits warm or at room temperature. They are perfect for pairing with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips and Variations
- Jam Choices: Experiment with different flavors of jam or jelly to suit your taste. Raspberry, strawberry, or even apricot can be great options.
- Adding Spice: For a subtle spiced flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Glazing the Biscuits: For a golden, slightly sweet finish, brush the tops of the biscuits with a little milk or melted butter before baking and sprinkle with a bit of sugar.
These Afternoon Ruby Tea Biscuits are a delightful treat that adds a touch of elegance to any tea time. With their light, flaky texture and sweet jam filling, they are sure to impress your guests. Whether served warm from the oven or cooled to room temperature, these biscuits are a charming addition to any afternoon gathering. Enjoy the perfect balance of buttery goodness and fruity sweetness with every bite!
